René can now see himself without his mask

René Nielsen, who once removed every mirror from his home because he could not bear to look at himself, is gradually learning to live with the mask he wears after cancer treatment, DR reports.

Three years ago, Nielsen was diagnosed with cancer in the salivary gland near his ear. The illness left him deaf in one ear, unable to close his right eye and with chronic swelling on the same side of his face. He has since worn a compression mask and an eye patch.

The experience has been difficult. Nielsen says people have been frightened by his appearance, and police have sometimes been called when he was out. He also spent time in and out of psychiatric hospital care and gained 70 kilograms after becoming ill.

Today, he has stopped taking large doses of medication and can remove the mask for short periods. The channels that drain the fluid causing the swelling have begun to return, but he still needs to wear the mask as much as possible and always while sleeping.

Getting out has become easier in his hometown of Vrensted in northern Jutland, where neighbours have grown used to seeing him. The local shopkeeper and police know he is not a shoplifter. Nielsen says he was welcomed as a customer from his first visit to the shop, after explaining his situation.

He still attracts stares and says he has been asked to leave shops and other places where people do not know his circumstances. When visiting his daughter on Zealand, he may call the police in advance to explain that he wears a mask. He also carries a note from the hospital.

On a good day, Nielsen can go shopping without the mask, though only briefly before the swelling returns. Being able to take it off makes a significant difference, he says. He has finished psychiatric hospital care, lost 40 kilograms and feels more hopeful about life. Some days he has energy only to let the cat in and out, but he has also started building a new veranda.