Community

Hi, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Aug 23. I had lumpectomy and my onco test was low so no chemo. I started tamoxifen and was referred for radiation, the breast are nurse said there is a 12 week window where you should start after surgery but the hospital have said I could be waiting another 4 weeks for the mapping then another 4/6 weeks to start, so I am getting worried now. Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi I was diagnosed with local recurrance in oct 21 just a month off 10yrs clear of first diagnoses . I have finished all treatment since jan of this year thankfully ,although still having 6monthly Ct scan . Last scan was sept and saw oncologist after who was happy enough for another 6 months. I pointed out when there that I noticed a small pucker on my diep reconstructed breast on the opposite side to lumpectomy . She had a look said seemed to be ok ,but it’s just not sitting with me and I now have a feeling of fullness in both of my armpits but predominantly in bad side . There is also pain . I’m assuming it’s all scar tissue and nerve issues after lumpectomy and previous surgery ? Anyone anything similar ? TIA

Hi, I had a triple assessment last week for a lump that I found while I was pregnant. I am now 3 weeks post partum. I was truly shocked to be effectively diagnosed straight away. Now I am just waiting for biopsy results for staging. I am 38 and in a blind panic. I couldn't ask anything because I was in shock. I have a 12 day wait for my results. I have had upper back pain since labour and have convinced myself that it has spread to my lungs. I'm so worried about the future, especially since I'm a new mum. If anyone could help answer some questions. Is it standard to take a lymph node sample at triple assessment or is it only done if spreading is suspected? Was there any financial supports available? If you can't work or need to get a carer? Thank you.

No question too big or too small. The Irish Cancer Society has experienced cancer nurses on our support line. They are there to answer any question about prostate cancer. They will provide advice information and support to both men and their partners/family or friends on any query regarding prostate cancer. And there are many questions… It may be ‘what age should I start discussing the PSA test with my GP What is the PSA test What if my father/brother had prostate cancer You may have questions about the treatment and the side effects of treatments and how to manage them It may be practical questions around local support or transport to hospital. You may wonder why women are called for screening and not men- this is something our cancer nurses can explain. We can inform you about Prostate Rapid Access Clinics around the country- who they are for and how the referral system works. Or it may be all around the emotional aspect to a cancer diagnosis. Maybe talking to another man who is trained as one of our Peer to Peer volunteers and has been through prostate cancer treatment would be helpful to you at this time. You may find talking to a trained counsellor would help you to cope better with your worries and distress. Counselling is available not only to the person going through cancer treatment but also to a loved one finding it all very hard. Maybe you or your relative’s prostate cancer is advanced and you are worried about the future & what support and services are there for you. Maybe you are wondering about clinical trials and prostate cancer and what questions to ask your consultant. Everybody has different concerns at this moment in time. That is why the individual approach can be of so much benefit. Do phone our cancer nurses knowing your call is confidential. Our freephone number is 1800 200 700. We are here Mon-Fri 9-5pm. You can also email us at supportline@cancer.ie or request a video call with one of our nurses. We do hope we will hear from you-and not only during November! Best wishes Cancer Nurse  

Hello, I'm going to the triple assessment clinic in Mater Private next Monday. I haven't even received a letter or text confirming and don't know what to expect. This does not fill me with confidence regarding the clinic. If they don't mention anything to me about how the scans look does that mean it's bad? I'll be seeing the consultant on Wednesday so of course he will go through everything. It's just...well you know how sometimes radiographers will say "all looks ok", if they don't does that mean there is an issue? Also, what will indicate to them that I need a biopsy? If things do look fine, will they biopsy in order to understand my symptoms? I'm overwhelmed and worn out with it all.

Hi Just looking for advice on travel insurance please , am planning on a holiday nxt summer and wondering does anybody have any recommendations for a company that will insure you while still on active cancer treatment. My consultant is happy for me to travel and will provide a letter saying so , am finished chemo & cancer free but still go in to hospital every 8 weeks for infusion of Obinutuzamab which is an immunotherapy/antibody drug. My private health cover doesn't cover travel abroad and just wondering has anybody been in a similar situation and know of an insurance company that covered your cancer while abroad , have EHIC but worst case scenario and I became unwell abroad and needed to be brought home by airambulance I would be happier going known I had all eventualities covered. Thanks in advance

Hi,I just had lumpactomy done on Tuesday and yesterday I realized that I have some sort of a rash on my chest till under my bra line. It is not particularly itchy only where the bra's non cotton part touches it. Should I be worried? Thanks in advance

Hi, I had a mammogram last Tuesday, was called back in less than a week later, had another mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. I've got an appointment with consultant in 11 more days to "discuss where we go from here". 11 more days is a long time wondering and waiting. It sounds to me like the doctors know something, could this be the case ? And they are just waiting for the biopsy to confirm? I was told to bring someone with me on the 15th when they called with the appointment. Every day feels like forever while I'm waiting. Is it normal practice to be told to bring along support? I am 42.

Hi, I had a mammogram last Tuesday, was called back in less than a week later, had another mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. I've got an appointment with consultant in 11 more days to "discuss where we go from here". 11 more days is a long time wondering and waiting. It sounds to me like the doctors know something, could this be the case ? And they are just waiting for the biopsy to confirm? I was told to bring someone with me on the 15th when they called with the appointment. Every day feels like forever while I'm waiting. Is it normal practice to be told to bring someone with you?

Hello all, I am Aayushee, I am currently living in cork to support my sister on her cancer journey. We are originally from India. I have a doubt, my sister was admitted in mercy university hospital cork for 26 days as she developed an infection in surgical site post surgery, we haven’t received any discharge/ treatment summary containing the details of her treatment during that duration. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and we would need the same details when she is done with her treatment as this would be helpful in taking it back to India for second opinions from doctors. How can I get these? We had reached out to FOI for scan reports and have received them, but I am still not clear about these treatment summary details.