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I am supposed to go for Chemotherapy. The drug being used is Folfox. I was amazed at the side effects while the treatment is being given. It has raised a question as to whether I want to go ahead with the treatment. Has anyone used Folfox and how did you feel during the treatment. Thanks Richard Galway

When a loved one is coming to the end of their life, it is a hugely emotional time.  The practicalities of caring for someone at home can be an added stress to a very sad situation. Here is some advice that we give to our callers to help empower them in this incredibly challenging time. Make a plan - roles and responsibilities can be shared. We recommend to put a Rota in place to share care and to give everyone a break.  Tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping can be assigned so everyone has a role. Communicate with the medical team – arrange a family meeting, this will ensure everyone has the same information and also gives everyone an opportunity to ask any questions.  It will give clarity on what care can be expected and what the expectations are from the family.  A discussion about care options such as hospice or a palliative bed in a nursing home may be appropriate to talk about. Care support at home is assessed individually, the medical team will advise the level of care available.  Bear in mind that while there is support available, the majority of the care taking rests on family members – this is an important consideration when deciding to care for someone at home at the end of their life. Topics to consider when arranging care include When and Who to contact if there are any issues, including when out of hours. Night nursing care provided by the Irish Cancer Society. Equipment (hospital bed, toileting aids, mobility aids). Care package hours. Our support line can be reached on 1800 200 700 if you would like to speak with a nurse about your unique situation.  We also have a booklet ‘A time to care’ that is available to download or post. If you have any other tips or advice, please comment below

Hi all, delighted to have found this forum. I found a large lump in my left breast a few weeks ago. My doc was very concerned and I had an urgent referral to Vincent’s. I had an appt with the consultant yest who said he thinks it’s a cyst but I still need to have a mammogram & ultrasound in a few weeks. The waiting now is killing me. Am I wrong to be worried as the consultant didn’t seem to be? Or should I just prepare myself in case it is serious. I am so tired with the last year, heavy legs full of fluid. Started HRT but it isn’t helping with the tiredness.

I was diagnosed with ER/PR+ breast cancer in February 2022. I was advised to have two surgeries after which they were unable to reach clear margins. On this basis I was advised that chemotherapy was necessary. Five weeks after chemotherapy my surgeon advised a full mastectomy, completed in October 2022. The final pathology from the tissue following my mastectomy stated there was no disease present in the breast. Has anyone here has a similar experience with the same ER/PR+ T2N1 diagnosis?

Hi, I've been diagnosed for a 3rd time with breast cancer March 2023. In 2017 I was diagnosed with Invasive ductal carcinoma, HER2 positive. Had Lumpectomies in both breast. AC chemo therapy (4 sessions) Taxol for 18 sessions & 8 weeks of radiation. In remission for 4 years. In February 2022 I found a lump behind my left nipple & because of my history I got checked out & they discovered 2 small tumours under my breast. Had 4 sessions of chemo & than a double mastectomy in November 2022. No treatment follow up. In March 2023 I again found a small lump on my left chest wall. After investigation etc it has been discovered that the cancer has come back and has now spread into my skin & the muscle of my left chest wall which is horrendously painful. I'm 8 sessions of chemo in. Long story I know but I'd like to know if anyone else has experienced something like this? I'm told there is a new "Super" drug called Astrazeneca. Has anyone heard of it? Any information or advice would be lovely. Thanks

Recently found out my dad has melonoma from a mole in his leg. He has gotten it removed and is getting tests done. He got an ultrasound on his groin and is due to get a PET/CT scan. I’m so worried and panicked and I read that these are only requested for advanced melonoma. Is this the case? I am in a constant state of shock as his diagnosis and can’t get it out of my mind, feels like a bad dream.

I’m currently undergoing treatment for triple negative breast cancer. My oncologist has suggested a clinical trial called Sascia Clinical Trial with the drug called Sacituzumab Govitecan. I was just wondering if anyone else has taken part in this trial and if you could tell me about your experience with it and the side effects?

  Pride is about acceptance, friendship, and coming together for the LGBTQIA+ community. We hope everyone is enjoying the festivities.   This Pride, we want to remind you that no matter how you identify or whoever you love, the Irish Cancer Society is here for you.  Sexual orientation and gender identity should not affect your access to the right healthcare.     If you, your friends, or family members have any worries or concerns about cancer, you can talk to one of our cancer nurses in confidence on our Freephone - 1800 200 700, Monday – Friday 9am -5pm   Cancer Nurse

Hi, I’m just wondering anyone who was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer if you had any other tests/scans such as bone scan, cat scan, mri etc??

As this is Men’s Health Week, we the cancer nurses on the Irish Cancer Society Support line would love to hear from you! We are here Mon-Fri 9-5pm & our free confidential phone number is 1800 200 700. Whatever your concern is, we would like to support and advise you accordingly.  You can also contact us by emailing supportline@irishcancer.ie So often people can be so busy in their own lives or caring for others, they may not make the time to see their GP or they may not attend screening such as Bowel screen. Just a quick phone call to our nurses here on this support line, could help you to clarify your thoughts and concerns about cancer. Many also worry about their risk of getting cancer and how can they reduce this risk. We can discuss this with you and email or post our booklet called ‘Spot Cancer Early Manual for Men’  which also has information for men on how to reduce your risks. I do hope we will hear from you Kind regards Cancer Nurse