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I wrote a post back in May but now I can't find it. My whole entire body is covered in moles. I have a mole that looks different than all the rest of them on my arm. It's black. There is one thing in its favour in that it's small. However it still looks different than the rest of them. I was at my GP nearly 7 weeks ago. She decided to refer me to the hospital for mole removal. I forget what she said but I think she said she was referring me to the surgeon department. Maybe day surgeon or plastic surgeon. I can't remember what she said. She referred me as urgent. I asked for a rough guideline of a waiting time. She said she can't say for sure but she hinted maybe about 2 months. 7 weeks later, not even a call from the hospital or a letter in the mail giving me a date for the procedure. I rang the waiting list number that was on the soalta website a few weeks ago and I was rushed off the phone and the receptionist did say they received the referral but I am being triaged. How long does a triage take? How many more weeks do they need to give me an appointment. I have another mole on my leg that is questionable and I was going to get the hospital to have a look at that too when I went for my appointment. It's nearly 7 weeks since my GP appointment. What is the point of going to a doctor and getting these things looked at when you are referred and ignored for how long?

Hi my son who is 6 is receiving chemo and his hair has started to come out - would anyone recommend any child friendly books I could read with him or give to his teacher to read with his classmates to explain this for him and make it more 'normal' for him thanks

Hello, I had chemo and radiotherapy last year, am currently on Tamoxifen. I finished herceptin injections at the end of April. During treated I had a few little red dots on the ankles, but now they are almost up to the knee. And I am not sure if I just not noticed them before or if it has gotten worse. Is that something I should worry about? Should I contact breast nurse?

  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

Anybody has facial treatments like botox, dermal filler etc during the targetted drugs treatment ? ( Herceptin+perjeta) Thank you

Hi, I'm currently on hormone treatment for estrogen positive breast cancer, I am post surgery and radiotherapy treatment, I will be meeting with my Oncologist and surgeon as part of my follow-up care, I never seem to know what to ask, and I'm wondering if anyone could suggest what information I may need to ask about going forward? I know my follow on care will be an annual mammogram, but is there any other follow-up care I should be having that I may need to request? Any advice would be very much appreciated.

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

Hi, I hope it's ok to post, I found a lump just under 2 weeks ago due to my dog constantly sniffing my left breast, i know, sounds totally strange! I've had lumps and an abcess in the same breast before but when i felt this 'new' one, it just felt 'odd'. I made an appointment to see my gp on the 9th & she referred me immediately and said I would be seen within 2 weeks. The same breast sometimes feels burny, shooting stabby pains on & off and it can be intensely itchy. I am a fairly logical thinker and i am 99% sure the appointment will go well. I am in next Wednesday 24th at 10:30. So, all in all, its been quite quick from finding it, to seeing my gp and going to the breast clinic. I wont lie though I am quite anxious only because it doesn't feel 'familiar' like the other lumos ive had previously. Im attending the appointment on my own cause id only be stressing more worrying about the person waiting for me. I've no idea what to expect at this appointment. Am i right in thinking an early appointment would mean possible tests if they feel its necessary? As im going on my own, is it ok for me to drive IF they do a biopsy? I feel quite alone to be honest, im only 38 so my friends & husband are like youll be grand, itll be nothing, try not to worry. Its easier said than done though, i guess thats why im posting here, for a listening, non emotionally involved ear. Thanks a mill for reading. All support & advice hugely welcome!!

Hi. Has anyone else here had their chemo (adjuvant in my case) delayed in CUH? Or have you had the same experience? Mine has been put back from starting next week until July 25th. I am already 8 weeks post surgery. Thanks.