Community

Good afternoon. I had a breast biopsy last weds & the radiographer told me to come back next weds that's tomorrow for my results I rang the hospital this morning and they told me she had no right to tell me when to come back that it's 2 weeks standard and that I wouldn't be seeing her it's a consultant. She have me the 3rd of January for the call back. So that's 3 weeks in total. I'm really worried now. She said there's a delay due to Christmas.

I could not see myself surviving my masectomy operation. Today I am 4 weeks post op. The physiotherapist said I could go back driving today, which I really wanted to do to get my independence back. However I got extremely upset after the short drive. My left breast is gone. The seat belt now does not sit right accentuating the fact I have no breast. I am struggling putting on a bra with the sponge insert, never mind the meltdown I had when the lady called to fit me for a prosthetic breast. 😭 is this normal? I'm really struggling with all this to be very honest.

My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer 3 weeks ago, spread to ribs and breast bone. He is 79 and is very very frail so would not be able for treatment. He is experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations atm The palliative team have referred him back to hospital for urgent hypercalcemia treatment. My question is while i understand that it is so scary for him right now and with not feeling well and in pain his mood is bound to be low but he is getting very verbally aggressive with my brother (his main carer as my brother and his family live with him). He is taking out all his anger on him. Blaming him for him getting cancer because he called the ambulance the 1st night. Fighting with him constantly. This is having a real adverse effect in my brother's mental health. He isnt like that with me as I'm not there 24/7. Apart from me telling my brother to not take it personal as its based out of fear and to remove himself from the room when my dad gets this way, is there anything else i can suggest? Many thanks

Christmas as joyful and a happy time of the year can equally be a very challenging  and stressful time for some.  Dealing with cancer adds another layer of stress and complexity, here are some tips that may help you over the Christmas period.Make sure you have contact details for the service you are attending or who to contact over the Christmas period, this could be the hospital service or maybe out of hours GP services.  Do not put off making contact if any issues or concerns arise, it is important to have your concerns assessed by the medical team.Make sure you have enough of your medication to cover over the Christmas period as there may be limited access to pharmacies over the Christmas period.  Check your pharmacy opening hours especially if you are expecting to be discharged over the Christmas period.Talk to your medical team about your plans for over the festive period, an important consideration may be your immunity. Accept help, people may have offered to help with the cooking, organizing gifts or even help with the decorations.Cancer can have a big financial impact.  Try not to put pressure on yourself this year, writing a thoughtful card or a small gift or token may be just as appreciated.Talk to your loved ones about the plans, it is ok to say no or to have a more simple Christmas this year.  Try not to put pressure on yourself, if you need to take a break its ok to go have a lie down.Try enjoy yourself 😊If you need support or have any questions, please contact our support line on 1800 200 700 or by emailing supportline@irishcancer.ie. The support line is open 9am -5pm on the 27th, 28th and 29th of December. We are closed on Christmas day, St Stephens day and New years Day. The Nurses on the support line would like to express our warm wishes to you this Christmas. 

Hi, I would like insights on this type of procedure for Breast reconstruction. I’m just wondering if anyone have gone through this. Can you share your own experience. I opted for a delayed breast reconstruction, I’m offered this type of procedure vs Implant. It would be very helpful if you can share …. Thanks ! Joy

Does metastasised prostate cancer qualify as a disability for Disability Allowance?

Hi everyone. I am a 14 year Breast Cancer survivor. Following my diagnosis I quit smoking and really looked after my health. In 2020 I finished Tamoxifen after 10 years and life was good. In 2021 my partner of 29 years died very suddenly and traumatically and I witnessed the whole event. I had evere PTSD and started vaping to help with anxiety. I quit vaping last month but I am now scared that the vaping may cause my cancer to reoccur. My mammograms have being clear but I am still really worried. Does anyone vape years after diagnosis. Is there any test I can have to keep an eye on this. I know blood tests dont show Breast Cancer reoccurence, I would really like some advice on what I should do.

Hi, my dentist noticed a suspicious looking mole behind my ear and referred me to an oral & maxofacial consultant. After review he removed the mole on the 24th October and advised it would be about 4-5 weeks to get results back. My stitches were removed after 10 days and they made an appointment for me for today (5 1/2 weeks after removal) to receive results. Today at my appointment they told me the results weren't back yet and have booked me in again for the 12 December. Is it usual to take this long to get results, or is it a bad sign, I.e. sample being sent for further review ?

Hi I went to my gp today after finding a lump in my armpit about 4 or 5 weeks ago. It’s painless but yesterday and today I have a tingling sensation going down my arm to my fingers which is annoying only. I checked my own breasts and didn’t feel anything but Iv naturally lumpy breasts. Gp checked breasts couldn’t find anything either but has referred me to have a mammogram and ultrasound for the lump under my arm as it visibly noticeable with arm lifted but also while looking at me straight on in a sitting position . She said she doesn’t think it’s anything to worry about but better to get it checked out and said I could be called anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks. I’m 44yrs old and 4 months post vaginal hysterectomy due to fibroids and prolapse womb and bladder on hrt 4 yrs as went into early menopause. I feel well in myself but tiredness is my biggest issue. Iv two daughters early teens , husband and my mind is on over drive with if buts and maybes. has anyone been diagnosed with under arm lump or had an under arm lump and it turned out to be ok? Sorry for the rant and TIA

I had prostate cancer some years ago. And it was successfully treated by brachytherapy. Unfortunately it has returned. My consultant has now recommended testosterone suppressing medication followed by focussed, high-dose brachytherapy. There are risks of damaging side effects with this treatment. I am aware of newer, reportedly much less risky treatments abroad such as NanoKnife ( irreversible electroporation ) in the UK ( London)and elsewhere. This is not available here. Anybody out there willing to share their NanoKnife experience with me please?