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posted by aloevera
18 May 2023

Side effects of T-DM1 vs T-DXd

Last reply: 02 June 2023 15:21
Has anyone been given either trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) or trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd)? If so, what kind of side effects did you experience with either of them? I’m after completing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer and surgery, and my oncologist has suggested these drug treatments. As the drug treatments could last approximately 10 months, and I need to consider their impact on my ability to return to work, I need to get an idea of the likelihood of side effects. Please let me know.
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posted by BRODYTRAVERS1
21 May 2023

Looking after my husband

Last reply: 02 June 2023 10:38
Hello there, I'm currently looking after my husband who has cancer, and I've stopped work to become his carer..he is on chemo, his tumours are shrinking, and some tests are very positive...but I'm not in a good head space really myself, as I keep thinking the worst case scenarios and its making me sick too. Am I the only person who feels and thinks like this?? I really need some kind of support I think...we live with my elderly father too..who has been great...but I know he doesn't want to see me crying, and my family are just OK, not a great help....am I silly and selfish to feel so lost and sad sometimes...as I need to be perfect for my husband....im looking after him 7 days a wk. Thankyou folks in advance ❤
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posted by Hopeful
24 April 2023

Taking supplements while on treatment

Last reply: 25 April 2024 17:39
Hello. My mam is currently undergoing treatment for lung cancer, she is receiving chemo ( carboplatin + paclitaxel ) and immunotherapy ( pembro ) and she will also need one session of radiation in the coming weeks. I was wondering whether it is safe for her to take supplements while on this treatment? I have read that ginger and turmeric are good for fighting cancer so she has been drinking herbal teas with ginger and I was going to get her some turmeric supplements but I am not sure if these will be ok as I have also read that they may interfere with the treatment and its best to get them from diet? Any advice is appreciated as it can be hard to get a hold of her medical team on the phone and she isn't back in for treatment for another two weeks
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posted by joerirsh
24 May 2023

How long to get diagnosis for possible prostate cancer

Last reply: 01 June 2023 09:10
My doctor has recommended me to get an MRI scan and possible biopsy. How lng should this whole process take before I get any results. Thanks
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posted by maya
24 May 2023

Facial treatment

Last reply: 30 May 2023 16:00
Hello i am stage 4 cancer patience, i will have to use herception+ perjeta infinitive. I wonder during the treatment can i have facial treatments like botox,dermal fillers and laser resurfacing? Thank you
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posted by mtcmolloy
29 May 2023

Event: Art Exhibition fundraiser for the Cancer society of ireland

Last reply: 29 May 2023 10:57
A week-long art exhibition is being held in Finavarra, Co. Clare this weekend to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. The event will be opened on Saturday at 6pm by RTE's Katie Hannon.
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posted by rachhh
28 May 2023

Beaumont hospital

I will be doing a fundraiser in loving memory of my Mum. All funds will go directly to St Teresa’s Ward. If you would like to donate: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/RachaelKerr1
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posted by AnnMaria
21 May 2023

PICC Line

Last reply: 28 May 2023 19:20
Hi, I’m recently diagnosed with Er/Pr + breast cancer. I’m 6 weeks post op breast conservation surgery. I start chemo next week. I was shocked that I would need a PICc Line. This will be inserted the morning of my first chemo. Is this usual. I will have to cope with the sore arm & stress of first chemo experience. (other arm still not back to full use after node clearance surgery). Can you advise please as I’m struggling with all of this new information. Thank you
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posted by Hoof1
15 October 2018

FNA biopsy on thyroid -my experience and diagnosis

Last reply: 27 January 2025 22:46
I'm describing my experience of an ultrasound guided FNA biopsy for anyone who would like information on it.  Although my 2 sets of blood results were within normal ranges, my doctor noticed a lump on my neck when I swallowed during a visit. Following a consult with an endocrinologist and an ultrasound I then went for the FNA biopsy. I am in my late twenties and had no symptoms at all associated with thyroid cancer. I would have been healthy and rarely needed to visit the doctor prior to this.  I had a good experience with the biopsy. The procedure was explained to me. My head was resting over a pillow so my neck was extended backwards. My whole neck area was cleaned with a wipe and alcohol rub (not very sure about the exact materials used) and a blue gown was put around me to protect clothing from the iodine put on my neck after the biopsy. I received a local anaesthetic (which was like getting the numbing injection in the dentist only in my neck). Felt like getting blood taken, only felt a pinch. After being left for a few minutes for the anaesthetic to take effect, I had to try and not swallow/move my neck, especially when the needle would be inserted into my neck ( I had one nodule/lump on my left side only). The gel was applied to my neck for the ultrasound to guide the needle. A countdown from 3 was used so I knew when the needle would be inserted. A slight pressure was felt where the needle went in but it didn't feel tight/ choking. I just knew it was there. I found it good to focus on a point in the ceiling to distract myself from it. The needle was inserted 3 times in total to get enough representative cell samples. A sticky plaster/bandage was placed over where the needle went in which I removed the next day. Felt fine after it, went home 10 minutes or so after the procedure.  For anyone wondering how it turned out, the diagnosis was papillary carcinoma. I'm having my left lobe of my thyroid removed in just over a week and have spoken to people who have had this surgery. Outlook is positive. Did have consult with surgeon and having vocal cord check, bloods and ecg prior to surgery. Don't forget to ask about risks with flying pre and post surgery just incase you are a high risk patient for surgery. Hope this post helps someone who is in a similar boat to me
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posted by Sunnyshe
21 May 2023

Letrozole

Last reply: 04 August 2023 23:11
Hi. I'm currently on letrozole for estrogen positive breast cancer. I have completed my surgery and radiotherapy treatment. I've been on letrozole for about 10 weeks now, I'm finding the side effects very difficult and they are impacting my daily life. I have joint and muscle discomfort, along with very low energy. My G.P has given me paracetamol to help off set the pain, and I am also on Vimovo. When I return for my follow-up oncology appointment, I will mention these side effects. My main question is, is there anything oncology can add to my treatment care to help with these symptoms, also will things improve over time, or would I be best to change to an alternative medication to letrozole? Thank you in advance.
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