Hello there, I need some advice for a friend of mine who has a benign brain tumor (meningioma) and her treatment is 15 rounds of radiotherapy. She has been fitted for a mask and was meant to begin the treatment. However, she is finding it impossible to cope with the mask and remain still and calm as it triggers memories of a very difficult, violent, relationship.
Yesterday she was due to receive the first treatment but had a massive panic attack, followed by a seizure. She has regularly seizures when she becomes stressed.
My question is, has anyone got any tips on how to manage the feeling of claustrophobia when the mask is placed on? She tried again today but had another panic attack and it was decided to wait until next week to begin the treatment after she has spoken to a counsellor.
Many thanks.
Hi Kanga53
A warm welcome to the community. So sorry to hear about your friend and the issues with the radiotherapy mask.
My husband went through 6 weeks of radiotherapy and complained every day that the mask was so tight and they squashed his nose when they fastened it on.
I would hope your friend's CNS or radiotherapy nurse would be able to advise her on how to cope with this. Hopefully speaking to the counsellor will also hopefully help.
This group is a really supportive caring space so hopefully someone will be along shortly to add their thoughts/experience here.
It’s always good to talk so please let your friend know that you can also call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
I hope she finds a way to cope with her treatment soon.
love n hugs
Wee Me xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
