Started the radiotherapy today. Had to be there for 9am but no one had mentioned there was a whole different waiting area for appointments. Once we found that out we were quick to be seen. A nice gentleman went through what was happening again, checking that I knew what to expect and going over possible side effects again.(sore mouth inside and out, trouble eating, tiredness, possible hair loss at exit point.)
The gentleman said today most of the time would be spent getting everything set up and they'd do another quick scan to map that onto the one from the day I had the mask made to make sure everything was in the right place.
Then it was off. I'd purchased a strapless bra type thing to wear as last time when I tried just moving the straps of my bra down a little more ended up on show than I'd bargained for, which meant some editing of the pics I got my husband to take afterwards! This worked quite well.
It had been mentioned that the mask might seem tighter as it continues to shrink a little after it's been made, and it is certainly a tight fit. Luckily the eyes had been cut out today and I much prefer being able to see what's going on. It took about 20 min for all the setting up, lots of numbers and measuring and some sensors stuck on in various places to take some measurements for the first time.
My actual zapping took about 2 minutes and the machine moved to 3 different locations. I don't know much about amounts or anything yet. Thought I'd ask more as I got to know what was happening.
The hardest part I find is the tube that is helping to keep your tongue still, it just feels a bit weird, but you can focus on everything else that's going on around you. It's a bit like when someone says don't scratch your nose - it suddenly itches. With the tube - I find myself feeling like I want to swallow, when I know I don't really need to.
I was given some aqueous cream and told to apply it twice a day.
My husband was most amused when I came out as where the mask had been pressing on my forehead and cheeks my skin had the appearance of bubble wrap - which lasted for about 10 minutes afterwards! I'm hoping if things are a bit quicker tomorrow I won't look like Madame Vastra the lizard woman from Dr Who for quite as long.
