Community

Hi I got an Ultrasound and mammogram last July due to lump on breast,mammogram showed up calcificifications on opposite breast the left one.Was called back for stereotactic biopsy,results were not cancer thank god but was told I would have another mammogram in 12 months. Had an general appointment with consultant Tuesday and he said results of biopsy last year were not cancer but they were not normal, so will be having yearly mammograms,I started to get a bit worried and told him he said it may increase chance of getting breast cancer down the line and also with family history too,I am 47 and feel a little worried still what does abnormal cells mean ?

Hi guys I was referred by my doctor to the breast clinic with a lump on my breast 12 weeks ago. I was put on a 12 week wait period and my doctor received information from the hospital about this. She gave me a number to call if I hadn't received a letter in a couple of weeks and the lady who answered quite quickly got me off the phone with a solid answer of "you're down for a year, ok? Bye". I'm residing in Waterford at the moment. I called my doctor and she told me to call again after the 12 week period had ended and I did today. I reached a voicemail of the same lady directing anyone to call another number. Once I called this number I was told that my wait will be up to two years! I asked her if there is any point in me waiting 2 years with this and she said "well it's up to you" and that they wouldn't have any more information about the 12 week period because they are new to taking over the department. I will be calling my doctor again who said she will see what she can do following this but who knows how this will end. I'm 29 with a history of breast cancer in my family. I can't afford private healthcare as I'm a student who has been receiving grants to support my cost of living here. Has anyone else been dealing with this conflict? This seems absolutely ludicrous and terrifying for me now to deal with and I can't find too many personal stories about it or how to handle it; all I can find are recent statistics here and there regarding wait times. I mean, why even bother saying 2 years to me. I will be beyond the point of saviour once that time has come. I can't believe this is going on really. Breast cancer is a common enemy in our female society. How it's not the top priority is beyond me. Please reach out to me and help me out with some resolutions or personal stories. Thanks so much for reading. Jade

Hi I was just wondering how long people waited from the doctors referral to see the gynecologist and to get the scans done. I went for my smear and the doctor was worried and ended up doing and internal and felt something. She sent me for bloods and a scan. The marker was slightly raised over the normal number. I am waiting 3months now for a scan and a gynecologist appointment. It might be nothing but waiting so long is really stressing me out. Can anyone give me an idea on how much longer I could be waiting?

I’m starting treatment next week and I’m looking for advise and what types of headwear to buy and where to buy them.

Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. It's not aggressive but serious enough to need to be removed. I now need to choose between surgery and radiation. I have read about both options and would be grateful for experiences for others who have been through one or the other and the long term effects, such as incontinence. Thanks

Hello, I was diagnosed with hormone positive breast cancer in Sept of 2020. I have since gone on to have a mastectomy and did 4 rounds of TC Chemo. Throughout all my treatment and even now I have been told that I can leave the mirena coil in - it will not affect my body causing more cancer. Speaking to other women however I note they have been advised to have it removed asap. Which is the correct course of action as now that I am back to myself again I can't go through this ever again? Thank you.

My father has a fistula, his surgeon will not operate as he is too weak from infections due to this fistula. Has anyone info on treating this further? It seems awful to be left hanging like this. I hear of other treatments, but I don't know where to ask? Is there any pioneering doctors who have helped you? Best, G

Rectum

My pharmacy says that the total cost of my medication is not covered under the Drugs Payment Scheme as I am having 2 cycles of chemo per month. Is this usual?

Hi, I was diagnosed with BC in Feb in my right breast, I had lumpectomy and a month of radi therapy which finished mid May. Everything healed and settled down into June. I started tamoxifen early June also. But since early July I have constant ache and discomfort in both armpits. So bad it woke me up at night. I've been back to my consultant in June & he referred me for mammo and u/s of both sides, which I had done 2 wks ago. The radiologist there said pain & lumps in right side are most likely due to radiation therapy and that the covid vax can cause swelling in area where I received my vax (left arm). While left armpit isn't as bad now as it was, the right has got worse since the mammo & u/s. Finding it uncomfortable to wear bra and to sleep, with heaviness & discomfort. Is this normal 10 wks post radiation therapy even when it seem to settle down in June. Or is it something I need to get re checked or mri? I'm anxious something is amiss. Thank you for your help.