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Hi, I am just wondering if anyone is experiencing long waits for radiotherapy treatment? I have health insurance, so going privately, but it has now been 13 weeks since my surgery and no date yet. I had the CT planning appt 2 weeks ago but they said it would be another 3-4 weeks before I heard anything. I am anxious about the delay - I was never told initially that there would be any delays and had to keep calling week after week only to be told I was in ‘the pile’ and they couldn’t give any idea of time scale. Is this the normal? Could I have had radiotherapy quicker in another centre?

Hi, I’m new to the forum. I was referred to the breast clinic today in Galway.. Gp said wait time about 2 weeks, I called the clinic and they are saying up to 8 because of Covid backlog…. My question is to everyone that has had to wait for an appointment, how do you manage, I have been in bits all day and have no idea how to handle this, thankyou

Hi there, my Dad was sent for a chest scan and received a letter requiring him to attend a full body scan. Can we presume something was found in chests scan? No correspondence from consultant, has follow up appointment in March. It's a long wait...

hi so i recently went to a counselling session in one of the dublin centres. i didn't find it overly helpful and thought id come away with more sense of relief (i have talked to close friends and my mam endlessly so i haven't bottled everything up) anyway i thought maybe its just more like an assessment 1st time, went again a couple of times with my partner in tow as weve had lot of issues throughout my treatment and recovery, and it really didn't help. i didn't find the counsellor suited us or helped, it actually made things worse..she kept saying she was here to listen, which of course was needed, thought shed be critical and dive in deep to sort isssues.. maybe im wrong in expecting that and we'd need a more particular counsellor? we both agreed she didnt help or suit.. so i didnt go again, i thought it be rude to ask them for a different counsellor what do i do now? i still need someone proper to talk to, i feel my other half needs to go individually and potentially couples if he does solo sessions.. i looked up some private counsellors but at a glance i cant afford their rates.. im dublin/kildare, i had been going in person but zoom call would even be possible.. can i go out of county for help esp if its zoom?

Hi all im new to this For the past 9 months ive had a niggling pain in my low left abdomen i went to a GP twice to be told try ignore as it doesnt sound sinister. Recently in the past 2 weeks ive noticed blood in my stool. I go regulary every day no change in bowel habits just the constant niggling pain which is bareable. Im very worried it could be cancer. My stomach also gurgles a lot and i pass a lot of wind Has anybody any similar experiences if so please let me know.

Hello I'm Alice I'm new to this site I'd like to talk with people going through cancer the same as myself I'm 68 and this is my second time going through breast cancer, Just looking for new online friends

HPV (human papilloma virus) is a very common virus that most people will have at some point in their lives.  There is over 100 strains of this virus and some strains increase your cancer risk.  1 in 20 cancers diagnosed worldwide are caused by HPV.  Further information about the virus can be found on our website. The HPV schools vaccine programme will shortly commence for 2021/2022 and will be offered free to both boys and girls in their first year of secondary school.  The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against the HPV virus, which can cause cancer and genital warts in both women and men and protects against the types of HPV that cause 9 out of 10 cervical cancers. On the support line, we often get questions from the public about the vaccine and the programme, some frequently asked questions are: Is the Vaccine safe? The HPV vaccine is safe. The safety of the HPV vaccine has been studied for over 15 years. Over 1 million people have been studied during clinical trials since the vaccine was licensed in 2006.   Information about vaccine safety can be found here.  There is no scientific evidence in Ireland or in any other country that the HPV vaccine causes any long-term medical condition. There are stories on social media claiming that the HPV vaccine causes an increase in cases of: postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) – an increase in heart rate that can make you feel faint and dizzy complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) – a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg The European Medicines Agency (EMA) researched these claims in 2015. They found no evidence that the HPV vaccine leads to an increase in these conditions, further information can be found here. Vaccines are strictly monitored and reviewed regularly by international bodies including the: World Health Organization European Medicines Agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA Are there any side effects from the vaccine? Most people have no problems after the vaccine. The HPV vaccine has many of the same, mild side effects as other vaccines.  Soreness, swelling and redness in their arm where the injection was given. This is nothing to worry about as this usually passes after a day or two. Headache, or feel sick in their tummy or have a slight temperature. If this happens, paracetamol or ibuprofen will help. Occasionally, some people may feel unwell and faint after getting their injection. To prevent this, when someone gets the vaccine they are asked to sit down and rest for 15 minutes after the vaccination. All international bodies have continually reported that the vaccines used in Ireland have no long-term side effects. Can Gardasil 9 be given alongside the COVID-19 vaccine? The National Immunisation Advisory Committee says that other vaccines can be given with COVID-19 vaccines.  A gap is not needed between COVID-19 vaccines and the vaccines offered as part of the school vaccination programme. My child/I decided not to proceed with the HPV schools programme in their first year of secondary school can they/I opt in now? Anyone not in 1st year of secondary school or age equivalent in special schools or home schooled during 2021/2022 school year who wish to get the HPV vaccine, must go to their GP or sexual health clinic and pay for the vaccine and its administration privately.  The vaccine costs approximately 200 euro per dose, if you have private health insurance we recommend to check if it is covered on your policy. Any student in first year of second level school in the 2020/2021 school year who had opted into the programme, but missed their second dose due to school closures will be offered an appointment to compete the course. If you miss a dose due to absence, contact your local school vaccination team to arrange an appointment. Some useful websites that are a good resource for information are listed below.  Please contact our support line on 1800 200 700 or by emailing supportline@irishcancer.ie if you would like any information or advice from a cancer nurse. https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/hpv-human-papillomavirus/ https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/hpv-vaccination-programme/ https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/about/ http://www.hpra.ie/docs/default-source/vaccine-pils/gardasil-9-01-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Hi to you all, I recently had a diagnosis of Vulval Cancer and following on from surgery in St James hospital was there any Gynae Support groups for women that anyone is aware of. thanks for reading this post and look forward to hearing from you.,

Hi, My mam (69) has contained cancer in the right humerus 12 years after breast cancer in the left breast & lymph nodes. All clear on the breast cancer some years back. This new cancer was Discovered after a pathological fracture to the humerus bone in her arm- without a fall- (a titanium rod and clips in arm required 9 weeks after fracture ). Does anyone have any experience of this? A metastses/sis after so much time in a ‘long bone’? Many thanks, I know my query is a bit specific but I am at very much at sea trying to find comparable or close to relevant experiences.

Hi. I had a mastectomy a week ago and cannot bring myself to look at my chest area. I have coped with 6 months of chemo, but find this part very difficult. Any advice?