Community

Hi I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast in August 2020 and my life has changed ever since I went in for an ekg in early July yearly requirement for my job physical and the doctor said that my results showed I had a heart attack he an I both agreed it was false reading but stated to be on the safe side see a cardiologist which I didn’t because I know I didn’t have one...little did I know this was a warning sign Well in August I went for my yearly visit to the gyno and durning the check doctor noted she felt a lump on my left side the next week I was scheduled for a mammo and us then a few days later went in for biopsy an another mammogram My result came back showed I had breast cancer I request to go to MD Anderson instead of local doctors. My mass grew within two weeks from 2cm to about 6.5cm my ki-67 is 70% my cancer is very aggressive I was very scared worried a would die fortunately I was but in the hands of wonderful doctors My treatment plan is 4 ac every 3 weeks and 12 weekly treatments of taxol. I have severe nausea I am taking zofran and comp. I’m only on 2nd ac but my mass has shrunk drastically after my first treatment I do receive steroids bf infusion I started losing my hair after my second week of chemo, I’ve had night sweats and joint aches I do have a port installed on the right side of my chest since cancer is on the left I will also have to have a mastectomy and radiation Today I was informed from genetics test that My bc was gene mutation not sure if it came from mom or dad and that I might want to consider double mastectomy because I am now high risk and later on down the line I’m at a risk of ovarian cancer...I have 7 yr old daughter an at the age 18 will be screened for cancer every year Out of all this I have a wonderful support team hardest part for me is the nausea, working full time , and trying to stay positive because chemo does cause depression almost everyday I have family or friends texting and calling checking in. My mom is a two time Breast cancer survivor She had it in 2001 and 2011 (Had mastectomy in 2011) took genetics test came back negative technology has changed since 2011

November is known for both prostate and pancreatic cancer awareness - the time of the year to highlight these cancers. However, we all know that any cancer can occur any month. So our nurses’ message to all men in Ireland today is to take note of any changes or symptoms you’ve noticed and talk to your GP. Read the second of our Support Line blog posts written by one of our cancer nurses here - https://www.cancer.ie/about-us/news/be-kind-to-yourself-during-mens-health-awareness-month-support-line-blog

Have recently been diagnosed with minimal invasive thyroid cancer. I discovered a lump which was quite large which was removed and tested and results came back as above. I now have been told I need other half removed and will need RAI treatment. Am nervous.

I've just found out yesterday that I have group 2 Prostate Cancer. I'm 46 years old. I had no major symptoms other than high PSA. It seems I've found it early and the team seem very confident that it can be treated and curable. I lost my wife aged only 29, 11 years ago to Kidney cancer so this is also playing on my mind. Today I start my new journey. I will try and stay as positive as I can.

I had my last chemo on the 25th of September. Although I didn’t lose all my hair it thinned out a lot. When should I expect it to stop coming out??

Hi all my dad has been recently diagnosed with lung cancer which has spread to his lymph node we are all heartbroken and shocked as he never smoked a day in his life, he is really struggling with sleep he’s only getting 2-3 hours sleep at night sleeping pills aren’t working he’s been prescribed them he’s also in a lot of pain with his knee and wrist he’s had 3 chemo sessions and this is the first time he’s experienced joint pain, just looking for any advice as we have never been through this before. Thank you Joanne

Hi I went for brachytherapy procedure last week and so far so good. However what is still troubling me is the almost constant leakage. Does this go away, is there something I should be doing or any advice would be most appreciated Thanking you

I am having chemo treatment for breast cancer and have 2 children under 12. Myself and husband have gotten flu vaccine but pharmacy said that children version is live and not to be given to anyone on cancer treatment. My gp has advised I should get it done. So totally confused.

Having my first chemo on Tuesday any idea what to expect or tips about it xx

My husband was diagnosed with osophageal cancer in Dec 19 had surgery in April and was told in June all looking good go home see you in six months. He continued to have pain and a small growth appeared on his scalp. We were told the pain was muscular and the growth was a cyst... in July having pushed for investigations ourselves he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer with multiple metastasis in his bones. Th is is extremely rare which is why they dismissed the pain. this does not make it any easier. Anyhow three months on 14 weeks of chemo and he is so thin it is frightening, he has no appetite and his energy is fading fast. He gets steroids for the three days he is on chemo and gets good energy, then he is of them again, no weaning and crashes. He is under care of home care team and they are reluctant to leave him on steroids because of long term affects. He doesn't have time to have long term affects. He also sustained a radiation burn to the area around h is anus and though the skin is healing he still has a lot of pain. Any advice from anyone please. Please do not start telling me about small meals snacks etc I have been there done that. Thank you folks, I am coping most of time but at the moment watching him fade away is doing my head in and I don't feel supported by the home care team just now.