The doctor came in who specialised in making these masks. He explained that they used a flat mould that was heated to a certain temperature where the plastic type substance would become malleable. Whilst I was held in one position, guided by a laser in the ceiling, they would pull the malleable substance down over my face until it cooled and set. The whole procedure would take just a few minutes.
After the procedure I was taken to another room where I was put back into the mask (the eyes are pressed in so that you cannot see anything), and dots/marks are drawn over the mask. I was taken out of the mask and 'hooked up' to a machine that then pumped a coloured dye into my veins. I was placed back into the constrictive mask and placed into a CRT scanner. Several minutes later I was removed and my first mask experience was over!
I have to say that this procedure isn’t for the faint hearted and certainly isn’t for anyone who suffers with any form of claustrophobia. People with any such conditions can be sedated if needed. I can only describe it as that feeling you get is someone holds you under a duvet and you feel trapped. But it is a means to an end and I have to keep in mind the reasons for going through this.
On every visit now (Starting 6th October for 6 weeks), I will be strapped into my mask and the work done today will allow for pinpoint accuracy of the radiation beams. The mask serves to hold me in the exact position, protecting surrounding ‘healthy’ cells, should I move slightly during the procedure.
I found it all a bit upsetting and not a very nice experience to endure. I think that the previous week of not being able to eat/drink/speak and 3 ops in 9 weeks are finally taking their toll on me emotionally.