Community

hello

surviving pancreatic cancer hi everybody first post i was diagnosed with inoperable panc ca in july 2005 given months to live told it was metastatic first time i ever heard word agreed to trial m200 and gemcetibine every monday lasted 1 year stopped due to effects of chemo and trial worked 3 day week throuout year but struggled jump to july 2008 working fulltime but tumour getting bigger went to hospital massive blood loss into tumour doctors then questioned how i was working and gaining weight given 2 biopsys and told it was neuroendocryne and operated spleen tail of panc removed told if it grew any bigger could not have operated follow up ct and ostre scans no cancer cells walked my daughter down isle 27 feb 2009 didnt think possible there is always hope

The Irish Cancer Society is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with cancer and intends to develop services for women living with secondary breast cancer who currently do not have a support system to address their unique needs. If you would like to take part in this focus group which takes place on the 8th of May at the Irish Cancer Society building , please contact the specialist nurses on 1800 30 90 40. Regards, Naomi Fitzgibbon Cancer Information Services Manager. Irish Cancer Society.

My Mum recently got the results of a ct scan she had done to examine her bowel. They found signs of diverticulitis but they also found two nodules in her left lung, one in her upper lobe and one in her lower lobe, they measured 2mm and 5mm. They had not been looking for anything like this as it was her bowel they wanted to look at. They also founds cysts in her kidneys, she has past hx of kidney stones. My mum is a smoker for 50 years ! History of unexplained weight loss also over last year. The plan is to repeat ct scan in 1year. Doc said nodules to small to investigate surgically. Is that enough of a follow up ? Is there anything else she should be having ? There was no talk of cancer but it was in back of my mind and just want to make sure she gets the best follow up.

Hi guys, I am 24 years old. When i was 19/20 i found a lump in my left breast, showed it to my gp, who called it a mobile mouse and not to worry. I have been reasonable about it, But I was never happy leaving it. I went to about 2 other gp's at the time who said the same "it was fine". But one of them referred me to a breast clinic at this time. So at the breast clinic the consultat there completely brushed me off and was basically telling me i was a waste of time and it was definetely benign,(he seemed really mad) I was being fobbed off everywhere and so I went along with it and said they know best (which they do, I realise how unlikely it would be for breast cacer at such a young age). When I was 22(still not happy and worried) I decided again for a second opinion, had ultrasound done (paid for it), the radiologist told me it looked fine but he recommended exision biopsy on his referral note to the consultant, but when i went to the (new) breast consultant this time , they did a core needle biopsy with the result- Fatty tissue Lump, I left it at that and left it for a year and half. But a year later (now) , Im 24 going on 25, I got worried again, I went back to the breast clinic and said that I really want it removed as im anxious about it all the time. The registrer said "ok " and it should be operated on in 4-6 weeks. Now I wish I had done this back 4-5 years ago, But they were all telling me not to have surgery!!! Ive waisted so much time worrying and NO one can be sure what the lump is. Has anyone had a "fatty tissue/lipoma " removed from their breast? Is it normal for the lump to have stayed there this long? I have got it into my head now that It IS cancer and I cant sleep.:( I feel as though it has probably spread. I think ive lost weight I hate the way young people are brushed off.... :( I am waiting for surgery date , I cant take the waiting, ive waited long enough

Hi all, This post is from a worried son. My dad was a smoker for about 25 years he gave up a year and a half ago. He is now retired and very happy (I think) Afew months ago he was coming home from leaving my sister at the bus when he had to pull the car over with heart pulputations he was sent to the hospital and was given the all clear. He went back for other test and is now going fo an agiogram on Monday. In the mean time he got a call from a doctor sayin they had found a spot on his lung in an x-ray (a little point I have to add is my dad is a very proud man and doesnt want to worry anyone) To be honest I dont know what the doctor said to him as he hasnt said and to be honest I hvent asked as I dont want to push him I sure he has enugh on his plate at the moment. Sorry but I'm not sure if I have made any sense with my explaination above but if anyone has any words of wisdom they could offer it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, A worried son of a very proud father who means the world to his son (although I may not have always showed it)

