So, Wednesday was the day I had to get my mask made. I'd been told, though I can't remember who by, this is made from the same papier mache-type stuff fruit and other items are packaged in, and I would have to shave my moustache off (which I've had now for about 30 years!) So, I did.
Into the Beatson Treatment floor, and chatting to the tech while he explains the procedure, he shows me the material they use - THERMOPLASTIC!
And it doesn't cover your mouth/lips!! Raging is NOT the word!!!! FYI, I have convinced myself it would have fallen out eventually anyway, as most of my hair seems to be doing at the moment, but it's no real consolatiion!
Anyway, this TP comes in the form of a thickish mesh, which is heated to about 70 degrees (Celsius) then (quickly!) moulded over the contours of your face & shoulders as it cools. There are quick-release "poppers" which hold you to the carbon-fibre table, seven sets IIRC, which is actually not as claustrophobic as I thought it was going to be!
Once he'd trimmed it up a bit, he showed me it - it's quite bizarre to see a 3-D rendition of yourself! I had to go back on Thursday to undergo a "CT Simulation", which is where the mask is used to 'strap me down' and determine exactly where the X-ray beam is to be deployed, and where the entry/exit points on my skin will be. That's important in order that I can manage my 'skin regime' right from the word go. (It gets very red and sore during the treatment - like very bad sunburn, outside AND inside!)
The Mask
Wearing this for the ten minutes or so it took for them to do a CT scan was, quite possibly, the most intensely horrible thing I've ever had done to me! I'm a wee bit claustrophobic at the best of times, and lying there, pinned to a carbon-fibre table, eyes shut because of the mask, wasn't my idea of a good time. And I've to do that another 33 times!! Oh Joy!
I shall do my best to update this thread properly in future!!
Incidentally, I copied this from another (car!!) Forum I'm a member of, hence the editing x 2!!!
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