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I successfully finished treatment for Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma in December 2020. Not long after my treatment began I noticed a decline in my cognitive ability. To this day I still have issues with fatigue, memory loss, inability to focus for long periods of time, executive dysfunction and heightened anxiety. This is life altering for me and impacts on every aspect of my life, but no one seems to be taking it seriously. I was told it would improve a few months after I finished chemo. It has not really improved at all beyond my energy levels improving a bit. There seem to be no resources available and very little research done. I found one study from 2020 in relation to this and the results indicated that up to a third of HL Survivors deal with long term cognitive issues after treatment. As this is a cancer that effects a lot of young people the effects over a lifetime can be extreme. Why is no one talking about this? I read another study about the impact of reduced estrogen on dopamine levels in the brain as well. It indicated that a reduction in estrogen for more than 10 days can permanently impact our ability to produce and regulate dopamine...which directly impacts executive function, memory, focus etc. Why is this not being discussed with female patients? Someone telling me to use a planner/diary, write stuff down and that I just have to make myself do things is unhelpful. It is insulting! This goes far beyond what such unhelpful advice can remedy. I have mentioned my problems to my oncologist at every single follow up appointment and there is no help being offered to me? Have ADHD drugs ever been used to help people in this country with long term chemo brain? I read a study from the US where they had some success with this. Why is this not being adopted here? Why is this crippling side effect being dismissed as not important. It has ruined my life. Has anyone had any success with getting help for this?

Hi I recently had a D&C and polypectomy due to symptoms which coincided with a positive hpv and abnormal (low grade) smear. Turns out the results of the D&C were not good and doc was also surprised. It’s Adenocarcinoma and after that I haven’t a clue. I’m just scared to be honest. I don’t know what’s in my body. Where it is or how far it’s spread. Google has me written off and i don’t know how I’ll cope between now and my appointment in the mater which I don’t have yet. I only found this out today. Im trying to stay sane and away from Google. If you could point me in the direction of what to do I would be so grateful Thanks

Had radiotherapy last April had problems breathing last week sent to A&e we’re I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis caused by radiotherapy.. I am very distressed as information doesn’t seem to be available and what I’m reading on internet is awful

Hi, I have received an appointment to go for a prostate biopsy. Any advice on the procedure or what to expect? Feeling very anxious about it.

Hello I finished treatment for Breast Cancer last April 2021. I had Chemotherapy and Radiation. I still have a lot of tiredness. I would really appreciate it if anybody who has gone through the same thing could give me advise about this.

Hello...first post! My wife is in the middle of phase 1 chemo for Leukaemia. She is six weeks into the treatment. I was doing well initially, occupying myself with housework etc., But last weekend, I hit a wall......it just crept up on me. I went from sleeping well to having a lot of difficulty.... I've tried sleeping tablets or relaxants, but no joy so far.... Plenty of pain/stomach aches etc., and feeling very anxious... Just wondering if anyone else here has had these symptoms, and any suggestions to break this cycle.... Many thanks for any help that can be offered Andy

Hi 👋🏻 My dad finished his treatment 3 days ago and is in agony with trying to go to the toilet. He feels pressure to go (poo)but it’s like he can’t. He’s in movicol, microlax etc. He is wearing a pad as there are bouts of very watery stools with blood. He’s very distressed. Is this normal? Unfortunately gp or nurse in the hospital he attends wasn’t much help 😔

Hello, This is my first time posting. I had a biopsy done just over 3 weeks ago and the consultants secretary has asked me to come in this Friday for results. I wasn't advised to bring a friend with me for results. Is this generally a positive sign or could I potentially still receive bad news? This whole journey for me started in early June. The waiting for appointments, biopsy, results etc has been incredibly stressful. Any guidance you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hey there, I had mastectomy and LD flap surgery last summer. The reconstructed breast is still smaller and I would like a bit more symmetry. Any advice on lipofilling /+ small implant- side effects of surgery etc, Any recommendations for nipple tattoo also? I have 2 toddlers so easy recovery would be ideal. Thanks

Hey, I am 23 weeks pregnant and got the news at 19 weeks that I have breast cancer. I’m post op….lumpectomy and lymph node removal and got the good news today that nodes and margins are clear. I am now facing the journey down the chemotherapy road and just wanted to see if there are any women on here who are pregnant or who had been pregnant while going through chemo? X