My Mother passed away on the 29 November 08. She had lung cancer and the cancer had spread to most of her main organs by the time she died. She was born in Dublin and like so many at that time went over to England where she met my father who was from Cork. I settledd in Cork with my husband and three children and she was a regular visitor. She arrived for a ten day stay last July on a Wednesday and felt a little unwell on the Friday evening. I took her to the doctor on Saturday morning and she was admitted to hospital the same day. Here is where the nightmare started. Once the chest xrays had been done it became apparant that there was something seriously wrong, but it took time for a diagnosis. Biopsies failed and were redone. My Mother knew that this was not going to have a happy ending. It is very stressful waiting for test results and different doctors coming round askig questions that you have already told another doctor. I know my Mother found this very tiresome but coped so well. It is very true that you only find out your strength when you are faced with such bad news which is relentless. Pain was a problem for my Mother so the pain medication got stronger and sometimes didin`t suit her and she would react swetating, shaking talking but not making any sense. She was in and out of hospital. She came home on 20 November for the last time. I only had a couple of days with her before she tooka turn for the worse Then her meds were administered directly into her bloodstream. The pallative nurses were brilliant and very supportive. One in particular was a night nurse who came for three nights her name is Patricia she was a God send myself and family will always be grateful to her for care and compassion she showed. God Bless you Patricia. Again the other pallative nurses were great. My Mother had given up smoking about a year and a half before her death, which made it even sadder. The time since she passed has gone so quick and although I will always have an ache in my heart and I can`t think about my son a gangly 15 year old gently lifting your coffin without getting tearful. You had so much dignity Mum throughout your life. I loved that you would always put your family first. I sold daffodils this year Mum like you did the year before. Thankyou Mum for so much. I know that you are happy and at peace. Love forever xx

Hi I need some advice please. I'm trying to help care for my sister. She is 36 and had a mastectomy last week, We are waiting for results to see if the lymph nodes have leaked or not. Since the operation she has been in alot of pain and can't do much around the house or drive or play with the kids which she is finding extremely frustrating. I have had a few chats with her and she said that if she could speak with someone who has been there it might be alot better for her. I can tell her all I know but it isn't good enough. She wants to speak with someone who has experience or is experiencing it. I have looked extensively for support groups/individuals in my area and have come up with nothing. I of course will continue to help her as much as I can and be there but sometimes it seems that it's not enough and I understand but I would greatly appreciate any advice or help anyone can give me. Is there anything more I can do? Better still is there anywhere I can to try and get her some support from women who have been through it or are going through it. She has no internet access so she can't even come onto this forum. Please help! Sorry it was so long. Thanks so much for reading! Ruka.

My dear Stephen Gleeson,Assumpta park Limerick and beal,Asdee,Listowel,Co.Kerry went to be with the Lord 2 years ago...it sometimes feel like 50 yrs ago... We miss him so much and the 7 kids and 1 grandson Joshua...not sure how we will mark the occasion this year...I feel down and lonely at the moment...

Hi there, I've been reading the messages here for a couple of days and am beginning to feel like the grandmother here! I was told that at 48 I'm young to have bc. but everyone I've read about is in their twenties and thirties and I really feel for you. I had a mastectomy in February and am currently having chemo to be followed by radio therapy. Doing well so far but second chemo felt worse than first and I wonder does it get worse as it progresses. My hair fell out in clumps after first session and I feel like my taste buds are changing so much now. I'm in fairly positive mode about this but surprised myself by having one really bad day last week where I woke up in terrible mood and snapped the head off everyone for the entire day. Is this the start of the dreaded menopause and how quickly does it kick in when having chemo? Just looking for a few guidelines, I know every treatment is different but I'd hate to turn into that person I was for one day as I'm a pretty easy going 'girl'.