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posted by AineD
15 September 2018

First breast clinic visit

Last reply: 17 September 2018 13:40
Hi to anyone who may read this Happy I have been to my doctor last week about a mobile pea sized hard lump in my breast, that I've had for 4-5 months. I got my appointment today for the 16th of October. A longer wait than I expected but I'd say I wasn't a priority because of my age. I'm 21. I'm just wondering about what happens at the appointment as I am clueless. My letter told me to expect to be there for 3 hours. I am very frightened but I know from now it is all out of my control. Hope you all are ok xx
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posted by Marybowesvav
20 September 2018

Stage four cancer

Last reply: 20 September 2018 14:29
My mam was diagnosed on the 5th of July with stage four cancer lung. She went to the hospice this morning. I'm lost and confused nurse won't give me details via mams request no visit. I don't know what to do.
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posted by DST2018
28 September 2018

Palbociclib+ Faslodex

Last reply: 01 October 2018 13:59
I was diagnosed with Mets Breast cancer in Jan 2018. Commenced Faslodex in February with good results. I have been offered Palbociclib in combination to the Faslodex. I’ve been reading about the side effects which are frightening. Any advice or information would be really appreciated
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posted by aoife
07 October 2018

Family planning after breast cancer

Last reply: 16 October 2018 10:21
I'm wondering if I can get some advice from personal experiences about family planning post-breast cancer. I've been on Tamoxifen for the last 3 years (since Aug 2015) and am recommended to remain on this for 2 further years to complete the standard 5-year treatment. My husband and I are eager to start a family but, as a result of my ongoing treatment, this is on hold for now. I've heard some ladies may have shortened their treatment to start their families and I'm curious to hear what influenced or supported their decision in doing this? I've sought advice from my consultant, who is supportive in every way; however I'd like to hear from ladies who've been through this tough decision making process. I realise everyone's situation is very different but any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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posted by Ailoco
11 October 2018

Vulvar cancer

Last reply: 09 November 2018 09:17
Hi I was diagnosed with Vulval cancer in Jan 2017, at the age of 39. I had a partial radical vulvectomy 4 days later. All going well at my checkups until my 18 month check. Seems there are some areas of concern again, although my consultant thinks that should treatment be needed after the biopsy it will be laser treatment. I know women with this cancer are very few and far between, and I am a member of 2 online groups but they are uk & america, so thought I would post here and see if there is anyone else in the same or similar position, closer to home. Btw I'm in Dublin
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posted by Hoof1
15 October 2018

FNA biopsy on thyroid -my experience and diagnosis

Last reply: 26 May 2023 17:10
I'm describing my experience of an ultrasound guided FNA biopsy for anyone who would like information on it.  Although my 2 sets of blood results were within normal ranges, my doctor noticed a lump on my neck when I swallowed during a visit. Following a consult with an endocrinologist and an ultrasound I then went for the FNA biopsy. I am in my late twenties and had no symptoms at all associated with thyroid cancer. I would have been healthy and rarely needed to visit the doctor prior to this.  I had a good experience with the biopsy. The procedure was explained to me. My head was resting over a pillow so my neck was extended backwards. My whole neck area was cleaned with a wipe and alcohol rub (not very sure about the exact materials used) and a blue gown was put around me to protect clothing from the iodine put on my neck after the biopsy. I received a local anaesthetic (which was like getting the numbing injection in the dentist only in my neck). Felt like getting blood taken, only felt a pinch. After being left for a few minutes for the anaesthetic to take effect, I had to try and not swallow/move my neck, especially when the needle would be inserted into my neck ( I had one nodule/lump on my left side only). The gel was applied to my neck for the ultrasound to guide the needle. A countdown from 3 was used so I knew when the needle would be inserted. A slight pressure was felt where the needle went in but it didn't feel tight/ choking. I just knew it was there. I found it good to focus on a point in the ceiling to distract myself from it. The needle was inserted 3 times in total to get enough representative cell samples. A sticky plaster/bandage was placed over where the needle went in which I removed the next day. Felt fine after it, went home 10 minutes or so after the procedure.  For anyone wondering how it turned out, the diagnosis was papillary carcinoma. I'm having my left lobe of my thyroid removed in just over a week and have spoken to people who have had this surgery. Outlook is positive. Did have consult with surgeon and having vocal cord check, bloods and ecg prior to surgery. Don't forget to ask about risks with flying pre and post surgery just incase you are a high risk patient for surgery. Hope this post helps someone who is in a similar boat to me
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posted by tattooeme
16 October 2018

I hate Cancer

Last reply: 17 October 2018 15:39
It has taken my father a wonderful kind loving man who cared for our mom for years before she passed he was the most gentle and caring person iv ever known I know how I felt when he passed I still feel empty and sad and there's days I could cry for hours just the smallest things that would set me off my dad passed on May 27th 2017 exactly a year before my dad got his diagnosis but not only my dad my nephew who was 26 at the time was diagnosed with cancer also and to make it harder for us all my husband was also diagnosed with cancer I have so much hatred for that word I can't even begin to explain how much I hate it my beautiful wonderful caring dad passed last year our hearts broke and still are my nephew thank God is cancer free a year after surgery God willing he will stay that way as for my husband I had to tell my children that we have to make as many memories as possible with him the doctors told us it's just a matter of time left. So please forgive me for using the word hate but I hate cancer.
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posted by Runner girl
31 October 2018

Hair loss during Taxol

Last reply: 05 November 2018 13:16
Probably one of the most googled questions for someone on chemo, what will happen to my hair. Well I just finished 12 sessions of weekly Taxol and my hair has thinned significantly. It started around start of week 6 and continued for couple weeks. It has slow down now as very little hair left. I would guess I have lost 70% volume but still have coverage with what I have. So I started wearing a wide hair band to camoflage it somewhat....
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posted by Kirbs82
03 November 2018

Irregular shaped lump

Last reply: 05 November 2018 15:17
My G.P. last Tuesday sent an urgent referral to breast check for me I won’t be seen for 10 working days and i fear I will be gone totally bonkers. My lump/growth running length ways upwards from nipple. I was hoping it may have been caused my lifting weights but gp didn’t indicate either way. Any reassurance be greatly appreciated.
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posted by Mac78
08 November 2018

Capsular contracture

Last reply: 13 November 2018 13:41
Hi all. I am wondering has anyone experienced capsular contracture. I am 10 months post bilateral masectomy with immediate silicone implant reconstruction and am now experiencing pain , swelling, rising of the breast and orange peel appearance on my skin. It has only happened on one breast (the one i had the cancer in) . The other is perfectly fine no issues. My oncologist does not think it is related to my radiotherapy as i finished this in August with no problems. It has only become an issue in the last week or so. I have an appointment to see my surgeon in the next few days but my doctor thinks this could be one of the reasons i am having these symptoms so long after and i was wondering has anyone been treated for this or had to have their implant removed or replaced because of this or what treatment they received. Thanks in advance ☺.
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