The dreaded mask

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When I went to the Radiotherapy planning appointment, I was introduced to my own personal mask. I was far from comfortable in fact I started having nightmares about this mask clamping me down to the machine . I can tell you while that mask will never be my friend I have learned to tolerate the treatment. My initial worry that having COPD I would really struggle laying on my back and having my face covered. The Radiology team at the Christie in Manchester could not have been more helpful. I was given appointments that did not happen to early in the day, which is when my cough was more persistent. Now I am in my second week of Radiotherapy, so far I have had 8 sessions. To be honest it gets easier each session. I hope this post is helpful to anyone awaiting the same treatment. As an afterthought if your hospital has a Maggies I would recommend a visit to see if you like, if only to get a free brew. 

  • The mask was the easy part IMHO by some considerable margin. 
    How long were you kept waiting for your “appointment”?

  • Hi Ricky

    It's heartening to read that things do get easier. It will encourage others so thank you for the update

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Glad they rescheduled for you.  Almost every single one of the RT radiographers we deal with are absolutely brilliant Heart️

    Peter
    See my profile for more details of my convoluted journey
  • I had the Radiotherapy planning meeting one week after meeting the Oncologist that was a Friday, then started Radiotherapy the Monday after.