Community

Hi, I was first diagnosed with Melanoma in July 2013 and have since had a groin lymph node dissection. Drain is out about 4 weeks but now I have a very sore swollen lower leg. My consultant thought maybe it was DVT but thankfully an ultrasound has eliminated that so now I have been diagnosed with Lymphedema. I was wondering are there any Lymphedema support groups in Ireland to discuss similar stories and tips on how to help with Lymphedema? Regards Worried

Hi, I have recently had more surgery for a recurrence of melanoma. It has been just over a year since my initial diagnosis and surgical treatment. I had my lymph nodes removed in my groin. My recent surgery was in early December. I found a lump in my groin which lit up on a pet scan and was removed. I don't know much about the results yet as I wanted to enjoy my Christmas so didn't ask many questions. I do know that, like many other cancers, melanoma is a big deal... I am due to see my surgeon next Friday and after that I have a follow up appointment with my dermatologist who will discuss my situation with me and tell me what is in store for me in times ahead. I did enjoy my Christmas, surrounding myself with family and home comforts, though I did have a lot of pain unfortunately due to arthritis. I realised a few days ago that I had made no effort to meet any friends over the holidays or do any socialising at all. (no-one made an effort to meet me either to be honest - cancer seems to keep some people at a distance, it seems). Anyway, I went out to meet some people from work lastnight. ( I haven't been able to work for over a year now with rheumatoid arthritis, melanoma also making an appearance along the way of course.) I found myself becoming very anxious all day about meeting them and this really surprised me. I went, thinking it would be good for me, but found that I came home early and was feeling very anxious, almost upset about the experience. I'm sure it was a mixture of emotions that came up for me. One, was that it brought home to me a huge part of my life that I have lost (I loved my job a lot and the people in it as much) and two., I felt like an outsider in their company. I'm sure they didn't notice but I found I had little to talk about that didn't involve doctors or pain, which has been a huge part of my life this past year. I tried not to refer to any of it but I did so automatically on one or two occasions. When I came home I was uneasy having spoken about my health. People, I feel don't want or need to hear my woes, especially when socialising. And I am also aware that cancer is something that a lot of people are not comfortable being around. I have suddenly realised since my recent surgery that my life has changed dramatically. I have been working so hard at staying positive and keeping that smile on my face and now I suddenly feel completely detached from the real world. I am beginning to not want to meet anybody who is not family or close friends. is this a stage i'm going through or should I be concerned? I'm hoping it is just part of living with cancer and that I will become sociable again in time. I hate the thought of having to endure counselling and face more emotional stuff but I really don't want to withdraw too much as I'm guessing that's a slippery slope ... Anne

My name is Eamonn and I'm making a new documentary for BBC Northern Ireland which aims to try and understand more about the psychological, physical and emotional impact that cancer can have on the someone suffering from the illness and their loved ones. We need people to share their stories as part of the film. Please let me know if this is something that you could help us with. Many Thanks Eamonn

Hi all, due to start new chemo drugs next week, taxol and herceptin, having weekly treatment, anyone had this, can you give any advice on what to expect. Thanks

hi everyone, me back again.i went in this week to meet dr. for my radiotherapy and while chatting he mentioned my diagnosis which he says is invasive ,on my biopsy i was D C I S. , now after surgery it,s invasive.i know it wont affect my prognosis ,which is excellent but it threw me as all the research i had been doing was on d c i s.I am meeting oncologist next week.Has this happened to anyone else and also can we get a copy of our pathology results, I know nothing about grade ,stage or quality of tumour.I do know size.I feel very stupid as I know very little about my illness!

Hi everyone, yes it is Valentines Day, this is my FIRST post as I have only joined this message board. My new resolution is to keep up the enthusiasm to contribute. For the past two years I have been receiving treatment for prostate cancer. I have remained upbeat about this but in the day centre I have not had much opportunity except occasionally to chat with a fellow surviver. These last two years I have been busy doing study, I am a general nurse and now when I go for treatment I am so to speak on the other side of the bed. Anyway, I know there are many people who must read these blogs. Just reading or listening is a gift in itself. I love writing, chatting, sharing things. I am not on any other blog as I want to give time to this site. Well if anyone wants to ask any questions or share some thoughts please do. Like tonight I am sitting in with my wife waiting to watch the Late Late show - I believe all about singles. Any way it is something to do together. I am on hormone therapy so not much happening in that department, nudge, nudge. If you are alone tonight and feeling blue well cheer up - there is always something really good around the corner. Good night.

Hi, Not sure if anyone watched nTionwide on rte tonight, quite interesting about breast cancr groups. I am so not in the habit of exercising on mt own as I would prefer to go to the gym, I enjoy step and Zumba, but was advised nit to due to risk of infection. Does any one knoe of walking groups on Northside of dublin, I really do need toget off my ass and exercide when I can that is. Thanks hole all are keeping well. Only 5 more chemo to go as from today, over half dome. Woo hoooooo.

Hi, just wondering if anyone getting this regime. It's the 5ffu, iricantin and oxyplatin. I'm h each d ing for cycle 6 on Wednesday. Seems most people are on combination of two but not all three. I'm 43 yr female with stage 4 colon cancer. It's the first time I've posted on any boards but really would like to hear from someone on this "cocktail"

Hello there, I recently had a kidney removed due to a 7cm tumour. The whole kidney, adrenal gland and lymph nodes were also removed. Two further lymph nodes were detected under my collarbone so as a result I have been prescribed Sutent as part of a long term treatment plan. I would love to know of anyone on similar treatment. Thank you 37 yr old mum of 3

Hello everybody! has anyone experience with cancer vaccines of immunotherapies?