Radiation mask claustrophobia

[Lorna63]

Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with throat cancer and am terrified beyond words at having to have a mask on during treatment . Does anyone have recommendations for helping with this anxiety. I’m on the Gold Coast and looking for something that can help. I’m at the point where I’m just shaking from head to toe and not sleeping. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[Maddi_CCNSW]

Hi Lorna63

Welcome to Cancer Council's Online Community, I hope you find this to be a supportive and informative space.  

Getting a cancer diagnosis and the thought of starting cancer treatment, can be scary and trigger a lot of anxiety.

As you live on the Gold Coast, you can call Cancer Council Queensland's information and Support line - 13 11 20. They can support you to hopefully cope and speak to you about the counselling service they offer.  Between the support line and counselling, if you decide it's a service you would like to use, I hope you will get some strategies to cope with using the mask during treatment and provide you with ongoing support.

I've added a few links that you find helpful.

Cancer Council Queensland | Navigating Cancer Together

Emotions and Cancer

Throat Cancer | Causes, Symptoms & Treatments | Cancer Council

Warm regards

Maddi

[Leonie37]

Hi Lorna, I had to have 15 lots of radiation on my face and wear a full head mask when I had it done.. it is easy to breathe through and not as confronting as I imagined. Having the mask made was the worst part as it has to be warmed and moulded to my face. The people doing the treatment are absolutely fantastic and do everything they can to make you at ease. When having radiation the setting up and everything takes the most time. The actual radiation took 28 seconds and I used to see if I could count the exact time to keep my mind on something. I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have. My cancer has just returned and unfortunately I have to have my whole nose removed and rebuilt, so understand your fears. Take care x

[Lorna63]

Thank you for your reply . It’s great to get some reassurance about the mask. The fitting will be the worst part so have to find a way through that. So sorry your cancer is back. Good luck 🤗

[Lorna63]

Hi Maddi,

Thank you for your welcome post.. no one really seems to understand how debilitating claustrophobia is.I have at this time been unable to find a place with the open faced mask. I haven’t slept properly for almost 2 weeks now waiting for appointment and the terror is so real I can’t breath sometimes. No one seems to understand how terrified I am and as much as treatment is advanced most centres haven’t even heard of an open faced mask!,, How is this possible ! These masks are available.