u/Serious_Break5111

Two weeks of radiation done. Still having anxiety so the ativan is now mandatory. But the sessions seem to be getting a bit faster. But the way the table moves during treatment at times makes me feel like im going to fall off. But the nurses are getting to know me. They know to take the mask off first thing. They have been really helpful with tips. I started using thc gummies to help with the anxiety and nausea. So far so good. I only take one a day before treatment. But it seems ill never get used to the mask or the very thirsty feeling i get from having to use my mouth to breathe. 4 more weeks to go. I noticed im sneezing more often and the area around my nose is turning pink to red. Have started to use the vanicream and aquaphor they suggested. The aquaphor is the baby formula and they want my nostrils to stay moist. Fatigue comes and goes and the days seem to fly by.

First week of radiation not quite complete. Ended up vomiting as i got on the table so that ended things quickly. Dr and nurses think im having severe anxiety when it comes to the mask. So i found some of my essential oils to try to help deal with it. I do have a prescription for ativan and that became mandatory for future sessions. So i must have a driver now. Dad is stepping in to drive. I thought i would be getting used to things by now but i guess not.

Started radiation today. Was a little nerve racking as ive never been through that before. And i forgot to take my ativan too so that didnt help. It was a longer session but they said the following sessions should go much faster. And i need to bring a bottle of water and drink it before laying down. I was so thirsty and my throat was so dry from breathing through my mouth i thought i was going to throw up. I didnt and i definitely downed the bottle of water they gave me. Learning curve i guess. One session down, 29 more to go.

Had my radiation simulation. Took ativan prior as i was nervous and didnt know what i was walking into. No mri tube which was a big big help. The nurses and drs were awesome. Kept talking to me about what they were doing and asking if i was ok. Things got a little nerve racking when they went to put this big pliable mound of plastic on my nose and went to form it. The mask wasnt bad either. Only went to my chin just under it. So it was a good experience over all. And radiation officially begins july 13. Kind of anxious to get the show on the road.

Had a mohs procedure with mayo clinic in rochester mn in may followed by sentinel lymph node biopsy and reconstruction. Gave me a forehead flap which came down june 17. Start radiation therapy in a couple of weeks. The melanoma actually made it down into the cartilage in my nose so they made quite a hole. Might be too graphic to show.