Community

Since my first post last November, all was on course until December 2023. I had the usual blood tests and my PSA levels were on the rise again. I had been on Zytiga for some time but this drug was interfering with my liver function , so on to a different drug but this caused a lot of dizziness and lightheaded moments, so bad I refused to drive. So after a blood test in November my PSA had risen to 18 , it had been down to 0.75. Oncologist brought forward a PSMA petscan 4 days later and I was back in to see him 22 December. The news was not good, unfortunately your cancer is in the lymph nodes and the left lung and is now ' Incurable '. So now on another drug ,Daralutimide and hopefully this one can hold off the spread . So far no ill effects bar the usual ,tiredness ,fatigue . So now at Stage ivb prostate cancer ......the future ...lets see what it brings Peter

My lovely Dad, aged 82 lives alone in Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim. He is recovering from an end ileostomy in April 2023. His care is provided by Galway and Roscommon. He does not drive as he has advanced macular degeneration. I cannot always get to Carrick to drive him to and from Galway and the alternative is a round trip taxi fare with a wait time in Galway of ca €500. He has a few appointments coming up and we are not sure how we will manage. Can anyone suggest a solution?

Hey everyone My partner had high liver enzymes after just one dose of Carpo Taxol weekly protocol . Hasn’t been able ti have chemo in 3 weeks due to it ( weekly protocol ) They have a plan but just seeing if anyone else has such a crappy start

Hi there, My wonderful best friend has just completed her journey and got the all clear. She is worrying about symptoms she felt were signs of her cancer starting even though she has been checked several times and has be told all is ok, the stress and anxiety is has her living in consent fear. I need some advice on how to support her, reassure her without sounding condescending or dismissive and perhaps learn about some support or tools that can help her through this part of her journey. Thank you. A

Hi I recently discovered a lump under my arm, I went my GP and she advised a private Ultrasound and mammogram in St Jame's, she said it could take up to two weeks, two days later, I got a call to book me in for the following week, the fast turnaround (however greatful I am) has me very anxious, any advice or is this normal practice, thank you in advance

Hi My Dad 74 started immunotherapy about year ago but for last 3 months was unable to get treatment due to thyroid and blood readings. He has circa 4 cancer spots - Sternum upper hip area and groin(I believe stage 3). Due to back pain he has been given tramadol. He is due back to St James Hospital next week for results of CT scan. My question is why he seems to have little appetite and ongoing nausea for over 4 weeks?

My 91 year old mother was diagnosed with esophageal cancer at the end of Sept. She's had a stent inserted and is not having other treatment. So she's basically in palliative care at home and we have great support from the local medical community. She had an incident this morning where after feeling weak and being helped to sit on her bed, she basically froze, staring, unable to speak or react to us speaking to her. Her head and neck were rigid and her eyes were unfocused. We've been told she may have already had a TIA or could have them and I'd like to know if this was a TIA. I haven't seen her have one before, though she's complained of the back of her head being 'uncomfortable' on two other occasions... So far there are no visible side effects, such as a stroke might produce or anything similar. She's tired but OK afterwards. Thanks for any input.

Hi, today, after an 11 week wait, I received the results from a skin biopsy I had done on a mole behind my ear. The diagnosis was as follows "at least superficial spreading melanoma in situ with dermal regression including chronic inflammation and melanophages to a depth of 0.4mm. Lesion is 2mm clear of nearest peripheral margin" The gross description included "SE measuring 20x11x5mm with a central flat dark brown lesion measuring 10x7mm" I had overheard the junior doctor talking with a senior doctor/consultant outside before they came in and they were mentioning the 0.4mm and they had discussed it before Xmas but there was some confusion. My main oral & maxillofacial consultant then came in and told me it was a strange one and the report was saying melanoma in situ. I have an appointment again in 4 weeks but may be back sooner if they need to take more skin, I believe the MDT are meeting on Friday week. My question is, does the diagnosis seem strange that it would confuse the team, is there something not matching up. Also, what are the chances that I could have other melanoma in situ in other areas of my body once I have one? Any advice, experience is appreciated. Thanks.

Hi as it is Sunday I cannot contact the clinic in CUH, I have tested positive for covid today. Meant to start my 2nd week of radiotherapy tomorrow morning. I presume I cannot go? I tested negative on Thursday AM, felt poorly all week though. Any advice appreciated. Will try clinic first thing in the morning but I need to travel from kerry to Cork so its all very stressful.

Hi, I can't get my nurse in the phone I was diagnosed weds with triple negative bc, 4cm lump awaiting biopsy to see if it has gone to lymphnode which is at 3.7. Now i noticed a small ball like lump above my collar bone. I'm so worried. My surgeon assured me while I wait for my scan on the 2nd of Jan it won't spread that quick