CancerCompass message board discussion started by Hatchin on 8/19/2005 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,2775,0.htm Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My wife has to undergo 6 weeks of radiation to her sinuses. 5 days a week. They made a face mask for her. She freaked out at one of the simulations and had to remove it and take zanex and sit up to breathe. It is very confining and scary. If anyone has undergone that treatment,please share your experience and how you coped with the mask. Hatchin Fri, 19 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hello annett I went 35 days with the mask not nice first you can have the eyes cut out that way you can see things 2nd my plum. Dr. had went 35days right before I did so he told me what was coming at times they ask if I needed a break what really made me finish was thinking if he could do it so can I. Also if I stopped I most likely would have not gone back I had a very sore mouth. Dr can give you clotrimazole 10 mg.troche log.& magic mouthwash dr per. for that biotene wash I still have to use it my salivary glands are not working any more and toes are numb you may not have any trouble. This was my 2nd time around. Think of some real nice things maybe a gift at the end of a week and etc. some thing to look forward to. Hang in there and god bless you my be you can let me know how you are doing. Had my radiation 01 & 04 I go to hosp. this week for mri's keeping a ck. on things take care. vonnie Vonnie Tue, 20 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT I had 33 radiation treatments starting in November 2001 and it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I also had to wear a mouth block to keep my jaw open. Definitely tell her to have the eyes cut out for comfort and I also had to take drugs to relax me in order to get through the session each day (the drug of choice was Ativan). In addition, I had a prayer that I kept repeating to myself during the actual procedure to help relieve the anxiety. There are long term effects she will most likely live with for the rest of her life, but there is light at the end of the tunnel so hang in there. She will make it through this with God's help and prayers. God bless you both. VC Vickie C. Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT My name is Larry K. Last year, I went through 7 weeks, 5 days a week, treatments with the face mask. I totally understand about being freaked out. I had my demons to battle, with the confinement, as well. For me, I found what worked the best was to calm myself mentally and I prayed for the peace of God to ease my fears. My treatments lasted 45 minutes. Also, for my peace of mind, I had the attendant to play a gospel CD throughout the treatment. For me, it was Phillips, Craig, & Dean. This helped to keep my mind off of the mask. I am not one for confinement, either. During the treatment, I thought of good things I wanted to do when I got well. This kept my mind from relating to the current situation. I did, however, have one incident, when I had to be unbolted and sit up straight for about 5 minutes before the treatment. But, I found that if I prayed, and meditated, during the treatment, they passed quickly. The first two weeks were the hardest time in getting used to the mask. But, it was a cake-walk after that. It has been one year since my last treatment. And I am totally cancer free. Best thing to remember to keep the anxiety level at its minimum. Keep your mind off of the mask. Think about pleasant things. I know this may sound corny, but believe you me, it helped me get through a very trying time. I hope it works as well for you. Marlya53 Fri, 25 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT