Hi gail

Ive had this type of radiotherapy with the mask. It is a bit frightening and panicky no matter what others say, and this is a normal reaction. When the mask is made, you lie on your back on a bench, the plastic mask is heated up in hot water so it is pliable, it is quickly pressed into the shape of your face and neck and the studs clicked onto the bench to make a good fit. The plastic is quite hot at first but cools quickly and will not harm you. The aim is for a mask that will keep your head in exactly the same position so that the radiotherapy only treats the required area. To this end you will be lined up with laser lights and will have some dots tattooed on your chest so the radiographers have a reference point each visit. You can see and breath ok through the mask but cannot move your head once clipped onto the bench. The staff are always on hand to reassure you but obviously cant stay in the treatment room with you but will be watching you, you can stop the treatment at any time by raising your hand, they will come into the room and release you quickly, but you will get used to it after one or two sessions. The machine will rotate to different positions around your head while delivering x-rays to only where they are needed. You will feel nothing, you can ask for music to be played, I chose the radio 2. The session just became listening to radio 2 for 15 minutes each day for six weeks. The biggest problem is not the mask but the journey to and from the hospital each day. Tell the radiographers of any side effects each day, they are able to give every possible help you get through the course. I suffered from skin burns, nausea, inability to eat, tiredness etc. I was given help from different departments to overcome these problems. The last two weeks and the first two weeks after end of treatment are the worst but you very quickly recover from the radiotherapy after that. I hope this helps, you will get through it and the last treatment day will come, you can take your mask home if you wish. I did.

Hi gail

Ive had this type of radiotherapy with the mask. It is a bit frightening and panicky no matter what others say, and this is a normal reaction. When the mask is made, you lie on your back on a bench, the plastic mask is heated up in hot water so it is pliable, it is quickly pressed into the shape of your face and neck and the studs clicked onto the bench to make a good fit. The plastic is quite hot at first but cools quickly and will not harm you. The aim is for a mask that will keep your head in exactly the same position so that the radiotherapy only treats the required area. To this end you will be lined up with laser lights and will have some dots tattooed on your chest so the radiographers have a reference point each visit. You can see and breath ok through the mask but cannot move your head once clipped onto the bench. The staff are always on hand to reassure you but obviously cant stay in the treatment room with you but will be watching you, you can stop the treatment at any time by raising your hand, they will come into the room and release you quickly, but you will get used to it after one or two sessions. The machine will rotate to different positions around your head while delivering x-rays to only where they are needed. You will feel nothing, you can ask for music to be played, I chose the radio 2. The session just became listening to radio 2 for 15 minutes each day for six weeks. The biggest problem is not the mask but the journey to and from the hospital each day. Tell the radiographers of any side effects each day, they are able to give every possible help you get through the course. I suffered from skin burns, nausea, inability to eat, tiredness etc. I was given help from different departments to overcome these problems. The last two weeks and the first two weeks after end of treatment are the worst but you very quickly recover from the radiotherapy after that. I hope this helps, you will get through it and the last treatment day will come, you can take your mask home if you wish. I did.