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posted by Ralphy
17 January 2025

Pembrolizumab

Last reply: 22 January 2025 16:43
Hi I would like to discuss the effects of pembrolizumab.I recently started a course to treat neck and lung cancer.Unfortunately three days after starting my first treatment I picked up the flu which hospitalised me for 5 days.My lungs were badly affected and still are but not as bad.Im wondering is the effects I’m still feeling a result of the flu or is it the effects of the treatment?I had no issues with my lungs previous to starting my treatment.
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posted by DeeDee25
17 January 2025

Prostate with severe pain

Last reply: 05 February 2025 18:48
My dad has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He never displayed any of the normal signs (frequent peeing etc) . He had pain in his "hip" for several months and after visiting a physio the pain Increased so he went to GP and got bloods. Bloods were irregular so he was referred to mater where he was diagnosed. After initial scans his surgeon displayed signs of urgency and wanted us to go to UK royal marsden for PSMA scan. Me my dad and my mum went to London on 16th December for scan. Follow up with surgeon was on 6th Jan where he was told surgery not an option. Cancer not in bones but it's in lymph nodes. They were told that surgeon was passing him on to a new consultant to discuss treatment plan. Dad has started hormone tablets 1 per day and hormone injection to be administered after day 21 of tablets. Meanwhile referral has been sent to Beaumont for additional treatment (radium) but we are still waiting to hear back. My concern is and it's why I'm here is to find out if anyone else is experiencing this severe pain in the pelvic area that my dad is suffering? Have they missed something? On my research I can't seem to relate the pain my dad is suffering to this diagnosis. I want to put my faith in the professionals but what if they are missing something? We have been told its not spread to bones but what if it's rapidly spreading as we speak and hormone tablets aren't enough. Just love some feedback as I don't want my dad to be treated by protocol if he needs more urgency but we are too ignorant to speak up. Thanks DeeDee
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posted by bananas1
14 January 2025

Parodit tumor

Last reply: 16 January 2025 10:59
So I had good news and not so good news yesterday. Had FNA results. Lymph node was benign but the tumor in my parotid gland was inconclusive so I now have to get surgery ASAP to remove the tumor. Is inconclusive bad ? The tumor will be biopsied again once removed. Scared of the surgery scared of the outcome but trying to stay positive
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posted by Angela323
14 January 2025

Is it normal that biopsy needs further testing?

Last reply: 17 January 2025 01:05
Hi there, I'm just wondering if anyone can shed some light on this. I went for a biopsy and was meant to go for an appointment with the consultant this week but they decided at the MDT meeting that the biopsy needed further testing so it will take another few weeks. Is this normal practice? It seems sinister but maybe it's common for this to happen? Thank you, Angela.
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posted by chickaroo82
13 January 2025

Mammogram app

Last reply: 15 January 2025 11:54
Went for mammogram today and was told I'd have to go back again in a couple days for ultrasound and they would have the results of the mammogram that day. Is this normal? Was under the understanding with others who have been in this situation that it was all done on the same day. Thanks so much
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posted by Angela323
13 January 2025

Preference in being told of diagnosis

Last reply: 15 January 2025 14:18
Hi, I hope someone might be able to give me advice if you have time. I went for an ultrasound in October and was told on the same day by my GP that they think the lump is suspicious and they think it could be cancer and that I needed an MRI urgently. There were delays in getting the MRI and when I did have the MRI, the GP told me that they think it could be sarcoma. They forgot to send my details and scans to the consultant so there was another delay. I was meant to go on holiday next week as there had been so many delays but the consultant said he can see me next week to let me know the diagnosis. I asked if I could be told over the phone and once I am back from holiday, that I would go for the appointment to talk about treatment plan. I thought this made sense but the receptionist said that he doesn't give diagnosis over the phone and I would need to wait until after the holiday to find out the diagnosis. I'm upset with this, I have been waiting since October to find out if it's cancer and all I'm asking for is to be told over the phone so that I don't have an extra wait of two more weeks. Am I being reasonable? I just don't know anymore, I'm so stressed and really would prefer to find out by phone before the face to face appointment after the holiday. Thank you, Angela.
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posted by Carries
07 January 2025

Weight gain on anastrozole

Last reply: 10 January 2025 12:26
Hi I am on my 6th week of anastrazole and I’m gaining weight, have joint pain, pins and needles in fingers, very poor sleep, my Blood pressure has raised. I am wondering is it possible through dieting eg slimming world to lose weight when on an aromatase inhibitor? I just don’t feel like myself anymore and feel so much older. Has anyone taking this or similar been able to shift the weight?
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posted by kieran_reynolds
20 December 2024

Creon availability

Last reply: 27 December 2024 14:37
Hi all, We are having difficulties finding Creon (25,000 units) from our local community pharmacies (South Dublin) for my Dad (newly diagnosed cholangiocarcinoma). Does anyone know of any community pharmacies that have it in stock? Or has anyone faced the same issue and have any potential solutions? We will go back to his surgical team to tell them also, but wanted to try here first. Thanks all, Kieran
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posted by just_me
18 December 2024

Ct & biopsy

Last reply: 20 December 2024 10:41
Hi folks So my brother who lives abroad was experiencing urinary issues with blood in his urine. He acted fast and made an appointment. His PSA levels are normal. He was sent for an ultrasound, it showed bladder and kidneys normal. But the radiologist said is lymphnodes were enlarged . The specialist called that day and has scheduled a CT. When he called the hospital the receptionist said there will also be a biopsy at some point, but no datez given. We're all concerned. I have a cancer history myself . Does anyone know if these tests are normal, especially In Scandinavian countries or is he facing something sinister? The waiting is so difficult. Thanks and lots of love to everyone ❤️
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posted by Paul D
17 December 2024

biopsy results timeline

Last reply: 20 December 2024 14:48
Hi, just a question to the community on timelines for results of biopsies. I had a biopsy last week on a skin issue on my ear. I have been told it will take 4-6 weeks for results, and then they have to be written up and examined; please call back in 6 weeks. So I now have another 6 weeks of unexplained pain and ringing noises. Is this just the way it is now? I am assuming the Dr is not too concerned that I have anything to worry about, but its another 6 weeks on top the time already waiting to get appointments etc Thanks
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