The dreaded mask

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

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

I had the Radiotherapy planning meeting one week after meeting the Oncologist that was a Friday, then started Radiotherapy the Monday after.

Hiya

I have just joined the community after having two surgeries for SCC - left lump neck removal and then last Thursday Pandescoscopy and back tongue layer removal.

Histology report from neck removal showed cancer had gone to a couple of lymph nodes and the tongue layer removal to try and locate primary cancer site.

Currently in lots of pain still and struggling to eat and drink

My major worry is having the mask fitted as chlostraphobic and struggled with PET Scan and MRIs I am literary having palpitations as I think about it!!!

Being feeling a bit low today I was told diagnosis 7th January 2026 as initial thoughts by MDT was a cyst but my consultant wasn't convinced so even the MDT were shocked by results!!!

I am usually so positive but just dreading the radiotherapy

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Nanzo

Nanzo said:

My major worry is having the mask fitted as chlostraphobic and struggled with PET Scan and MRIs I am literary having palpitations as I think about it!!!

Hi Nanzo Honestly if you can get through a head and neck MRI the mask will be a doddle. practice at home lying on the bed with a towel draped over your face. It sounds funny but it works both for the mask fitting and the treatment. It's a tip from Hazel, a mate and a stalwart of the group. I'm sure she will be on soon to say hello.

For the fitting, but not the planning scan, you can have somebody in with you but truthfully it's not that bad. Just feels like a warn wet flannel on your face. 

You can ask for sedation which might be useful for your first few RT sessions too

Ask for eyeholes to be cut....actually don't just ask...insist. Some masks come with pre-cut holes so you might be lucky

Hi Nanzo. I really dreaded this too, as I am claustrophobic, and for what it’s worth this is what helped me the weeks leading up to the treatment.

I was told I’d be on the table for around 7 minutes in all (only 2 minutes of which was actual treatment). I figured that if I take slow breaths (which is calming in itself) I take about 20 breaths per minute, so that’s about 140 breaths in all whilst on the table. 

In the weeks leading up to the treatment I trained myself by lying in a nice hot bath with a clock near my feet end, put a wet flannel over my face and slowly start counting my breaths.  When I got to 30 breaths I knew I was nearly a quarter of the way through. When I reached 70 I knew I was half way and was basically counting down. When I reached 140 I knew the team would be in back in the room unclipping me. (And they always were.)

It might sound weird but it worked for me and after a few sessions I didn’t need to count my breaths any more. I just lay there thinking this is saving my life.

Wishing you all the very best. M

ps I also asked for eye holes to be cut out of my mask so I could see what was going on. 

Hi Nanzo the mask fitting isn’t too bad it’s like a warm towel being put over you honestly the staff are quick and efficient. I had eyehole nose hole snd mouth hole cut out on mine. Picture below 

you can practise fir the radiotherapy sessions as well I used to lie on my bed close my eyes plus a playlist on and take my head off on a walk or favourite cycle ride I tones them around 12 -15 mins. Once you’ve done the first few you get into a routine. 
Hazel x

Thank you for sharing this put my mind at rest a little knowing I can request holes!! Glad to hear you are on the other side x

Thank you so much for sharing really am appreciating all the advice it's really helping