Just had panic attack with mask fitting

I can see how that’s frightening. There are coping mechanisms but initially I’d buzz down to your GP and ask for some sedatives. 
You’ll never be that long in your mask again. Get them to cut eyeholes in it so you can see round 
The planning scan should only take five minutes or so and treatment is around ten minutes 

Think of a walk you enjoy and do that in your head. Most places let you take in your own music so make yourself a fifteen minute playlist? 

Hi. I practised at home as Dani says make a 15 min playlist lie down at home on bed take your head ti a better place. I had several bike rides or walks where I concentrated on doing these. I literally got my bike out of shed checked it out in my head and ti be honest I never finished a ride ir walk in my head. Do holidays as well from booking it to checking in anything that distracts you. Get eyeholes cut in mask

. The radiotherapy teams are excellent at reassuring you. If you ask them they will talk to you through the intercom they are watching you every minute you’re in there you can do it.  
try yoga breathing as well breathe in hold for 10 seconds long exhale out then repay it all helps honestly we’ve been there abs come through it. 
Hazel xx

Thanks Dani, I have a stupidly sensitive throat, and the mask presses on it causing panic attack.  I have asked for some diazapan, and have to go back tomorrow for scan.  I really hope that works, as I am working up a lather just thinking about it. Andrew 

Thanks Hazel. It's all such a mare!  I have a stinking headache now.  Andrew

Andrew. Let your team know. Lots of people here started with diazepam  and ended up not needing it after a while. I suppose if you have a prominent Adam’s apple it could do that. Those bloomin masks are so tight. I used to come out of each session with the masks impression on my face 

Hi Andrew

I found it very difficult too and didn't know how I would cope with the sessions.  My team were able to make slight adjustments to the mask to make it more bearable.  Did you have the eye holes cut out?  Lots of people do and find it helps.  I didn't as they'd already cut little areas out and couldn't do any more.  I must say when I did start my sessions wearing the mask wasn't nearly as bad as I'd feared and after a few days I actually found it quite relaxing.

The scan will be the longest time you'll be wearing the mask.  The actual sessions just take minutes - enough time to listen to 2 tracks of music.  Most hospitals will provide facilities for listening to music/relaxing sounds.   

I would contact your Clinical Nurse Specialist this afternoon and explain that you found it claustrophobic and difficult.  They may well be able to prescribe something to help you relax. 

When you attend the scan tomorrow let the team know how you feel.  You won't be the first person who's had a wobble so they will do everything they can to help you.  If your CNS can't help you today, let the team know tomorrow and they may well prescribe something.

All the best.

Linda x

Hi Andrew. It’s the stress and anxiety of the what ifs. Once treatment starts you do get into a rhythm honestly you do. Make sure you tell them tomorrow and then it can be passed on to your team. 
Hazel

Hi Dani, I am talking with the team, and they are getting me some Lorazapan for my next session tomorrow, I have also spoken with MacMillan, who are great, and said the same thing.  Take what you need to get through it.  I am so appreciative of everyone who is taking time to reply to my posts.  This has notched up to another level in my brain now in dealing with the claustrophobia.  Andrew

Hi Linda, thank you so much.  I have asked (based on comments in the blogs) to have eye holes fitted.  So hopefully tomorrow, they will be there.  I have spoken with the team and they are getting some Lorazepam for me for tomorrow, so lets hope that does the trick.  MacMillan are great and they are getting a councillor for me to talk this through with before I start treatment proper on 9th May.  Thanks again for your help - it means so much!  Andrew

Thank you Hazel, I know it's the fear of the unknown - I think today I exploded with adrenaline just after they had fitted the mask, and before they managed to do the scan. The anticiaption was bad for me, and then the fitting was so long... So I have to face it all again tomorrow, but hopefully with the benefit of Lorazepam it may be less stressful (I hope!!!)  Thanks again, Andrew