Face mask

I Would Think She Could Do the Mask
I think that the vast majority of us do not like the mask, but can put up with it. Even the folks who need a little chemical assistance to be able to handle it, most don't need it for the duration. The meds don't zonk you out, they just take the edge off. For me, the first was the worst, and it got easier as I went (until later, but that was only because of mucous issues that I think only mouth/throat patients deal with - even then, it was doable).

It helped me to have music of my choice playing, and to do a sort of self-soothing ("this machine is not zapping me, it is zapping invader cancer cells, and cells that may be affected - the mask is not for pinning me down against my will; it's to help me hold still so the machine can do its job better - I'm fine - if I freak out or choke, all I have to do is wave my hands, and the techs will be in right away to help me - the mask is tight, but that helps it to help me", etc.)

If you could find out what the room temp is like beforehand, that would be great. That way, your mom could dress for having the mask made the way she'd be most comfortable during treatments. I got to keep my clothes on, but since I didn't wear a collared shirt for the making of the mask, I didn't get them during treatment. Probably for the best; glad I didn't wear a light shirt for the fitting. I wore snap front thermal shirts over tank tops. I got to keep my clothes on (including bra), but shirts open.

I think almost all of us are hinky at first, but I would think unless she's really claustrophobic, she'll be fine. Good luck.

adventurebob said:

Thoughts
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Lisha. I'm sorry that so much is happening at once. I live in the Bay area (Marin) and would be happy to help as much as I can. Let me know what I can do.

Bob

Great
You're magic, Bob. Wonderful of you to offer. Lisha, when you accept help, you're being kind to yourself AND the person offering a hand.

forme said:

Thank you
Hi Bob,
Thank you so much for your kind offer to help. Once we line up an apt. we should be okay. I have 3 adult daughters and a son in law who live nearby, so I will be using them as much as possible. Three weeks ago we were visiting her in Fl. Life can change so fast. It is a good thing for all to bring her "home'. My husband is the one who is having such a hard time. Worries about me and his mom and my elderly mom who we also care for and just everyday living. I seem to be on auto pilot right now. Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers
Lisha

hugs and prayers
Lisha-
wishing you an easy transition and that you keep up your strength while you help take care of your family. I will be saying prayers for you and your family. some times it seems that it is harder on my mom to take care of me and my children than the cancer treatments are on me. make sure you take care of yourself so that you can take care of your mother-in-law. sending you a big hug. you will be in my thoughts!
-elizabeth

santa6 said:

Holes!!!
I've posted this several times and I hope it's helping somebody. I had to do the mask for radiation and I am a bit chlaustrophobic. The mask crushed me so hard that I could not move my eyes under my closed lids and could not swallow. When I went for my "dry run" I had a bad time. Decided no meds, I would just tough it out. But, then the tech offered to cut out the eyes.

This was a complete reversal for me. That mask didn't bother me for a second after that.

They also cut out the mouth because it was making my lips bleed from crushing on my teeth.


Hope it helps.

Good call, my mask was
Good call, my mask was really tight too. I had waffle marks and my lips bled and got stuck to the mask. Wasn't pretty when they ripped off lip skin when they took the mask off. My lips had bad burns, so they would put Saran Wrap on my lips before putting the mask on. It also dug in to my eyes and left bruises on my eye ridges so they cut out the eye holes for me too. Rest of my face still looked like a waffle, but at least it didn't hurt my eyes as bad, and give me a migraine.