I was a busy mother of two girls and working as a reporter at my local news station alongside my husband. We always had a million things we were juggling, but I knew it was important to make time for regular cervical cancer screenings.
I have a great relationship with my doctor. He delivered both of my children. I had great trust in him, and his office was excellent in helping me stay on track with my regular screenings and appointments. It was around Christmas when I went in for one of my regular screenings. I didn’t think anything of it since it was just a routine appointment that I had done so many times before. But I’ll never forget getting a call afterwards from my doctor—my Pap test had come back abnormal and the sample they took had precancerous cells.
Getting that call was surreal and shocking. At my age, breast cancer was definitely on my mind, but I was never worried about cervical cancer. I immediately went into survival mode after hearing “precancerous cells.” I was a journalist and news anchor for 32 years before recently retiring. Thanks to this work, I am used to digging into the details and researching everything. As soon as I hung up the phone, I went into journalist mode. I knew it was important to advocate for myself and lead with knowledge and not fear in order to take control of my health. I peppered my doctor with questions, and we had a lot of discussions about the options available to me. Taking the time to educate myself and work with my doctor to make a plan that worked best for me really helped ground me during the whole process.
I decided to undergo a treatment recommended by doc, done in 2 courses with Cervugid Ovules (vaginal) and Isoprinosine Tablets (oral) . During my recovery, I remember resting at home and feeling so thankful for that appointment. If I wouldn’t have had it, the future might have looked very different for me. It can be very daunting. People hear the word “precancerous cells” and wonder, “Will I survive this? Will I always have to live with this?” But I know that doesn’t always have to be the case. We can find these issues early on, prevent cancer before it even starts and go on to recover and thrive in our lives.
As a public figure, I knew it was important to be an advocate for health. I started talking about my experience and sharing stories of other women who had similar experiences with finding cancer early, since this can happen to anyone. With so much going on in our lives, it can be so easy to fall behind and not prioritize medical appointments. I want everyone to know appointments can change your life. If something feels off, trust your intuition. If you have questions, it’s very important to ask them so you can take control of your health.
Rare Cancers
February 28th is Rare Diseases Day. We would like to take a moment to highlight rare cancers.
There are over 200 different types of cancer. Rare cancers are uncommon cancers, only a small number of people are diagnosed with these cancers each year. They are defined as rare when the amount of people who are diagnosed with it is equal to or less than 6 new cases per 100,000 persons in one year. Around 1 in 5 cancers diagnosed in Europe is rare.
Having a rare cancer can be difficult to cope with as there may be less information available about your type of cancer. People with a rare cancer may also feel more isolated as they are less likely to meet another person with the same cancer. It is important to know that you are not alone, we can provide you with information about help and supports that are available for you.
More information about rare cancers can be found on our website: Rare cancers | Irish Cancer Society. If you would loke to speak with one of our cancer nurses please call the Support Line on 1800 200 700, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Hello! I’m starting chemo in less than two weeks, so decided to go to the dentist yesterday. Turns out I need a couple of fillings. I’m just wondering if this is something I should get sorted asap before my first infusion or if there’s time to get them while I’m receiving treatment? I’d also like to know if there are any schemes that cap the cost of dentistry work for cancer patients that you know of. Thanks!
Hi everyone
I'm looking for advice please. Last Tuesday I found a lump in my right breast. I went to my GP the next day. She found another lump in the same breast. I'm almost 40. I don't have any children.
I've been referred to Beaumont clinic but In all honesty I'm terrified.
Whenever I'm alone my head starts spinning to worst case scenario. Husband is very supportive but I'm trying to hide my fear from him.
Does any have a rough idea of wait times for Beaumont? I'm driving myself crazy here.
I tried ringing but no joy.
Thank you
Hi I'm Chris newly diagnosed kidney waiting to see urologist it's hard going I'm 52
Don't know what to expect with treatments etc
Recently my father diagnosed too with stage 4 lung and kidney cancer and I'm also a carer for my mam who has dementia
It's all a mess really.
Any helpful hints recommended thanks
I suffer with stress and COPD also.
Hi everyone, I am just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I had a lumpectomy a year ago, followed by chemo and radiotherapy, herceptin and tamoxifen. Now my left breast, where I had the lumpectomy, is a good lot bigger than the healthy breast. Is this normal? Any information I can find states the operated on breast could end up smaller, but never bigger. There is also hard lump/tissue in it, and it still feels tender. Doctor and breast nurse said everything is fine, but didn't say anything why the breast is bigger now.
Has anyone been able to get access to Abemaciclib? It is not yet approved for reimbursement by the HSE but I wondered if anyone has been able to get it prescribed privately. I think it costs about €3k a month.
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