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Hi Everyone. Wanted to share my story so far to see if anyone else is in the same position as me. I am 49 and in May was initially diagnosed with breast cancer. I was scheduled for surgery and after reporting a pain/lump in my neck got referred for a CT scan. The CT showed lesions in my liver so the unfortunate diagnosis of MBC came. I was on Ibrance, zoladex and letrozole for two months. Due to high liver enzymes I've been taken off the Ibrance. I am waiting to see the oncologist to see what's next. I went back to work and want to stay in work. I am finding the whole thing as nothing short of torture as it's on my mind 24/7. I was ok whilst I was on the treatment and I thought that everything was going well. How is anyone else coping with the diagnosis of MBC?

Hi, My mam (69) has contained cancer in the right humerus 12 years after breast cancer in the left breast & lymph nodes. All clear on the breast cancer some years back. This new cancer was Discovered after a pathological fracture to the humerus bone in her arm- without a fall- (a titanium rod and clips in arm required 9 weeks after fracture ). Does anyone have any experience of this? A metastses/sis after so much time in a ‘long bone’? Many thanks, I know my query is a bit specific but I am at very much at sea trying to find comparable or close to relevant experiences.

Hello, Do you have counselling for carers of people with cancer or do you know of any free services providing same? Many thanks.

Hi, I have a very large birthmark on my leg which up until last December had no change. Then I got a black mark on it which then turned into an ulceration. My GP sent an urgent referral as he reckons I have 4 out of 5 characteristics of melanoma. I got my appointment within 4 weeks which is the 14th of this month with the dermatologist but I was wondering what to expect at the appointment. It is an extremely large birthmark so would the call me back to biopsy it? Thanks everyone x

Hi. Just found out two days ago that there were a few very small lumps in one breast. It was only picked up on mri. Mammogram didn't pick up. I have a strong family history of breast cancer so they're recommending removing the full breast. The other breast is totally healthy but their advice is to take that too. I agreed but the reality definitely hasn't sunk in. I'm back in next week to discuss implants etc. Just wondering if anyone was in the same boat or had any advice.

Hi, I was diagnosed with ER+ recently, had surgery but don’t require radiation or chemo. I’m beginning tamoxifen very soon and interested to know how people have been on it. I’m premenopausal, and generally very fit and healthy. Thanks 🙏🏻 😊

Hi. I had a mastectomy a week ago and cannot bring myself to look at my chest area. I have coped with 6 months of chemo, but find this part very difficult. Any advice?

I had a biopsy on July 20th, which showed grade 2, Her2 positive cancer, stage 2. Since then - nothing has happened... I am waiting. Is that normal for COVID times?

The Irish Cancer Society is proudly supporting the virtual Childhood, Adolescent, Young Adult Cancers Survivorship Conference this year.  There will be a virtual stand available at this conference if you wish to speak with a nurse from our support line for any information about the services and supports we provide. Information about the conference, including the programme and registration can be found by clicking this link here. We know that a cancer diagnosis in a younger person can have a devastating impact on those affected, their families and communities.  Some services and supports that the Irish Cancer Society offer are: Cancer Information and advice. Through our support line, the Irish Cancer Society children’s nurse provides advice, support and information to parents.  We can be contacted by phoning 1800 200 700 or by emailing supportline@irishcancer.ie. There is also a range of information and publications available on our website. Counselling. We provide free counselling services and play therapy funded through our network of affiliated community cancer support centres. Parent Peer-to-Peer Support. In partnership with CanCare4Living, CanTeen Ireland, and the Childhood Cancer Foundation, we run Ireland’s parent peer support group for parents of children and teenagers with cancer.  Financial Assistance. The Children’s Fund and Travel2Care schemes gives direct financial support to any family who experience a childhood cancer diagnosis. Childhood Cancer Fertility Project. Providing services and developing new methods to preserve fertility for children and young adults after childhood cancer, further information can be found here. Night Nursing. We provide free in-home night nursing care for children and young adults at end-of-life. As part of our strategy 2020 – 2025 we are working to significantly enhance and expand the supports and services which we provide for children and young adults affected by cancer.  If you would like to speak with a cancer nurse about any of these services or for any support or advice, our Support line is available by phone on 1800 200 700 or emailing supportline@irishcancer.ie or alternatively you can drop into one of our Daffodil centres.

I'm describing my experience of an ultrasound guided FNA biopsy for anyone who would like information on it.  Although my 2 sets of blood results were within normal ranges, my doctor noticed a lump on my neck when I swallowed during a visit. Following a consult with an endocrinologist and an ultrasound I then went for the FNA biopsy. I am in my late twenties and had no symptoms at all associated with thyroid cancer. I would have been healthy and rarely needed to visit the doctor prior to this.  I had a good experience with the biopsy. The procedure was explained to me. My head was resting over a pillow so my neck was extended backwards. My whole neck area was cleaned with a wipe and alcohol rub (not very sure about the exact materials used) and a blue gown was put around me to protect clothing from the iodine put on my neck after the biopsy. I received a local anaesthetic (which was like getting the numbing injection in the dentist only in my neck). Felt like getting blood taken, only felt a pinch. After being left for a few minutes for the anaesthetic to take effect, I had to try and not swallow/move my neck, especially when the needle would be inserted into my neck ( I had one nodule/lump on my left side only). The gel was applied to my neck for the ultrasound to guide the needle. A countdown from 3 was used so I knew when the needle would be inserted. A slight pressure was felt where the needle went in but it didn't feel tight/ choking. I just knew it was there. I found it good to focus on a point in the ceiling to distract myself from it. The needle was inserted 3 times in total to get enough representative cell samples. A sticky plaster/bandage was placed over where the needle went in which I removed the next day. Felt fine after it, went home 10 minutes or so after the procedure.  For anyone wondering how it turned out, the diagnosis was papillary carcinoma. I'm having my left lobe of my thyroid removed in just over a week and have spoken to people who have had this surgery. Outlook is positive. Did have consult with surgeon and having vocal cord check, bloods and ecg prior to surgery. Don't forget to ask about risks with flying pre and post surgery just incase you are a high risk patient for surgery. Hope this post helps someone who is in a similar boat to me