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Hello everyone, I was diagnosed less than 2 weeks ago and have my lumpectomy. I am due to start my chemo in early January and have been reading up to try and prepare for it. Should I be getting a range of skin creams and nail creams now ?? I am back for some results tomorrow and wonder does the breast nurse recommend particular products or is it trial and error. Are there safe cleansers, nail polishes etc Maybe I am mad but just trying to prepare myself, thanks all Dotgos xx

Hi everyone , I have just joined today , I had biopsy of left breast on Monday and radiologist said 2.5cm worrying shape mass, I met the nurse who said most likely cancer, I will be getting my official biopsy results then, I havnt told my family yet, I am 55 and my daughter is back to work next week after maternity leave , it’s a tough time for her, my sons graduation next week , and he has had a tough time lately. My head is all over the place and I feel like screaming and running for the hills , but trying to appear really calm. I am due to work tomorrow and Friday , I work in a hospital , not sure what to do. Sorry for the rambling text , I am not a whiner , just trying to make sense if all of this , any help much appreciated xx

Hi All, I have a lump in my breast and my GP has referred me to a breast clinic. On the referral my GP advised it is urgent and requested a 2 week wait for me. I have called the clinic as I have not heard anything and I've been advised I have been put on the 12 week waiting list. I am worried as my lump appears to be growing. K want to get this checked put asap. Can anyone advise if I can ring the consultant (or even his secretary/assistant) who made that choice to query his decision? TIA

Hi all, I'm going to go out on a limb here and talk about something that a lot of people don't want to talk about - sex after cancer. I am thankfully after finishing my chemotherapy, mastectomy and reconstruction and the prognosis is good. My cancer is estrogen driven so I'm on tamoxifen. Prior to my cancer I had a very normal healthy sex life with my wonderful partner but now its non existent as I'm completely unresponsive and very tender! I have tried lots of things, i.e. replens, vitamin E etc but to no avail. Has anyone tried the Estring or Vagifem? I know they release small amounts of estrogen into the bloodstream - is it too risky?? This is a real problem as I feel far too young to be giving up a loving sex life and there must be others on this site with similar issues??

Hi I'm 31 and just diagnosed with breast cancer last week. I'm currently waiting on further test results to stage it, etc and I'm finding that I go from being positive and calm to angry to so anxious I end up having panic attacks. I mentioned this to my GP but she just brushed it off. I'm not sure how to deal with it and keep calm and I'm finding the waiting almost unbearable.

I had the Sentinal node removed last week and 8 days later noticed a lump around the incision. The day ward I went to don’t want to know, my GP doesn’t work outside of office hours and the cancer nurse is the same. Was told to go to a and e and be prepared to wait hours, I really don’t want to do this. Anyone had this, hoping it will go away! Getting a mastectomy in a couple of weeks so it’s only going to be opened again anyway. From what I can see everytime a cancer nurse replies to a question here they just tell you to call during office hours. Obviously my problem has occurred outside office hours, otherwise I’d go to my gp!

I had skin and nipple spared mastectomy and immediate implant based reconstruction. Unfortunately five weeks later I developed severe infection and had second operation. My nipple was removed and the original implant replaced with smaller. Now I have shapeless small breast without a nipple, real nightmare! I am a freak and cannot look at my body without crying. I cover my mutilated breast with a patch. I have no life, just existence. I am very depressed and my only hope is to have successful reconstruction but I have to wait for that few long months. I have seen pictures of beautifully reconstructed breasts which make me more depressed. I have no idea how long it will take to have new reconstruction as it is not considered urgent. I had appointment to see the surgeon but it was cancelled and I still don’t have it rescheduled. I’m exploring different options and have few questions: 1. If any of you have had reconstructive surgery abroad and is it paid by HSE or VHI for the EU countries? 2. If any of you had failed reconstruction and what further options for surgery you were offered? What is the result of the second reconstruction? 3. How long does it take to have new reconstruction after failed reconstruction? I want to make right choice just to be able to have any life again. Thanks,

I am wondering has anyone heard or had experience with this breast condition?

Hi there. I know this might sound silly but I'm just interested in what times people got for their biopsy results and what the outcome was. I was given a number to call last week and when I called I was told they were just discussing my case in a multidisciplinary meeting and I'd get an appointment to meet with the consultant this week. I got my letter today and I've been given a 3pm appointment. I'm wondering if it's bad news as the hospital would be quieter at that time. I'm a nervous wreck. Thanks x

Hi all. I'm just wondering could anyone reassure me here. I had a mammogram Sat and got told yesterday i need another mammogram as the image of my left breast looks different this year than last year image. They are telling me it's due to using 2 different machines last year and this year. But I'm so afraid. I've already had cancer in that breast 3 years ago and had all treatment. Anyone have any reassurance to offer please x