Friday November 14th I had a planning appointment, at the Christie in Oldham. The team there were very helpful and encouraging. However the unpleasant part was being fitted with a face mask. As a complication I have had COPD for many years. Because of this I cough a lot after waking in the morning. The phlegm seems to build up while sleeping. By lunch time I have mostly cleared the Phlegm. My question is has any one experienced the mask during radiotherapy. Is there something that would help cope with this. So far my intention is to suck a cough sweet prior to the treatment. I don't think the cough sweet would be allowed during the radiotherapy because of the danger of choking. By the way the mask is open for nose breathing. But closed around my mouth.
Good evening, Ricky69. The oncology team is pretty good at helping with people's needs and concerns. It should be able to give you afternoon appointments, as it makes it easier for them as well, rather than stopping halfway through if you feel uncomfortable, i think from memory you raise your hand if something is not right and they stop the treatment straight away. They even showed my wife the procedure of me lying on the bed and setting up the machine, then watching from the control room with the oncologist. Sometimes it helps people understand what their loved ones are going through, not sure if they still allow people to watch if requested. Sometimes the mask might need adjusting as the treatment goes on. Mine became a bit tight, so they just adjusted it to suit. Don't be afraid to ask if you feel uncomfortable. All the best with your treatment, take care.
Chris
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
not sure if they still allow people to watch if requested
Stan was in Cap Com for my planning scan but they wouldn’t let him in for treatment. I think there are other patients’ info on the various screens.
He also saw the cancer on the nasoendoscope screen before I did.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
