Day 180
Today, as I promised yesterday I took photos of my radiation mask, which I was able to bring home with me after my last treatment on Monday. I’ll get to those photos in a moment. I thought that since this is project not just for me to open up and be honest about this whole experience but also to perhaps help those who are about to go through the same thing I add some explanation and commentary. For me the worst part of this whole journey has been the not knowing, the unexpected and the uncertainty. It’s true what they say, knowledge is power.
When make your sim appointment and they tell you that at that appointment they’ll make a mask you just can’t begin to picture what they are talking about or at least I couldn’t. Quite simply the mask is made of plastic mesh. It’s used to secure you to the table so they are able to treat the exact same spot every day and blessedly it allows them to not tattoo your face or write on you with I permanent markers. It’s warm and wet when they make it at the first sim appointment.
I’m claustrophobic and was quite unsettled by the idea of having my head secured to the table by a mask. I’m not going to lie to you. It was uncomfortable and unsettling and claustrophobic but after a while you get used to it and the treatments get shorter after the initial week or so of planning and making sure everything is set up correctly.
This is me on May 9, 2011, the night before my treatments were scheduled to begin.
Me, May 9, 2011
This is me today, June 29, 2011, 2 days after my last radiation treatment.
Day 180 of 365 Days of Carol Anne
As you can see I’m here, a little more worse for the wear but alive, well and healing. My ears don’t burn as much as they did last week and the skin on my head is looking a little rough but it is nothing that won’t heal with a little TLC, some Aquaphor and some time. I know everything seems so terrifying and insurmountable in the beginning but truthfully if a wimp like me can make it through so can you.
Okay, so back to the mask. The first two photos are of the mask from the right and left sides.
Right Side
Left Side
The next two photos are of the front and the back or I suppose inside may be a better word for the 2nd photo.
Front
Back / Inside
The final two photos are of what the mask looks like on your head. You can find a good description and images of what the table and machine look like and how the mask fits into the table here.
There is no pain, no sensation, no loud noises nothing to make you otherwise uncomfortable during the treatments.
So there you have it, an explanation and photos of the mask. Thanks so much for stopping by every day. I love you all.
With much love and great affection,
~ Carol Anne
I had been picturing some sort of clay or plaster mask (don’t mind me) not like a stretched out onion bag
and I didn’t realize it bolted you to the table…eeks!!!
I would hyperventilate trying to breath
bless you and anyone else who has to use one
Angel, the mesh allowed for free breathing so it wasn’t quite so claustrophobic or overwhelming. My sister-in-law was picturing a clay mask as well.
I’ve never seen anything like this before. Interesting blog, I’m going to come back & read more. Came over from the SITS #commenthour
Handy Man, Crafty Woman thank you so much for stopping by during comment hour, please come by again.
I don’t think I have ever seen one before. You are so brave and strong.!
Thank you JDaniel4’s Mom.
Wow! Thanks for sharing your journey. I am so glad you were selected for Comment Hour, which introduced me to your blog (which is awesome!)!
TheProDiva, thank you for stopping by from Comment Hour. I appreciate your kind words.
You are so brave and inspiring!
Thank you Lindsey.
Carole Ann, I hope this procedure works for you. Being bolted to the table under a mask sounds like a very difficult thing to face, especially with claustrophobia. I think you’re very brave. My husband went through chemotherapy for a second-stage cancer a few months ago, and my heart goes out to you for what you’re going through now. All the very best.
Thank you Tracey. Please stop by again. How is your husband doing after his round of chemo?
This is really inspiring… I admire you, totally… that’s is something to share such a journey on a blog!
Thank you Marie Noelle.
It is really brave of you to share this. It is so deeply personal but you sharing this is going to help so many others who may be going through the same thing.
#commenthour
Feyella, thank you so much for stopping by from Comment Hour. I appreciate your kind words. Please stop by again.
Wow, CarolAnne, I don’t read all of your blogs but when I do I’m so impressed. This was a great project for you to do. I know it will help so many others! It is so unbelievably nice of you to want to help others while u are going through so much your self! BTW, I was picturing a clay hard mask!
Arlene, thank you so much for your very kind words. They mean very much to me.
Wow, I don’t know what I was picturing but not that. Thank you for sharing the pictures and information. I am so proud of you for how you got through this and for sharing it with everyone.
Thanks for stopping by SC. (((hugs))) I appreciate your daily visits and encouragement.
Thank you for sharing your journey. This will help others who may be going through the same thing.
Thank you Kita!
I’m in awe…you are so strong. Sending many healing prayers your way.
Mommy Cracked than you very much for your prayers, all prayers are very much appreciated.
This kind of bravery brings tears to my eyes and prayers for you in my heart! I’ll be back to see more from you.
Ann, thank you for your prayers. (((hugs)))
Wow! Interesting. I had never seen one before and I didn’t know that you had to be secured to the table. Thanks for sharing.
Diane, thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for sharing the pictures of the mask. I really couldn’t picture how it would look. Even though it was mesh I don’t know if I could go through with that being bolted to a table and my poor head in it. Its just so overwhelming. You have really gone through a lot and bless you for getting through it as you did. I know it wasn’t an easy journey but you made it and can be mighty proud of yourself as we are of you. Take care little sister.
Hugs,
Suz
Suz, you could totally do it. (((hugs)))
Wow. What a great thing you are doing sharing your journey! Good luck with everything and congrats on the #CommentHour
Thank you Elian.
That looks totally different from what I had pictured in my mind. “Secure you to the table…”
*gulp* I’m too much of a claustrophobic wimp.
Jersey you could totally do it. I know you could.