Hi everyone I have my first scan tomorrow with my mask on and I am terrified please has anyone got any advice on how I can get through it my peg fitting is Tuesday and I have a MRIi scan Wednesday also with my mask on and really need advice. I am worried if sedation works like alcohol will my emotions be magnified like In the past when i did drink I'm.really anxious and keep waking up in panic.. thank you
Hi Jubee. Do you mean you are having your mask made tomorrow, or have you already had it made? Either way the mask is something you will get used to, plus those who deal with you, are aware that you will be anxious, and ease you through it. It's good that you are having a PEG, if eating gets harder as you go along, the PEG will take the worry of not eating away. Try not to worry, you have done right by coming on here I'm sure you will get more answers from other members. All the best to you.
Regards Ray.
Hi Jubee. Ask them to cut eyeholes in it. Being able to see round lessens the stress I’m sure. Treatment from clipping down to out takes ten minutes tops most days. So it’s not too bad. Imagine a favourite walk, take some music in. I’m really nosey and just watched the machine move round.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Hi Jubee
I too wondered how on earth I would cope wearing the mask. Before having the scan done my mask was very uncomfortable in areas which were pressing on surgical sites so my team made minor adjustments for me. As Dani suggested, you could ask for the eyes to be cut out. Tell your radiologists how you're feeling. They deal with this all the time and will make sure they make the experience as easy as possible for you. Having the scan done will be the longest time you'll be wearing the mask. The actual radiotherapy sessions are much shorter. My team played music but you can ask them to play anything that helps you relax.
All my worry leading up to the actual radiotherapy session proved to be unfounded. On the day it was absolutely fine and as Ray says, you do get used to it. In the end I found it quite relaxing.
Linda x
Hi The Ct scan will be the longest you will be in the mask. Practise taking a 12 mins in a favourite walk or holiday anything ti distract you. I had a full repertoire of 12 minute activities bike rides ,walks trips away. Also slow your breathing down try breathing I. Holding for count of 7 then slowly exhale I laid in the bed at home and set a timer and practised all the above. Plus as Dani has said ask for eyeholes to be cut out it really does help.Let the team know your anxieties they are trained to help you.
Hazel .
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
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