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Hi, My husband attended his GP with lump in his groin on 7th June. GP said it was from a small black spot on his foot. He referred him to a skin cancer consultant who he saw on the 14th June. The consultant said he would need a biopsy and scans. He sent his report to Waterford University Hospital. The consultant is now on three weeks leave. We have been anxiously waiting for an appointment and today my husband, Tom, received an appointment for scan next Monday and biopsy on 17th July. I know that biopsy results can take more than a week to come back. For me, Tom is taking a less worried view, this period from noticing the lump to diagnosis is very long. My question is: is the 7-8 weeks wait losing vital time if treatment is needed and if it is can we do anything about that.

I finished treatment for TNBC 3 years ago. My mam passed from ovarian cancer at 53. No genetic link . Last Friday I got my ovaries removed along with my fallopian tubes . I’m regretting it now as it’s Monday night and I am in awful pain. All my abdomen is sore. The scars are sore. I’m bloated. I feel like I am in labour . Feeling really down about it at the minute . Wondering if it was worth getting done. I feel I haven’t had a break from treatments / hospitals .

I started TC chemo 6 days ago and still feel really achy with a headache. Is this normal? I don't have a fever.

I just don't know what to feel I feel like im not in reality and in a few days I'm going to have a stoma bag an start chemo an radiation

Hello, recently attended gp for routine check up and she felt a lump. Refereed to symptomatic breast unit in Galway. Consultant didn't feel anything worrying and sent me for a mammogram. I was told results could take up to 2 weeks which feels like a lifetime, do they ever come earlier or if something showed up would I be told sooner? Trying to be patient!!

Hi, I was diagnosed with lobular hormone positive breast cancer last year. I have finished treatment but I am on Zoladex and exemestane for the next few years. I was diagnosed at 39 and have no children. As the cancer was hormone positive and in the lymph nodes they have told me that it would be a big risk of recurrence to come of my medication to become pregnant which I am not willing to take. I have always wanted to be a mother and now this has been taken away from me as a result of breast cancer. I am wondering if there is anyone else in the same situation and if so how did you come to terms with it ? Thanks 🙏

Just wondering what the best way is to support a relative with replacing cancer?

Got my results this week. I have invasive ductal carcinoma, it was also found in the lymph node biopsy. I need to have an MRI, CT and bone scan this month to stage it. First line of action will be chemo, they are hoping to start this by the end of the month. Don't think it has hit me yet!

How common is it to wait up to 4 months for results and be told that biopsy needs a second opinion? I had a mole excision 8 weeks ago in a public hospital through a private dermatologist referral, was told I'd get my results 2-6 weeks by post. Its been 8 weeks and after getting my dermatologist office to chase my results I find out that the hospital refuses to release my results to them or to my gp. I finally got in contact with the hospital and they sent me an email saying that they didn't find evidence of cancer but are sending my biopsy for further opinion to confirm which might take up to 2 months more of waiting, so it'll be around 4 months in total. Is this normal?

Hi All, I wanted to share my experiences of scalp cooling in the hope that it helps other people. I am just completing chemotherapy 12 rounds of Carbo Taxol and 4 rounds AC for breast cancer in a private hospital. Against the odds I have kept the vast majority of my hair. It gave me such freedom not to have to explain to people about my illness and kept things normal for my young kids. It has not been easy but it was worth it. Some words of advice. - It may not work so prepare yourself and get a wig and coverups etc. I felt happier that I had these should it not work for me. - Become the expert. Don’t assume that oncology ward staff are the experts. I had nurses who didn’t even know how to turn on the machine. Read everything you can on https://coldcap.com - Know what cap size sits the most effectively on your head (tight but not uncomfortable) and insist on it each time. - Know much pre infusion and post infusion time you need the cap on based on your type of chemotherapy. Don’t ever allow staff to reduce this time! You need every minute. - You will need to be your own advocate. Right from the beginning the attitude from oncology staff was negative. Whether this was from being too busy, indifference or where they’ve seen not working. I had nurses discuss opening how it wouldn’t work for me (it did!) and say to me how they hated the process. I was made to feel like it was an inconvenience so there may be sessions where you have to be a little pushy! - Practical tips Buy a silk pillowcase, use a soft baby brush to brush your hair, wash your hair only once a week with Simple shampoo. Dry your hair naturally or on a cold setting. Before putting on the cold cap use a water spray bottle to wet your hair (can be really difficult to wet your hair properly in those tiny toilet sinks!) Once wet brush conditioner through it then put on a hair band to protect your forehead - I got my hair cut twice during the 6 months. I just asked my hairdresser to be super gentle and not use hot hair dryer. - Even if it works you may still shred a lot of hair and this can be the most difficult time but persevere. Best of luck