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Hi Girls, Sarah here from Cork. I'm new to this and this is my first post (although I did compose others before this one!!). I've been very positive and upbeat since my DX on 16th Jan. I've had my surgery etc and all that already. Things are moving very quickly. I had my first meeting with my oncologist yesterday evening. And I'm a little overwhelmed with all the info. I followed and understood everything so that's not my question really. The subject of fertility came up. And I was told I'd go into an early menopause that I may or may not come back out of. And I'm going to be on Tamoxifen for 5 years too. So I have to decided today if I want to go and see a fertility guy here in Cork for a consultation. And if it's something I want to take further they'll send me to London or Belgium. It's all a lot to take in and think about. I'm 36 (37 in April) and very very single!!! And I can't see that changing in the near future. So I'm not sure the kids thing was on the menu for me anyway. But this is very much closing that door for good. I'm just wondering if anyone else had to make these sorts of decisions and how you handled it all. I'm facing into so much as it is. 6 sessions of chemo, a year of herceptin, a lengthy spell of RT and tamoxifen.... Definitely overwhelmed today. Oh and where did people go for their wig??? I have all that to sort too. So much to do... Sarah XXX

Hi all, Just to let you know that there is a thyroid cancer support group in Ireland which was set up by a thyroid cancer survivor. The websiite is www.thyroidcancersupport.ie. If you are a patient going through treatment or a survivor of thryoid cancer this support group is for you.

Hi Have found a lump in my breast, well not a lump exactly more like an area that feels slightly harder and bumpier than the rest that has not always been like this. I have an app with the doctor on Monday. What I am wondering is, can I force the doctor to refer me to a Breast Clinic for an ultrasound/mammogram? I just have a fear that the doctor will tell me its nothing to worry about and send me on my way. But how can he 100% know without further checking. Just terrified that in a year or 2 it will come to light that it is something more serious. Also if he will not refer me on, do I need a referral to go for a private ultrasound/mammogram? Thanks in advance.....

Hello, I've never posted for this reason in a message board, so forgive me please if it's the wrong forum to do so. I'm a final year journalism student doing my FYP on the health care system in Irleand, and I'm also writing an article on breast cancer care and treatment here too. I'm looking for people to share their experiences with me about this - it's something that has touched my family too but I'm looking for outsiders to give me a better view on how the health system cares for breast cancer patients. I apologise again if this is the wrong forum in which to do or ask so, Rachael

Hi everyone! I'm new here and what a wonderful service this is. I'm not sure where to post this as it doesn't fit with any of the topic headings listed. I'd love to hear if anyone has experienced a delayed shock and grief of their cancer journey? I had a cancer diagnosis and several bouts of surgery in 1999 for cervical cancer and only very recently have felt very low and shocked and sad when I look back and wonder how I got through it without any help or much support..... my family barely mentioned the 'c' word; or even still hardly mention it. My husband never mentions it (we hadn't met back then) and sometimes I feel that he doesn't understand my pain and loss and what I went through, and I don't know how to tell him. I'm always conscious of my health and I really take care of myself, but the fear sits with me always of cancer returning. And in that, I feel that my husband doesn't appreciate me and my now good health and that perhaps our time together is precious. I know I'm going away from the topic but I am so so surprised at my sudden reaction to all this. Thanks for any guidance

Hi, Im cluthching at straws for my brothers sake, diagnosed at45 with lung (never smoked!) spread to spine ,brain and now liver. chemo seems to have no effect and he is starting radiation next wk. Has anyone used or heard of anyone using grapeseed extract and did it do any good or anything else that might have been of some use. Hes two small children and it doesnt look good for him although at the momoent he feels great and is positive . thanks

iv found that the best sources of information when it comes to melanoma are the guidelines that the doctors use themselves.google royal college of surgeons in ireland melanoma guidelines.go to the british assoc of dermatoligsts website for the uk guidelines, and use the search term( orientation of wide excision re melanoma )to find the national comprehensive cancer network(USA) guidelines (nccn)a lot of world wide guidelines work in concordance with the nccn .rob

This time last year I had just been diagnosed with BC my world was turned upside down but after surgery and reconstruction in March and Chemo from April til July treatment was over, im taking Tamoxafen every day. I started back to work two days a week in October and im in great form,I go to Zumba once a week ride my pony nearly every day and generally keep myself fit.We went skiing as a family in January and had a ball and im off to Cyprus in March with my mum and sister . I go to our local Cancer support Centre nearly every week and have reflexology and various other treatments and love to meet and chat with all the new friends I have met. My next check up is not until May so please God everything will be fine. Any new ladies if you have a local Cancer Support Centre do go along you will meet some amazing people who will give you great advice and all the services are free of charge.

This is my 1st time to post but just wondering if anyone out there has had a DIEP FLAP reconstruction I am planning mine for April/May time and am excited but a bit scared too......I had a masectomy a year ago and that went as smoothly as these things can go.... 6 cycles of TC chemo and 25 sessions of Rad Therapy..I am fit and well and found during that journey that there were more good days than bad.........this is the final part of the process for me.....there was no cancer in any of my lymph nodes....I was stage 2 with lobular cancer..... thanks for any feedback

has anybody in Ireland received a 'vanishing cancer' diagnosis after having a radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer? Jack