Radiotherapy Mask

Hi ScottJ welcome to the forum..it can be very claustrophobic for folks wearing the mask..Could you speak either to the oncologist dealing with your father in law or his GP to discuss a relaxant for him to take prior to treatment. I saw that happening where I had my radiotherapy and it did seem to have the desired effect so worth pursuing. 

Hi Gail,

Thanks for taking your time to reply. He has used a relaxant so he has already got to this stage and something in his head just won’t allow it. He still had a panic attack and had to get the mask removed. 

Last attempt he used the relaxation medication called Lorazepam. 

He is fully determined to get this done but not sure how to ever come this hurdle. 

Scott

Hi Scott 

I never had any issues with the mask... others obviously did, radiotherapy teams will be well versed in processes to help patients, cutting holes for eyes and mouth, sedation, comfort music etc, let your CNS know, something will be sorted out, the sooner the oncology team knows the better it will be for Dad-in-law.

Peter 

Scott. Does he have eyeholes in his mask?  It makes a vast amount of difference. 

Hi Scott can you speak to the GP re this ? I'm.not sure what's available but maybe even hypnosis may be a possibility if this is available for him..

I don’t know about hypnosis but hypnotherapy might help. I think it has to be started well before though. 

Thanks for the advice. The eyes have been cut out and no more can be cut out. I will keep you all updated and thanks all for your help. 

Hi Scott!

Sending much love to your Dad. I am currently going through RT with a mask that is over my head and shoulders. I have it cut out where it comes up to my bottom lip and above my eyes - sort of like a scuba diving thing you put on over your head before the wet suit? 

My first go I was literally shaking and almost stopped them as I felt a panic attack building and it was scary! The following one I was freaked out but knowing what expect, eased myself to just relax and close my eyes. I also request a warm blanket over me which is like a hug. My treatments (51 out of 68 today), take 15mins and I go 2X day.

Definitely talk the radiologists and Dr as they so care and will help him through it. Tell Dad: Relax, close your eyes, ask for a blanket, breathe slowly, think about something to give yourself after you've finished your session, and music helps too! 

Sending yummy vibes and love ~ Renee (O'er the pond in WI, US)

Oh.. Dress comfy.. Maybe bring something to hold in your hand to ground you like maybe a 'worry stone' to rub your thumb over, A spinner ring, something squishy.. something you can hold to comfort your thoughts while laying there all snapped in. You can do this Dad!

Hi Scott I took my own playlist  in and at home practised by laying in our bed and visualised nice bike rides walk or even mentally did supermarket shopping my head.  I set the timer to 15 mins and got into the right frame of mind.
Anything  ti distract me I also had eyehole and eventually got used ti the sounds the linear accelerator made. I also asked the radiotherapy team to gu e me a countdown through the intercom machine. 

Hoping he finds a way to overcome his fear. 

Hazel x