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Anyone know of a group for colorectal cancer survivors? I've a permanent colostomy and have great stoma support, but have never talked to or compared not with a colorectal Cancer survivor!

Gynaecological cancers are those that affect the female reproductive system and include womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancers. This September the aim is to provide a better understanding of these cancers and their treatments. If you have been diagnosed with any of these cancer types our Supportline has experienced cancer nurses that can answer your queries in confidence. Treatments for gynaecological cancers include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The treatment you will be offered depends on a number of factors and will be explained to you by your doctor and nurse. It is important to understand why you are being offered this treatment and the possible risks or side effects it may cause. Ask questions if you need anything explained. This information may feel overwhelming so remember support is available for you during this time. Your hospital nurse can help you navigate your treatment options and provide advice on managing possible side effects. One possible effect from gynaecological cancer treatment can be the impact on your sexual relationships. Treatment can affect your sexual wellbeing by causing physical and emotional changes. Our website has some information on specific sexual side effects here. Many women feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing this with their medical team but it is important to get the information you need. Your doctor or nurse may not go into detail on these side effects unless they know you would like to discuss it so tell them if you have any queries or concerns. If you would like to speak to a cancer nurse for further information, advice or support you can call our Supportline on 1800 200 700, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. There is also a gynaecological cancer resource called This is GO which is an Irish based personalised online resource for women impacted by Gynaecological Oncology(GO).

I am supposed to go for Chemotherapy. The drug being used is Folfox. I was amazed at the side effects while the treatment is being given. It has raised a question as to whether I want to go ahead with the treatment. Has anyone used Folfox and how did you feel during the treatment. Thanks Richard Galway

Hi I am 64 and was diagnosed in Feb Invasive Ductal, Grade 1, Tubular. ER & PR+. Had lumpectomy, radiotherapy and started Anastroloze in March. I am finding the side effects difficult, mainly Fatigue, sleep issues, cognitive impairment and low mood . I also have bone pain, nausea and my bad cholesterol has doubled. I need to work as self employed and live alone. Some days fatigue really bad. I am considering stopping taking this but that causes me more anxiety. I am not prepared to take more medication for side effects or change medication as they all seem to be the same . I am due in Oncology soon and wonder 1 what questions to ask re Risks in stopping/taking and 2 if anyone else has stopped ??. I am trying to weigh up quality of life Vs recurrence risk

We here at the Irish Cancer Society would encourage everyone to talk to their Doctor, Dentist or Pharmacist about any unexplained concern they may have noticed in their mouth or surrounding area. A symptom may be a sore, ulcer or lump in their mouth. It could be a sore throat or a neck lump. Another symptom to be aware of is red or white patches in your mouth, or if you have an unexplained pain in your mouth. If any of these symptoms are there for longer than 3 weeks, we would advise you to get them checked out. Of course, many of these symptoms can be explained and cancer of the mouth is not common. However, we want to make everyone aware of symptoms and to encourage anyone who has noticed a ‘change’ in their mouth to get it checked out. Picking up a cancer in the mouth or the surrounding area early will make a significant difference to the success of the treatment and the person’s quality of life after treatment. Those who have a medical card or have paid enough PRSI contributions are entitled to a free dental examination each year. Unfortunately, if you have neither there will be a charge to see your dentist. If you would like to speak to a cancer nurse about any changes you have noticed or any other concerns, you may have you can phone us on 1800 200 700. We are here Mon-Fri 9-5pm and would very much like to support you through your worries. I do hope we will hear from you. Kind regards Cancer Nurse    

Hi! I hope you might be able to help :) BACKGROUND My Dad is 67, and has been receiving treatment for Small Cell Lung Cancer for 4.5 years. Most recent was radium for a small spot in his head. Besides that his scans have been coming back clear. He has been deteriorating over the last year (severe muscle loss) and the decline has accelerated in the last 2 months where he has lost complete use of one leg, and second leg is not far behind. We hoped that the spot in his head was the cause but there has only been a decline since treatment. Our Oncologist suspects an auto-immune issue but we don't know for sure. He has spent 7 weeks in hospital and now is being moved to pallative care in the hopes he can rebuild muscle there. QUESTION I have heard about LEMS and I was hoping that this could be explored as a potential cause of my Dad's muscle loss. What would be the best way to broach this with the hospital team? Might you be aware of any teams or patients in Ireland that have had experience with LEMS? Many thanks, Andrea

I am a 34 year old woman, I was diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer yesterday. I am having surgery to have it removed next week. I am expecting a call from the Cancer nurse tomorrow but I am just looking for suggestions for questions I should ask? It doesn't look like I should need chemotherapy as of yet but I am aware that can change once they have a look at the lump and surrounding tissue once it's out. Any suggestions welcome. Thank you.

I am a 34 year old woman, I was diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer yesterday. I am having surgery to have it removed next week. I am expecting a call from the Cancer nurse tomorrow but I am just looking for suggestions for questions I should ask? It doesn't look like I should need chemotherapy as of yet but I am aware that can change once they have a look at the lump and surrounding tissue once it's out. Any suggestions welcome. Thank you.

When a loved one is coming to the end of their life, it is a hugely emotional time.  The practicalities of caring for someone at home can be an added stress to a very sad situation. Here is some advice that we give to our callers to help empower them in this incredibly challenging time. Make a plan - roles and responsibilities can be shared. We recommend to put a Rota in place to share care and to give everyone a break.  Tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping can be assigned so everyone has a role. Communicate with the medical team – arrange a family meeting, this will ensure everyone has the same information and also gives everyone an opportunity to ask any questions.  It will give clarity on what care can be expected and what the expectations are from the family.  A discussion about care options such as hospice or a palliative bed in a nursing home may be appropriate to talk about. Care support at home is assessed individually, the medical team will advise the level of care available.  Bear in mind that while there is support available, the majority of the care taking rests on family members – this is an important consideration when deciding to care for someone at home at the end of their life. Topics to consider when arranging care include When and Who to contact if there are any issues, including when out of hours. Night nursing care provided by the Irish Cancer Society. Equipment (hospital bed, toileting aids, mobility aids). Care package hours. Our support line can be reached on 1800 200 700 if you would like to speak with a nurse about your unique situation.  We also have a booklet ‘A time to care’ that is available to download or post. If you have any other tips or advice, please comment below

Got the shock of my life last week when getting the results of a blood test to find I had a reading of 18.2 my doctor immediately booked me in at Beaumont (still awaiting the appointment) although should be soon only symptoms i have are erectile dysfunction which i have had for 10+years so don't think that is the issue but I am peeing slowly yet from memory even just a couple of months ago it was a mixture some slow and some like a fireman's hose. Mind is all up in the air at the moment and that waiting is a killer anyone else with similar symptoms?