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Hi All My Dad has COPD, he recently had a chest Xray that showed 'something', doctor ordered a CT scan of his Thorax and Abdomen with contrast dye and he had that this morning, they said it could take 10 days for results. I understand they are looking for cancer but my question is, has anyone gone through the same experience and tests and it turned out to be cancer? My dad is 72 and a smoker, he is now living with me full time as he also has Dupuytrens Disease. Any replies welcome, thank you x

My father was diagnosed quiet recently with stage 4 advanced bowel cancer which is in his liver lungs and lymph nodes, he had a stoma bag fitted for the bowel, the oncology team said chemo would kill him so won't give, he has terrible back pain and we are in shock and helpless, he is in hospital but sometimes is incoherent and trying to get to speak to a nurse or doctor on the ward is difficult, we had to do all the chasing for answers as no team would call us or meet us, I am angry and upset, I'd appreciate any advice or help please

Hi, I was diagnosed with early breast cancer last year at the age of 33. It was found by accident when in for a chest X-ray for an unrelated issue and so was a huge shock. Thankfully it was a type that’s not very aggressive and it hadn’t gone anywhere. I had a lumpectomy, 3 weeks of radiotherapy and am now on tamoxifen. When I was diagnosed myself and my husband had just started trying to get pregnant so it was pretty tough to have to put those plans on hold as well as dealing with the diagnosis. My oncologist has said if I do two years of tamoxifen then it has been proven safe to come off it to try and get pregnant. I’m just wondering is there anybody out there in a similar position who has done the two years of tamoxifen and had a successful pregnancy? Thanks

Hello, I am 1.5 years out from diagnosis and mastectomy for stage 1 breast cancer that didn't spread to the nodes. I requested a CT scan recently and was advised yesterday that there are 2 tiny nodules on my right lung. Naturally I'm in bits but I'm also confused as I was told I had clear margins as well as clear nodes and mastectomy. I also chose to have chemo which was optional. Anyone else ever get these nodes post breast cancer and they are benign? Thanks

Looking for other people on this drug. How are you getting along on it?

Hi, I am just wondering if anyone is experiencing long waits for radiotherapy treatment? I have health insurance, so going privately, but it has now been 13 weeks since my surgery and no date yet. I had the CT planning appt 2 weeks ago but they said it would be another 3-4 weeks before I heard anything. I am anxious about the delay - I was never told initially that there would be any delays and had to keep calling week after week only to be told I was in ‘the pile’ and they couldn’t give any idea of time scale. Is this the normal? Could I have had radiotherapy quicker in another centre?

Hello, I had my first chemo last week, 2nd tomorrow. I have cut my hair really short. I was just wondering what kind of shampoo is recommended? I have read baby shampoo, but also heard it is too alkaline and a pH neutral one is better. Also, after hair loss, do you still shampoo your head? Any advice is greatly appreciated

I'm hoping to hear some people's experience with DIEP reconstruction. I have to make a decision quite soon whether to have reconstruction while having a mastectomy. I'm 33 years old, with 2 young children and I'm concerned about the risks and recovery time.

A family member has just been diagnosed with bowel cancer. They will need chemo and radiotherapy at least but we don't know the treatment plan yet. Are there any self help book or websites I can suggest they read? They are interested in altering their diet, supplements etc... anything really that could help or help with side effect of treatment and potential hair loss. Also is there counselling available for this person and their immediate family members. It's been a real shock. I think seeing a dietitian might also be good it this service available too? Thanks

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. First chemo session last week. My question is, is there anyone who can advise on health insurance other than the insurance company? I have been public so far and it has been excellent. I have private insurance but I don’t really understand how it works and when I rang the insurer, they were very vague in answering my questions. I wanted to know if I was covered to be treated privately and they kept coming out with things like- well you can choose to see your consultant privately in the public hospital. After much pressing (and I tears) they said I was covered). I am happy to go public but not if it gets my insurance company off the hook and ends up costing the tax payer! I just want clear answers. I find it disgraceful that they were not more straight with me! When I went for my first breast check I clicked the “have insurance” box and just assumed whatever cover I had would kick in! Obviously not. I am wrecked from chemo but this is niggling at me. Any advice? Thanks