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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.

1. Just back yesterday for the ‘results’ of lumpectomy. I wasn’t expecting surgeon today to say another surgery is needed. Does this happen much? Is there someone out there with the same experience? 2. Also, I would love to know what are the chances of needing radiotherapy afterwards, surgeon hopes I might avoid it, but again, I would love to hear from people. 3. (Couldn’t sleep last night, was inclined to blame surgeon for missing the extra calcification that now bring need for the second surgery. ) All support welcome.

I went to my GP this week with a strange lump on one of my breasts. At first she was very reassuring, saying that because of my age (35) it would probably be nothing to worry about. However as soon as she felt it, she said she was making an urgent referral to St James's breast clinic. She said I should get an appointment within two weeks. I'm not usually one to worry, but I knew myself from when I felt the lump that it was bad news. It's a small hard painless lump, deep down, and it seems to be growing and changing very quickly. I'm just wondering if anyone knows is the appointment usually within 2 weeks? Or should I consider going private? And what can I expect at the clinic? Thanks very much, appreciate any advice.

I've just been diagnosed with a malignant parotid tumor and to be honest until a few weeks ago didn't know was the parotid gland was. Is there anyone else out there going through this type of cancer? Id love to connect with people going through this too.

I visited my doctor about 5 weeks ago with discharge from my breast. She referred me to Galway Breast Clinic and said it should be 6 weeks for an appointment. Still haven't heard anything. Does anyone know what waiting time is in Galway. Would it be ok to ring Clinic. Going out of my mind waiting.

I have a number of worrying symptoms, I have ongoing pain, as well as a mass in my abdomen confirmed by 5 GPS. I was sent to a and e twice by go requesting scans. Both times I was refused as bloods were normal so they decided I am fine. Did no checks, did not even feel for mass. That was a month ago, now I am still waiting for a colonoscopy, the gp said with how the public is atm it will be at least 4 more weeks. So I am requesting a private test. The go wants to know where I want to go. I can't afford it, am a medical card patient. A family has offered to pay. I am wondering where to go? Has anyone had experiences with the various private hospitals. Are they generally the same wait time/price or do they vary? Please share your experiences and recommendations. How much they cost, how long you waited etc. Thankyou

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 ❤

Hi, I found a lump and the GP found 2 more. I've been referred to the Galway Breast Check clinic. I've phoned them and they have my referral letter 2 weeks. GP marked it urgent. They couldn't say how untilI get my appointment. What has your experience been? Also how long should I expect to be at the clinic the day of the appointment?

Hi everyone. I completed 10 years of Tamoxifen in November 2020. My periods had stopped in March 2020 and had been irregular for the past 3 years with breaks between periods of up to 3 months sometimes. They originally had stopped during chemo but returned after I finished treatment and I always had periods whilst on tamoxifen and the oncologist wasn't worried. My oncologist had told me I was in Menopause when they had stopped altogether and was surprised I lasted so long without entering menopause as I was 36 on diagnosis. I finished with my oncologist in November after 11 years. But in December my periods returned and are regular every month since. I am just wondering if my breast cancer was Oestrogen positive and I have no tamoxifen to help with levels is it dangerous to have periods. I had a left side mastectomy but still have my right breast. Would love some advice as I cannot call my oncologist anymore.

Hi, I had a mole removal on April 8th, 2021. It was my 2nd mole removal procedure, first one was done two years ago, and I was doing it in a different country. Wanted to ask about getting results in Ireland... I have called my GP and they still haven't received my results. Called the dermatologist today, and they have said the results were already sent, however, they will send it once again to my GP. I am under stress a bit... Could you please tell me from your experience how GP is calling out the results for the following procedure? Do they tell you if it's all good over the phone or there will be an appointment anyway, no matter the result? I have been referred for the mole removal around the end of March, since then around 20 new moles appeared so I am going crazy a bit waiting on that result... Thank you for your support in advance. Regards, Daria