hello everyone i am a new member my name is jojo . I have just been diagnosed with cancer of the larnx and even though the tumor is large size four they say it is cacinoma in situ and tht radiation therapy with be the course of treatment. I go for the big consultations on wedesday and very scared. I see this mask i will have to wear and i am very clausterphobic will they give me something for this while i am being treated can anyone tell me the effects this will do. My ent told me i may need a stoma inserted since it is on one vacal cord and depending on the agressiveness of the radiation a stomach tube. Any information would be appreciated. It is hard for me to talk with others i feel dieased and in shock about this whole thing. any advice cheeful responses would be appreciated. thanks and god bless us all

The technicicans will be helpful and will soon become your closest friends. They will have experienced many individuals going through the treatment and will know you are frightened. I don't recall being offered sedatives for the sessions, but honestly they really should not be necesssary.

Try not to worry about feelings of claustrophobia before this actualy happens. The radiotherpay technicians can see you on their computer screens when they leave the treatment room and can come to your aid at anytime. Have a signal with them such as foot raising. At least 2 people always deal with you to check on each other so no one will forget you are there.

The actual treatment time is in bursts of about 30 seconds. I had 4 bursts of treatment in 4 positions each session. Some have less if the tumour position is known. But aligning you for the treatment and getting everything just so can make the session run to some 20 minutes. You will need to learn to lie very still to ensure the dose goes where it should, so make sure you are wearing comfortable warm clothing. It can be cool on the table. Also if female wear the same bra every session as you wore when the mask was made as differences can move the flesh making alignment differ and take longer to set up.

The mask will be made to fit you perfectly - try not to rise up against it when you are on the treatment table as that will tighten it. Try to relax. Easier said than done. But the treatment really feels like nothing although it is a serious treatment and of course can create huge cellular changes.

Good luck - thousands have had this treatment and for many it is successful.

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