Today was my third radiation treatment, and I’m at the Vanderbilt Clinic downtown. I did take a xanax to reduce my anxiety with the mask. As I explained in a earlier post, on Monday I had an “anxiety attack” from claustrophobia when they put on the mask over my head and shoulder. Today my anxiety was much less. Because we were on a different machine, they had to take additional x-rays and measurements, so it was another 30-minute session with my mask.
Deep breathing, visualizing myself relaxing on the beach, and thinking positive affirmations (along with the xanax) helped me get through the treatment just fine. I think I will forgo the xanax medication next week, as my mask is becoming my friend 🙂
I’m grateful that I’m still feeling fine, eating regular foods, and maintaining my weight, actually I gained a couple of pounds this week. If I don’t push myself too much and get plenty of sleep, fatigue is not much of a concern.
So, do you keep your mask with you or did they make you a new one downtown? Joe and I were watching a scary movie last night and the main character was undergoing radiation. They showed that mask! You named your pump Perley, so what is your mask’s name?
Stay strong!
Hi Tiffany,
They transported my mask (and many others) from the Franklin clinic to the downtown clinic.
Yeah, you’re right, I do need to give my mask a name. I will noodle on that today.
Love, Dick
I always felt claustrophobic in my army chemical protective mask, even as an Army Chemical Officer! Gets easier with repeation, but I understand the anxiety from personal experience!
Love ya,
Dan
I can’t even wear a Halloween mask, so I can’t imagine what it would be like to have that mask on and being bolted to the table. The good thing is that you know if you say need it, they will release you from it immediately.
Dan and Terri,
On Monday, the anxiety from claustrophobia was not too bad. I did not take the xanax medication, but I did take a natural (homeopathic) anxiety reliever. With 29 treatments remaining, I expect that the anxiety will soon be gone.
Dick