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posted by Michellem
19 November 2022

Treatment for Breast Cancer James

Last reply: 28 November 2022 12:22

Hi,

My mother was diagnosed with Metastatic breast cancer which has spread to her bones in her Spine. She is currently an in patient in Tallaght hospital due to illness & complications from her cancer.

She has been waiting, for the last 4 weeks to go to the breast cancer centre in James for treatment but she is only being triaged at this stage. All scans, tests & histology was done in Tallaght but her cancer on her Spine is so extensive now I'm worried it will be too late for her to get proper treatment by the time they start. She has started on drugs that block estrogen and has been on those for a week.

Her doctor told me yesterday that she can only get contact with the team in James via email, she can't get them on the phone which is unbelievable since she is a doctor! Just anxious for my Mam to start her treatment & wondering what can be done while all this time goes by. I feel a bit helpless as I thought anything to do with cancer would be treated as priority. My mother is 74 so maybe they prioritise younger women. I really don't know at this stage.

Any help, Guidance or advice would be appreciated.

1 comment

Comments

commented by Cancer Nurse
28 November 2022

28 November 2022 12:22

Dear Michellem,

I’m so sorry to read about your mothers diagnosis and that she is unwell in Tallaght hospital due to illness and complications.  I hope that she has since improved and that the triage process has progressed since writing this post.

It is very common to feel worried whilst waiting for treatment to start or whilst waiting for tests or test results.  It is reassuring that your mother has commenced on estrogen blockers and that will hopefully be effective against the cancer whist your mam is being triaged.  Having all the scans, tests and histology done should help speed up the process. 

It is very understandable and common to be feeling how you are, but by even following up with the team you are doing all you can.  Your mams GP may also be a good resource to link in with as they may be able to get further insight from the team.  Please don’t hesitate to phone us on 1800 200 700 and we can have a chat in more detail about what is happening. 

Kind regards,

Cancer nurse

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