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Hello Everyone, My journey with a cancer just began. I'm 42yo Mam of 1 child. Working for many years helping people with disabilities...and now not being able to do much. I wasn't feeling well since July 2024 and went through many scans, biopsies just to find out on Thursday the 3rd of October 2024 that I have cholangiocarcinoma, which is a cancer of the bile ducts in the liver with liver metastases also. In August they diagnosed me with PSC ( Primary sclerosing cholangitis). So on the top of PSC now I'm diagnosed with bile ducts cancer. I never thought going through something like this. For my whole life I was the one who was helping people, and finding hard to be the one who needs help. Doctors gave me 12 months, but I'm not giving up. I would like to tell you all. It doesn't matter how much time they will give you. We have to fight and believe that everything will be fine. It's all about how we approach our diagnosis. I know it's not easy, we are having good and bad days, but don't let bad thoughts to take over our positive thinking. Stay STRONG and FIGHT.

My husband's cancer is very aggressive and told today now in brain. Diagnosed 10 weks ago. If lucky only weeks left. We expectation of chemotherapy helping and extending life. Not an option now . I'm reeling myself and don't know how to tell them

Hi, I’m wondering if anyone here has undergone HIFU for prostate cancer in the U.K. How was the process for you and did VHI reimburse any of the cost ? Thanks 🙏

Hello everyone . I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago with multifocal invasive carcinoma. It is oestrogen and progesterone receptive . I have six areas in my breast so I need a mastectomy. I am getting the mastectomy and reconstruction on the same day but there is quite a long wait as a plastic surgeon and a general surgeon are involved . It’s now 5 weeks since my initial consultation and they are unable to firm up a date . It’s looking like another 4 to six weeks waiting. I’m a bit demented at this stage. I wonder has anyone a similar experience and were they given chemo? I think you are less likely to have radium with a mastectomy? I feel totally at sea .. many thanks

I had a mastectomy in 2008 and in 2014 after been given all clear decided to have reconstruction. The Implant that was used were found to cause Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma and were discontinued in Ireland in 2018. My gut feeling is to now have Implant removed even though the advice is not to unless you are presenting with symptoms. My thinking is if I have symptoms it is too late. This cancer is treatable but I'm not sure it's curable. Has anyone any advice or in the same situation?

Hello! 39 y.o fella from Dublin. Born with FAP - De nuevo! In and out of Temple Street & Crumlin and had so many tubes and proceedures. Had Total Colectomy with Ileo-Anal and J-Pouch at 16 Now its getting agressive in my Duodenum and will require more surgery this year. Im seeing the surgeon in Vincent's in the coming weeks. You gotta be strong to live with FAP but im feeling quite weak and scared now. Anyone out there with this Beautiful Condition? Id really love to connect and relate to another human being about this. Much love! and thanks for reading

Christmas as joyful and a happy time of the year can equally be a very challenging  and stressful time for some.  Dealing with cancer adds another layer of stress and complexity, here are some tips that may help you over the Christmas period.Make sure you have contact details for the service you are attending or who to contact over the Christmas period, this could be the hospital service or maybe out of hours GP services.  Do not put off making contact if any issues or concerns arise, it is important to have your concerns assessed by the medical team.Make sure you have enough of your medication to cover over the Christmas period as there may be limited access to pharmacies over the Christmas period.  Check your pharmacy opening hours especially if you are expecting to be discharged over the Christmas period.Talk to your medical team about your plans for over the festive period, an important consideration may be your immunity. Accept help, people may have offered to help with the cooking, organizing gifts or even help with the decorations.Cancer can have a big financial impact.  Try not to put pressure on yourself this year, writing a thoughtful card or a small gift or token may be just as appreciated.Talk to your loved ones about the plans, it is ok to say no or to have a more simple Christmas this year.  Try not to put pressure on yourself, if you need to take a break its ok to go have a lie down.Try enjoy yourself 😊If you need support or have any questions, please contact our support line on 1800 200 700 or by emailing supportline@irishcancer.ie. The support line is open 9am -5pm on the 27th, 28th and 29th of December. We are closed on Christmas day, St Stephens day and New years Day. The Nurses on the support line would like to express our warm wishes to you this Christmas. 

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland. Early detection of lung cancer does improve survival. If you have any symptoms of lung cancer it is important that you get these reviewed by your GP. Symptoms of lung cancer include:A cough that doesn’t go away, or a change in a long-term coughWheezing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breathRepeated chest infections that won’t go away, even after antibioticsCoughing up blood-stained phlegm (sputum)Pain in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe inDifficulty swallowingUnexplained weight loss/ appetite lossIf you have any of these symptoms it is important to have them reviewed by your GP. After reviewing you, your GP may recommend that you are referred to a Rapid Access Lung Clinic for further investigations. Rapid access clinics provide initial investigations for those with suspected lung cancer and help reduce the time waiting for investigations and a diagnosis. You can contact our nurses on the Support Line if you have any questions or would like information about supports available. Our Support Line number is 1800 200 700, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. 

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.

Gynaecological cancers are those that affect the female reproductive system and include womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancers. This September the aim is to provide a better understanding of these cancers and their treatments. If you have been diagnosed with any of these cancer types our Supportline has experienced cancer nurses that can answer your queries in confidence. Treatments for gynaecological cancers include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The treatment you will be offered depends on a number of factors and will be explained to you by your doctor and nurse. It is important to understand why you are being offered this treatment and the possible risks or side effects it may cause. Ask questions if you need anything explained. This information may feel overwhelming so remember support is available for you during this time. Your hospital nurse can help you navigate your treatment options and provide advice on managing possible side effects. One possible effect from gynaecological cancer treatment can be the impact on your sexual relationships. Treatment can affect your sexual wellbeing by causing physical and emotional changes. Our website has some information on specific sexual side effects here. Many women feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing this with their medical team but it is important to get the information you need. Your doctor or nurse may not go into detail on these side effects unless they know you would like to discuss it so tell them if you have any queries or concerns. If you would like to speak to a cancer nurse for further information, advice or support you can call our Supportline on 1800 200 700, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. There is also a gynaecological cancer resource called This is GO which is an Irish based personalised online resource for women impacted by Gynaecological Oncology(GO).