Struggling with my mask during Radiotherapy

Hi Dee, Thank you :-) 

Hi Debbie. Thank you for kind words re blog hope it helps you see there’s life after cancer. Any questions fire away we’re all happy to help. We know from our experience how it feels. 
You can do this. Each day is one step nearer. 
m hugs Hazel 

Hi Debbie

T2N1M0 tonsil cancer....30 radio + 4 Chemo

Tough one especially if you are even slightly claustrophobic....I went into holiday mode thinking of past and future holidays...stayed there until session finished...usually nodded off.

Antihistamine? drowsy type? you could always ask oncology team if this would help.

Peter

Hi Debbie, I have a video of me & my grandson doing the ice bucket challenge.. and I would replay it in my head at every treatment. Trying to get the sequence and words we spoke exactly right and hearing his little voice and giggles in my head kept me smiling throughout the treatment! As I got more proficient at recounting it in my head, I added videos of his saves (he’s a goalie!) to my repertoire to run through every day. Happy memories and made the time go by very quickly. 

Hi Liesle, thank you so much for your reply. What a great idea! I'm sure your happy memories really helped and I will compile a mental video of mine.

Just to add that I spoke with the Radiology team this afternoon. They could not have been more supportive and kind. They agreed that the mask was really tight and took a "shim" away from underneath, which really helped, then played "Copacabana" by Barry Manilow which is one of my guilty favourites! i managed fine this time and am so very grateful for all your support. Onwards and upwards!

Much love to all xx

Hi Peter, Thank you for your support and suggestions. I managed okay this afternoon - the radiology team were fab!

xx

Hi Debbie , it does get easier, you just need ( as everyone says) something to distract you. Music is good but I think keeping your brain active is better, sounds stupid but my sisters 60th was coming up during my RT and I made wee poem, doing/thinkjng about this everyday and it was a doddle. I’m not claustrophobic at all but just taking your mind off what you there for helped. You’ll get through it , it will fly in. All the best for rest of RT

Hi Brian, Thank you so much for your reply and support. xx

DebbieJ said:

, then played "Copacabana" by Barry Manilow

And when she finished, he called her Rover... lol always makes me chuckle, that.. lol

Hello Debbie

I didn't like the mask at all, kept thinking I might cough and choke but I never did. I asked to have eye holes which was refused but actually I preferred to keep my eyes shut. Music helped, and I also (this sounds mad) pretended that the noise of the machines moving was friendly aliens who were curing me. I think a lot of people do ask for & get Valium or similar to take beforehand.

Agree about keeping on top of the nausea and pain meds - if what they give you isn't working let them know straight away. 

Hang in there!  It will all be over soon and it does work.

Catriona