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posted by Anisa
21 January 2022

Supporting my mam

Last reply: 26 January 2022 10:33
My mam was diagnosed with Stage 4 Uterine Cancer and has had 4 infusions of chemo - she got Covid in December and was hospitalised, our Christmas miracle is that she survived. She had re 4th chemo last week and she's not drinking her required fluids and isn't eating much (she's drinking those food sup drinks so that is something) but she was so bad the other day she needed to get 2 bags of fluids as she was so dehydrated. It is breaking my heart that she's not doing what she's supposed to do to help herself it's like she's given up - I think the 11 days in a Covid ward really affected her mental state. I know chemo affects peoples personality but OMG she's changed so badly she is awfully bad towards my poor dad who is only doing his best to care for her, I broke down in tears with her the other day begging her to drink her water to help.. it's like she has given up and doesn't care about living or her family. I can't bare looking at her knowing she is not doing the bare min to keep herself alive. She won't go to counselling, she tells the chemo team everything is fine, what can I do to help her
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posted by jeano
18 January 2022

Prostate cancer - diarrhea

Last reply: 25 January 2022 10:23
Hi everyone this is my first post. My dad had prostate cancer that has metastasised. He has been on and off hormone treatment, he’s had surgery on his spinal cord due to radiation. He’s having bad bouts of diarrhea at the moment, I was just wondering if this was a sign of something. Also he is very panicky lately and getting breathless. Anyone with any advice, it would be greatly appreciated Thank you Xxxx
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posted by pauliii
03 October 2021

Stomach Cancer

Last reply: 08 October 2021 15:12
Hello all, My husband, 43, has been diagnosed with a stage 4 gastric Cancer last week! We were shocked as he had no symptoms other thank an occasional heartburn. We were told it was probably caught early given his young age, no symptoms and general good health. How I wish that was true! Last week the scans showed it has spread to the abdomen area and we were told it is no longer operable! Here I am writing to you desperate! We have three kids age 12 and under (youngest is 1.5). We are both foreigners living in ireland for 15 years now and have no family here! I am terrified of what is to come 😱😱😭😭😭
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posted by rachhh
12 September 2021

lymphoma non hodgkin

Last reply: 14 September 2021 18:01
My Mam has been diagnosed with lymphoma non hodgkin she’s in hospital almost 3 weeks. We are hopeful that she will start her chemo on Tuesday as she has to go to another hospital tomorrow for another scan. The consultant is worried, as the lump is six inches and is close to one of her organs and when the lump shrinks this may damage the organ, if this happens she will have to have an operation, for this reason they will keep her in hospital for her first chemo session. My Mam is sixty years of age, she is healthy and has a good heart before was admitted to the hospital she would have usually went on a daily power walk and sometimes she would do a jog, I am hoping her good enough health will help her through the chemo and she has a strong heart. I am not sure what to expect when she comes out of hospital I am not sure where I can buy her hats as she will lose her hair as it’s strong chemo they are going in with. What can I do to make my Mam’s life easier when she returns home is there certain things I should buy and what should I expect when she’s going through chemo? Thanks for any advise 🙏
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posted by Ciara-11
22 August 2021

Coping

Last reply: 24 August 2021 13:20
Hey guys, Fairly new here so not exactly sure what to say. My mam was diagnosed with terminal cancer out of the blue recently. To say we are devastated and shocked as a family is an understatement. We never thought this would hit our family but I guess no one ever does. Feeling very lost at the moment as my mam is the closest person to me and we are the closest family ever. Feel like I'm already grieving for her when she is still here and I know the worst is yet to come and it's going to change all our lives forever. Any advice on coping? My friends are amazing but they obviously don't get it because they are never dealt with this. Thanks
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posted by brokensis
24 June 2021

New

Last reply: 04 July 2021 22:54
Just got news this evening that my younger brother has less than a month He was only diagnosed two weeks ago So we have had no time to process How do I support him when all I want to do is curl up and not face it
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posted by cloggie64
27 April 2021

Anticipatory grief

Last reply: 03 July 2021 19:22
Hi, I am new to the group and hope to find out how you are all dealing with the highs/lows and the uncertainty that comes with caring for someone with a terminal cancer diagnosis. My husband, 48 years old, was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer on the day of our first lockdown (12th of March 2020). He had to start chemo immediately, which showed good results initially, but stopped working back in January. He is now on a different, weekly, chemo course. Throughout this difficult year, he has been through so much with side effects, adverse reactions to some medications, pain, mood swings, etc. Seeing him go through all this, is so hard and I feel utterly powerless at times. I am lucky to have good friends and family around me and their support is amazing, but I still feel completely alone at times. Not sure if that makes sense. I had a GP consult today as I am feeling exhausted all the time and he mentioned that I could be going through anticipatory grief. He suggested talking to a counselor, which I have tried before, but I do not seem to be able to connect with this counselor. Its also hard to talk on the phone to someone you never seen in person. Is there anyone on this forum going through these same feelings? How are you coping with it? I would love to hear from you.
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posted by LJH
11 May 2021

Carrying

Last reply: 11 May 2021 12:39
Hi, My beautiful wife, my friend, my love, the strongest person mentally and physically I have ever met was diagnosed with cervical cancer in March. Im caring for her, sorting out her meds and taking her to all her appointments and yet its feels like im not doing enough, I know she feels helpless as she is usually the person that takes care of everyone else and is constantly looking for stuff to do like she used to before she became sick. The being a patient is getting to her but she will get past it. I cant sleep properly because im worried she will wake up in pain and i wont be at hand to help comfort and ease her. It is really hard listening to the person you love groan in agony in their sleep and know there is nothing you can do to help. Im hoping and praying all day everyday that the treatment works and she beats this horrible disease for good. I just wanted to share a little bit of our story and tell everyone to stay strong and there is a world of love and support out there for anyone who needs it ❤
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posted by lisa123
11 March 2021

Mam recently diagnosed

Last reply: 03 May 2021 20:49
Hi, this is my first time posting here , my mam has recently been diagnosed with primary gallbladder cancer and liver metastasis. They have said it’s serious but treatable but obviously we are all very worried for her . She is starting chemo soon. She is 73 and normally in great health but I’m so worried she won’t make it through . Is this a good sign that they are even doing chemo ? I wanted to ask the doctors more when we went in for her diagnosis but didn’t know how much to say in front of her . They did say it’s stage 4. Does anyone have any words of wisdom to help her and my dad and also how can we help her mentally get through the next while ? Should we talk to her about it or distract her ? Just want to help her as best we can . Thanks all
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posted by tinytrina
25 February 2021

My partner has newly diagnosed with tongue and throat cancer

Last reply: 02 May 2021 02:18
Hi I’m new here My partner got diagnosed with tongue and throat cancer last week, we have 6 young children and both work, his cancer came as a shock like most, he’s awaiting surgery and has. More tests this week, he has become very ill really quickly which I’m struggling with he’s losing weight and is becoming very tired and his pain is getting worst. I want to support him as much as I can, I will be his main carer is there anyone going through the same thing caring for a loved one, I would like to make new friends going through this journey and we could support each other, what other support can I give my partner I’m feeling lost at the moment
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