Hi everyone

My mould appointment is quickly coming round, (next Thursday) I had put it to the back of my mind, but it is coming around too quickly. I am really worried about this as it is suddenly becoming REAL. Of course I knew I wasn't dreaming, but I just don't know how to deal with it.

The only people I seem to be able to talk to are YOU!
I had a doctors appointment on Monday and he was amazed I hadn't spoken to my family about how I was feeling, But none of them want to talk about it, to me it is as if we don't talk about it then it's not happening, but it is and it is happening to me
To everyone I am bearing up great but inside I want to scream, cry, run away and hide

Anyway I lost my train of thought there, any advice on my mould?, I am having a full face, neck and shoulders made.

Best wishes
Tracey

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Hi Tracey,

In my case the full mould fitting was uneventful. 'A piece of cake' (is that the saying?). I see no reason why yours should not be also. Good luck. Regards, Fridge

Had the mould; just told the guy I was a hollywood actress having a mould made for a special hollywood film, made him laugh, the worse thing was his breathe as he leaned over me, otherwise not half as bad as having the optic camera bunged up you nostril.Happy Christma

So the trick is to take a packet of fresh mints just in case!!!

Best wishes

Tracey

Tracey, Just be a big girl and it will all be over soon for you. My mould was only the head. I didn't like it because I didn't know what on earth they would be doing. I had to ask. The nurse that was making it offered no explaination of what she was doing while she was doing it. So if you get scared or whatever just talk to her if you can. Some of it you cannot move...Just ask anything you want before hand......okay....I will be thinking of you,,,,Vicki Lynn

Thanks Vicky Lynn

John is coming with me for a bit of moral support, I hope I can keep it together, I am now starting to feel really worried, It is getting so close now, trying to be very brave and yet falling apart inside.

It is so strange how we try to be brave for everyone else, and yet we are the ones going through it all...

best wishes to you all

Tracey

Hello Tracey

If anxious, you can try a relaxation technique my patients have found helpful:
==============================================
1. Lay down on your back with the palms of your hands on your abdomen.
2. Close your eyes and breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose.
2. As you breathe out slowly, feel yourself beginning to relax; feel the tension leaving your body.
3. Now breathe in and out slowly and regularly, at whatever rate is comfortable for you. You should feel your abdomen rise as you breathe in and fall as you breathe out. (abdominal breathing). Do this for a couple of minutes.
4. Become aware of your breathing. As you breathe out, say the word, """ONE""", silently to yourself. Breathe easily and naturally.
5. Continue for 10 to 20 minutes. You may open your eyes to check the time, but do not use an alarm.
6. End with a slow deep breath. As you breathe out say to yourself """I feel relaxed."""
==============================================
You could use this relaxation exercise while the mould is being made.

Best wishes
Vinod

Tracy, To be honest nothing to worry about
"he says" mine was painless
The only thing I regret is not keeping the mould to wear on my trips to the supermarket
Keep us posted

Paul

Hey I still have mine....YOU BET I DO. Hey I went thru HELL and back with that damm thing. I just cannot throw it away just yet. Nut--yes I think I am....Always Vicki Lynn

I had mine all over the face and down to my cleavage too. I found it a ghastly experience, but it lasts just about as long as you can tolerate it.

Whilst surfing the web since having mine Aug 2002 I have noticed that different materials are used to make the mould. I am sure this affects the degree of unpleasantness people experinece. I think the whole process is tolerable just not one I wish to repeat.

Mine is in the loft! I was told peopoe spray them gold and put them on display. Heh I have enough daily reminders without looking at that damn mask ever again.

Good luck with your mask making. Getting it over before Xmas will be good and may not be nearly so bad as you think it will be. I think you'll just feel well I'm glad that bit is over that's all. And you will really feel as if some serious action has begun.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: PaulineT,

Update is that the mould appointment didn't happen as I have discovered a couple of lumps on the other side of my neck, which they now want to remove
I go into hospital tomorrow for surgery on Thursday as yet I do not know how long I will be in for we will just have to wait and see. My mould appointment has been scheduled for next Thursday, so biopsy will have to be rushed through as we might have to treat the whole neck.

On a happier note, my Hogmannay gig went excellent, My voice was the best it has ever been, the audience were amazing, as I said before I was determined to go out with a bang.

Will keep you posted
Tracey

Good luck Tracey on Thursday. I've been wondering what is happening about your treatment.

Had op on Thursday,they removed the right salivary gland, lymph nodes and three small tumors which had appeared since October, basically the same as what the did on the left side (a neck disection)they made a new incision and also went in the previous scar as a small nodule had appeared there.I now look like a patchwork with all these stitches!
I am at home now feeling very tired and swollen. I can't talk very well as my tongue and bottom of my mouth are swollen. I have slept most of today. I have found I can't swallow very well and food, (what little I have tried) won't go down, I have no saliva.
Hopefully the results will be in on Monday but it looks like the radiotherapy is going to be on both sides of the neck like you had Pauline, I am actually at the point I couldn't care, just get on with it! I have gone through so much worry and stress I have had it!!

I will keep in touch
Love
Tracey

Let's be logical here. Two days is a very short time since the op. So you would feel rough just with the physical aspect of being cut into. You need pampering and holding and cuddling in the gentlest way. Or just lots of cups of tea.

Let's also realise you have every right to feel low, defeated and down. What's happening to you is simply not nice.

You are right the sooner now you have the rads the sooner you have the chance to get well. You are in my prayers Tracey. This is a very hard time for you.

Lots of us (well I think lots of us) have had the radiotherapy on both sides. You can do it. it's not nice, but you will be able to do it.

But Paul you DO wear it to the supermarket. Saw you on television in the Sainsburys ad tonight. Oh no. It was thaT Jamie Oliver. HE is the one who should be wearing a mask to hide that vacuous grin, and an accent transplant for that estuary English which is considered so trendy.
Grrrr.
But then I'm only a Scot, and i nn a coupld of weeks I won't have voice at all so Id better shush!
Regards Ishbel.
Was wondering how you were as haven't seen your name for ages.
Tracey don't worry about the mould. Honestly. Just hold Johnnys hand. I am a huge claustrophobic and it was nothing to make my palms sweat as it wasover so quickly.
I am having a CAT scan on Guesday. Now THAT fills me with terror.
Regards Ishbel