Eye holes in a radiation mask?

Hi

I've been to have my mask fitted today and I'm very claustrophobic. I thought because the mask has holes I would be ok. However, no one said that I wouldn't be able to have my eyes open and I really struggled with that. In fact I didn't manage to get through the CT scan.

I asked if I could have eye holes cut out and they said no. Said that the accuracy wouldn't be a good. However I've been researching this and I can't see anything that says this is the case as long as the whole mask is tight. 

I'm having the right side of my face and neck treated.

Having my eyes open well make a big difference to my being able to get through the treatment.

Is this reasonable to ask for?

Thank you

Parents
  • Hi HenW, I have recently been treated for head and neck cancer, I didn't like having to wear a mask but it's a case of them targeting the cancer areas accurately,  they did not tell tell me to keep my eyes closed but I did and I counted the seconds each time to distract myself from thinking about everything,  it lasts 3 minutes and it soon passes,  hope this helps you , they can also play music for you , tell them your favorite type of music you would like to hear, All the best to you.

Reply
  • Hi HenW, I have recently been treated for head and neck cancer, I didn't like having to wear a mask but it's a case of them targeting the cancer areas accurately,  they did not tell tell me to keep my eyes closed but I did and I counted the seconds each time to distract myself from thinking about everything,  it lasts 3 minutes and it soon passes,  hope this helps you , they can also play music for you , tell them your favorite type of music you would like to hear, All the best to you.

Children
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