Community

Hi, I’m not sure if it’s selfish of me to use this site as I have not been diagnosed with cancer. I am just having a lot of trouble getting any answers and I hoped perhaps someone here could help me. I had been experiencing bad back pain almost like the beginning of labour pain for a few months and have had one instance of irregular mid cycle bleeding. In Jan of this year I went to the doctor who, due to my family history referred me to get a abdominal scan which came back clear. I had had a smear in April 2018 which came back negative HPV and negative abnormal cells but due to my symptoms the doctor wanted to look at my cervix and when she looked she said it was red and inflamed so she referred me for a colposcopy. I went for the appointment last Thursday and expected them to say everything was fine but instead said that there was HPV present on my cervix despite the negative result and then they took a biopsy. I am beyond scared as I don’t know why I would have a negative result but actually have HPV and would that mean that it was missed and could be progressing for years? I appreciate any replies. Thank you so much.

Hi, It is my first time writing a post on here sending healing vibes to everyone ♡ I'm just wondering is anyone else waiting for mammogram results I know it says within 3 weeks its 4 weeks now I rang my doctor to see if he received the results but he didn't yet. I have the lump since December my first test was cancelled due to Covid I got a new date for the 2nd June which I'm grateful for in these hard times. I just wondering would this be long to wait. Thanks for any information ♡

During the Coronavirus pandemic, some cancer patients who hold a medical card and would otherwise be eligible for a wig grant from the HSE have been unable to attend for fittings due to current Coronavirus restrictions. As a result, these patients have been unable to access wigs and hair pieces.  To address this, the HSE have agreed to provide an additional grant of €80 for medical card holders who ordinarily qualify for a wig grant from the HSE. This funding will be available for patients to purchase headwear such as headscarves, bandanas, or other headwear that can be accessed without need for a fitting.  Further information on this financial grant: This is an €80 payment to be used by eligible patients who hold a medical card and cannot attend wig fittings due to COVID-19. This funding is available to purchase headwear that does not require fittings e.g. headscarves, turbans, bandanas and other headwear.  This funding will not decrease the monetary value of a patients’ grant entitlement to a wig/ hair piece when they are eventually able to attend for a fitting. The €80 grant can be accessed in the same way that the regular wig grant is accessed i.e. patients will need to present their medical card and a letter from their GP to a HSE-registered retailer who would apply to the relevant local HSE Community Health Organisation (CHO) on their behalf for headwear. The relevant CHO will then determine a patients’ eligibility in line with eligibility criteria for the existing HSE wig grant for medical card holders.  Patients should source headwear from a HSE-registered wig supplier. These are retailers who are familiar with the HSE grant scheme and already apply to local CHOs on behalf of patients to avail of the regular HSE wig grant scheme.  Patients should contact their preferred HSE-registered retailer to discuss logistics re orders i.e. phone/ online, and the best way to make selections. Patients can speak to their local CHO for further details on accessing this payment. For more information, contact cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie

Hi, I had a lumpectomy in Dec 19, chemo Jan and radiation in April.i was really lucky my treatment progressed normally and uninterrupted by COVID 19. The follow up now though is to be seen in June by Radiotherapist, then July by Oncologist and finally next Dec by Breast Surgeon (12 months later) . What is the usual policy for post treatment follow up and also wondering as people ask me : am I going for scans and I’ve no appointment as such bar above. Also some survivors have had PET and CT scans, is this usual in most hospitals ? Otherwise I’m recovering very well, hair and energy is starting to improve. Thanks Ladies, P.

Hi, My 79 year old Dad was diagnosed with SCLC 3 weeks ago following a period with chest tightness, and pain when breathing deeply. Up to then he was fit and active, so s huge shock to us all. He had multiple scans, Ct, MRI, Bronchosopy and was discharged home a week ago to wait for Chemo appt, planned for this week. About 4 or 5 days ago, his appetite became non existent, was suffering with pain, perisistent cough, wheezing, couldn't talk for more than a few minutes. Yesterday, the pain was so bad we called the ambulance and he was readmitted. After being on oral morphine yesterday, he is now on IV, and he's still struggling with the pain, no appetite, and worst of all we cant speak to him or visit him. Hoping for chest CT today, and they want to start chemo asap to try and help his symptoms.. I'm really struggling with the swiftness of this , and would love to hear from any of you going through, or who have gone through a similar experience. Orlaith

I went for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy on 15th may. I was told just before the procedure taht my gp would be notified of results and no follow up consultation would be necessary. I sort of remember afterwards nurse saying they took some biopises which was routine. About 10 days later i got a letter for an appointment at the gastro clinic. I called up my doctor to see if he got my results. He said that my colonoscopy was clear but that there were biopsies from my gastroscopy being sent for further tests (histology). Its now 4 weeks since my procedure and i called my doctor and they still havent the report. My appointment at gastro clinic isnt till another 4 weeks. The waiting is driving me nuts. Is this normal? Is there anyway to get my results before my appointment?

Hi all. New to the forum! Diagnosed with breast cancer 2.5 years ago, single mastectomy and my chemo treatment, which I finished 18 months ago. Still on the wait list for a reconstruction. I’ve been thinking a lot about moving forward and I’m reconsidering having the reconstruction at all. Has anyone been in similar situation? Anyone not had a Reconstruction done and regretting it or happy with their decision? Any thoughts would be a help! Thank you x

I just wondering if anyone has had a diagnosis presented to them over the phone due to the covid crisis. I am a cancer survivor who had a scan recently due to onset symptoms and was due to see my oncologist this coming Friday for the results. I received a call today to say my oncologist will be calling me by phone due to covid.

Hi, I just wanted to share with anyone who might be worried about undergoing removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes. I had both ovaries and tubes removed on Tuesday and am now on Saturday, four days post op. I had the surgery done as a preventative measure due to a very high family risk of breast and ovarian cancer. I am feeling great post the procedure - tired and sore - but great. I was lost menopause pre surgery which obviously helps, however please dont be scared if you need to have the surgery - it's all absolutely fine. If anyone has any questions on the procedure or anything connected with this just ask me and I will be happy to share.

Hi All, I'm new to the forum. My dad has just recently been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer about 3 weeks ago. sadly it has spread liver bones, brain. Prior to this he was a fit and well 66yr old.Primary indication of diagnoses was what we though was a bad chest infection(or Covid) so news came as a shock. He is home with me at the moment and we are starting radiation treatment tomorrow to tackle the brain. I'm really just looking for information from anyone who has dealt with this type of lung cancer at this stage. As i say he is relatively well at the moment just weaker and very tired all the time. He has only had 2 instances of pain(at night) days apart and in both instances pain passed after a while. We are waiting on our palliative care appointment so in the meantime i'm looking for some information on what to expect from an escalation in his pain levels. Thanks