Hi , thanks for getting back to me, but I have definitely been told my radiotherapy treatment is 40 minutes, they are hoping to only have to do one session so maybe that's why it's a long while. I'm phoning them today and hopefully they will get back to me as that is one thing they are not very good at. X

Hi one session I had 35 so yep think a phone  call might be in order, least I’ve known is 20 . Was always told little and often but will await your reply 

good luck 

Hazel x

I phoned the Hospital and I just completely broke down over the phone. They think the mask was cooled down too quickly and removed too soon and it has caused more shrinkage than it should have done. They are now going to loosen the mask and put some padding in and also sedate me. I feel much better they have come up with a plan and a lot more relaxed they know exactly how I feel. I'll let you know how I get on.

Hi ok thank you , sometimes meltdown s are needed. You will get through it baby steps one day at a time

Hazel x 

Hi BigG,

As you will see by my name, I was the person that started this discussion off because of my fears.  I was terrified of being held down by the facemask and went into a panic attack every time I thought of it. At my first treatment, I explained to the staff in the radiotherapy room that I was claustrophobic and told them of my fears. They were REALLY understanding and helpful.  The understood how I felt because they said so many others felt the same when they went for treatment. They put the face mask on and held my hand while they spoke to me and said that when I felt comfortable to squeeze the hand of one of them and they would leave and start the treatment, which would take about 12-14 minutes. If I felt panicky, upset or uncomfortable in any way, to just raise my hand and someone would come straight in and take the mask off again. They said it didn't matter how many times I did that, they were there to help me get through it, not for a race against time. I  immediately felt much better just knowing they understood and wouldn't get annoyed if I panicked.  I managed to get through the first treatment by counting the clicks of the machine, as suggested by someone on here. It worked for me, I still felt queasy at the thought of going back every day for 6 weeks but counting those clicks really helped me. They kept my mind occupied and it gave me an idea of how much longer I had to lay there ... After a week or so. I can honestly say that it wasn't a big deal any more. Ther staff were understanding and helpful on the one day each week that I was having chemo, and adjusted the tubes and drip stands so that they were in the way and I was comfortable. They adjusted my head as I lost weight, and put folded pillowcases beneath my head so that I wouldn't have to have another face mask made as I lost weight.  They were even on standby outside the door with a sick bowl on the days where I couldn't control my sickness. They changed the dressings on my neck when the burns got bad & wrapped my neck in clingfilm so that the face mask wouldn't rub when the dressings were off for the treatment. On the whole, they were absolutely wonderful. All I can say is, be upfront about your fears and the staff will know and be prepared for your misgivings. As the days go by you will find it gets easier & easier to cope. You just have to find your own strategy... mine was click-counting but the staff told me some people sung their favourite songs in their head or thought of their holiday or mentally made a shopping list etc. Find what works for you and stick to ... Good luck, we will all be cheering you on for an end to the treatment and a great recovery.