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posted by Cancer Nurse
28 November 2023

November is lung cancer awareness month.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland. Early detection of lung cancer does improve survival. If you have any symptoms of lung cancer it is important that you get these reviewed by your GP. Symptoms of lung cancer include:A cough that doesn’t go away, or a change in a long-term coughWheezing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breathRepeated chest infections that won’t go away, even after antibioticsCoughing up blood-stained phlegm (sputum)Pain in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe inDifficulty swallowingUnexplained weight loss/ appetite lossIf you have any of these symptoms it is important to have them reviewed by your GP. After reviewing you, your GP may recommend that you are referred to a Rapid Access Lung Clinic for further investigations. Rapid access clinics provide initial investigations for those with suspected lung cancer and help reduce the time waiting for investigations and a diagnosis. You can contact our nurses on the Support Line if you have any questions or would like information about supports available. Our Support Line number is 1800 200 700, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. 
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posted by Geraldino
26 November 2023

Petscan

Hi my husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer in august, tumour removed and all was fine until we received a call to say they think he may have it in his nodes. he’s due to have a EUS and petscan, we have limited VHI cover, will we have to pay a % of the petscan or is this 100% covered under the HSE . i’m worried about finances as he will be out of work once the treatment starts . Ger
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posted by Mire
26 November 2023

Cancer

Last reply: 27 November 2023 16:02
Hi, I have been having issues with stomach pains for over a year know. Had a colonscopy. Endoscopy. Capsule endosocpy ultrasounds ct scans. Only thing found was gastritis. My dad had pa creation cancer in 2015 and my pain is on a daily basis with fatigue. I am really scared that something was missed but I feel like my doctor is not listening to my co concerns I have 2 small kids and I fear it might be cancer but feel like I am not been taken seriously.
1 comment
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posted by Ad10041
25 November 2023

Recovery

Having been diagnosed with prostate cancer in February this year at the grand old age of 40, I had surgery in June. Cancer has officially gone, but its the after effects of surgery I'm struggling with. No more than the lack of elections, using the pump once a day for 10 minutes, have been a bit slack this week, only used it 3 times. The viagra isn't having any effect whatsoever, going from a walking erection to nothing is difficult mentally. To be honest the urge isn't even there anymore. I have full control of the bladder and use the gym around 3 to 4 times a week, I'm in pretty good shape physically considering what I went through, just this last hurdle to get over. I know it can take anything up to 2 years to get back to near where I was previously, I just suppose I needed to vent a little is all
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posted by Headsy
22 November 2023

Perineural Invasion Present

Last reply: 31 December 2023 07:42
Hi folks. I'm 53. I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer on 16th October 2023. Gleason 7 (3+4). Cancer in 6 out of 17 cores. On right side of prostate. PSA is 3.9. I see on my biopsy report it says Perineural Invasion Present . Which I gather means cancer is on the nerves inside the prostate which in turn means a higher chance of cancer spreading outside. Although not always. I am waiting to be called to St James for initial chat pre treatment choice ( surgery seems best for me). I was private up to this point as I don't have health insurance. My question is has anyone any experience with Perineural Invasion?? And what were the outcomes? Honest answers appreciated. Thanks, Sean
2 comments
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posted by joi_
15 November 2023

Delayed Breast Reconstruction

Last reply: 17 November 2023 15:36
Hi All, I have opted for delayed breast reconstruction because I wasn’t sure if I would require radiation post surgery as well as chemo. I was a candidate for oncotype dx and was hoping I won’t require chemo. However, results came back I would benefit chemo. I am currently on ACT chemo regimen, would complete on Jan next year. It would be of great help if anyone would give me tips about delayed breast reconstruction. My Breast consultant advise DIEP breast reconstruction vs implant. I need helpful tips to prepare me for this procedure , especially from those who have been through this. Thanks a lot! Kind regards, Joi
1 comment
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posted by mimimac
14 November 2023

Privacy

Last reply: 19 November 2023 19:37
I'm struggling with the knowledge that everyone in my town will be aware of my situation..I know having breast cancer and being at the start of my journey should make me not care, but I deeply dread people other than my immediate family knowing. Everyone knows Everyone here and what they don't know they make up, my own brother in law would tell everyone and embellish the facts for shock factor and while I have wonderful friends I don't want any help right now as Im still trying to process everything. I'm quite private and feel more in control if no one knows ,so I can still go shopping or my kids school without looks and constant attention. Ireland is a small country so I'm aware that when I start radiation I'll probably meet people I know, but how do I still keep control and keep people at a distance without offending anyone. Sorry for the huge essay
3 comments
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posted by Helen75
13 November 2023

TC Chemotherapy

Last reply: 20 November 2023 16:14
Hi All, I'm starting TC Chemo on Wednesday. Just wondering how other people have got through it - were the side effects okay or bad? Also, has anyone getting this Chemo tried a cold cap? How did it work for you? Thanks, Helen
2 comments
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posted by fem2023
13 November 2023

Clinic referrals

Last reply: 13 November 2023 17:32
Hiya, just writing in terms of getting referred to a clinic. I seen a few posts regarding urgent referrals and non urgent. Would nipples pulling inwards, and aches/pains (no lump) be in the lesser urgent category? Also if you go to your GP and they don’t feel a lump are you still able to request to be referred? Are they able to deny you is what I mean I guess or can you push to be? I only ask this because I know my GP would be inclined to brush it off as nothing and quite frankly I’d trust the nurses here a lot more than in my loca practice. Thanks.
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posted by corbetski
09 November 2023

Second Opinions

Last reply: 14 November 2023 11:19
Hello, I have just joined this forum. My dad (76) was diagnosed with Stage 2 lung cancer 3 months ago. They are not giving him treatment for now as they say he would not be able for it. He is not in any major pain but is thin and has osteoporosis & a heart issue that needs attention. Also his lung is not great from previous pneumonia years ago. We are just wondering is it worth our while look at another opinion somewhere or how do we even go about this? private we don't mind where we have to go to. Just surely there is something he can take that can help keep it getting worse. He is out and about, a bit tired but able now I think for some treatment? I know the experts know best. Surgery is not an option and it's too close to his heart for radiation. I guess we just feel lost while also still in complete shock at the diagnosis. Limerick/Clare based. Thank you. Also the team he met already were really great in Limerick (that was about 6 weeks ago) Thank you
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