Community

We warmly welcome you to Our Online Community

Register or login below to get started with Our Online Community.

Login

Register

posted by Sarah2023
13 September 2023

Breast Cancer

I am a 34 year old woman, I was diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer yesterday. I am having surgery to have it removed next week. I am expecting a call from the Cancer nurse tomorrow but I am just looking for suggestions for questions I should ask? It doesn't look like I should need chemotherapy as of yet but I am aware that can change once they have a look at the lump and surrounding tissue once it's out. Any suggestions welcome. Thank you.
Read the post
posted by Cancer Nurse
11 September 2023

Planning for end of life care at home.

When a loved one is coming to the end of their life, it is a hugely emotional time.  The practicalities of caring for someone at home can be an added stress to a very sad situation. Here is some advice that we give to our callers to help empower them in this incredibly challenging time. Make a plan - roles and responsibilities can be shared. We recommend to put a Rota in place to share care and to give everyone a break.  Tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping can be assigned so everyone has a role. Communicate with the medical team – arrange a family meeting, this will ensure everyone has the same information and also gives everyone an opportunity to ask any questions.  It will give clarity on what care can be expected and what the expectations are from the family.  A discussion about care options such as hospice or a palliative bed in a nursing home may be appropriate to talk about. Care support at home is assessed individually, the medical team will advise the level of care available.  Bear in mind that while there is support available, the majority of the care taking rests on family members – this is an important consideration when deciding to care for someone at home at the end of their life. Topics to consider when arranging care include When and Who to contact if there are any issues, including when out of hours. Night nursing care provided by the Irish Cancer Society. Equipment (hospital bed, toileting aids, mobility aids). Care package hours. Our support line can be reached on 1800 200 700 if you would like to speak with a nurse about your unique situation.  We also have a booklet ‘A time to care’ that is available to download or post. If you have any other tips or advice, please comment below
Read the post
posted by paul44
10 September 2023

PSA Reading 18.2

Last reply: 13 September 2023 14:42
Got the shock of my life last week when getting the results of a blood test to find I had a reading of 18.2 my doctor immediately booked me in at Beaumont (still awaiting the appointment) although should be soon only symptoms i have are erectile dysfunction which i have had for 10+years so don't think that is the issue but I am peeing slowly yet from memory even just a couple of months ago it was a mixture some slow and some like a fireman's hose. Mind is all up in the air at the moment and that waiting is a killer anyone else with similar symptoms?
1 comment
Read the post
posted by Cancer Nurse
08 September 2023

Blood Cancer Awareness Day

Last reply: 09 September 2023 19:22
Blood Cancer Awareness Day Blood cancers represent almost one in ten cancer cases, with more than 2,000 people across Ireland diagnosed every year. Where does blood cancer start? Inside the centre of our bones, we have a spongy material called bone marrow. Bone marrow makes stem cells, and these stem cells make all our different blood cells. If this process goes wrong, it can cause abnormal blood cells to grow. This may then cause a blood cancer. The different Blood cells include: Red blood cells – carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies. White blood cells - fight infection. Platelets – help our blood clot when we get injured. Plasma - plasma cells make antibodies, to help fight infection and are a type of white blood cell. When one of these blood cells become abnormal it can cause a blood cancer - Leukaemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma, and/or MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome). Common Blood Cancer Symptoms Blood Cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type of blood cancer and some people may not have any symptoms. Common blood cancer symptoms include: Persistent Tiredness – may be caused due to not enough red blood cells (anaemia). Looking Pale – due to not enough red blood cells (anaemia). Shortness of breath - may be due to not enough red blood cells. Fever or chills/ frequent infections – may be due to not enough white blood cells to fight infections. Unexplained bruising, bleeding, or rash – this may be due to not enough platelets. Swollen, painless lump in the neck, armpits, or groin - possible cause is a build-up of abnormal cells in lymph glands. Coughing or chest pain - possible cause is a buildup of abnormal blood cells in your spleen. Loss of appetite or feeling sick - possible cause is a buildup of abnormal blood cells in your spleen that presses on your stomach. Night sweats - causes remain unknown. Back, Bone and/or Joint Pain/ Fractures - possible cause is pressure on the spine, or nerve problems causing weakness or numbness in your legs - possible cause increased number of abnormal cells in the bone marrow. If you have symptoms that cannot be explained and are persistent, you should make an appointment with your GP - it is unlikely to be anything serious but it is important to get checked out.   For more details, advice and or support call our Support Line on 1800 200 700.   See our booklets Understanding Multiple Myeloma, Understanding Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, Understanding Myelodysplastic syndrome and many more.
1 comment
Read the post
posted by Tessa Daly
08 September 2023

Breast Cancer

Last reply: 16 October 2023 17:17
Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen. I suppose we all agree that cancer can take your life over. It started for me in April 23. when I found a lump. I didn't rush to my GP when maybe I should have. I had a cyst before and hoped that this was another one. I was wrong, it was Lobular cancer and I had a Mastectomy on June 15, plus 3 lumpectomy's on the other breast. Now I am waiting for Radiotherapy and wondering about the side effects of that. How long more before I can feel normal again?
3 comments
Read the post
posted by Mr Motivator
08 September 2023

Diagnosed with Stomach Cancer

Last reply: 11 September 2023 08:38
It’s taken time to process this new challenge in my life. I have a great supportive family and friends. I am very grateful to be part of this very caring community. I wish you all a very creative day. Richard
2 comments
Read the post
posted by worriedsue
06 September 2023

Lump on breast

Last reply: 09 September 2023 19:27
Hi all, delighted to have found this forum. I found a large lump in my left breast a few weeks ago. My doc was very concerned and I had an urgent referral to Vincent’s. I had an appt with the consultant yest who said he thinks it’s a cyst but I still need to have a mammogram & ultrasound in a few weeks. The waiting now is killing me. Am I wrong to be worried as the consultant didn’t seem to be? Or should I just prepare myself in case it is serious. I am so tired with the last year, heavy legs full of fluid. Started HRT but it isn’t helping with the tiredness.
1 comment
Read the post
posted by shellie
05 September 2023

Melanoma

Last reply: 17 September 2023 21:12
Hi, I had excision biospy done on the 4th of Aug. Does it normally take over 4 weeks to get a result or who could I ring, my GP or the dermatologist To check for results. Thanks for your help
2 comments
Read the post
posted by Rebecca365
04 September 2023

St James appointment

Last reply: 05 September 2023 12:18
Hi, I attended an appointment last week for a mammogram at St James hospital Dublin. I was told the hospital would be in contact when as to when ill have to return for an ultrasound. I thought the two would be carried out on the same day? My question is , has anyone had any experience of this in James hospital? If so how long does it take usually to hear back in relation to the follow-up appointment? I have a big lump for over a month now, which came out of nowhere, it isn't mobile and feels attached, Its just under my areola and I'm stressing about it a lot. I'm in my mid forties and I've just had my first baby a few months back, although I'm not breast feeding or using a pump. Thanks in advance.
1 comment
Read the post
posted by Paola
01 September 2023

Mastectomy with reconstruction

Last reply: 19 September 2023 00:42
Hi all, Sorry to meet you here. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer, originally stage 2. I have not been updated on the current stage after MRI, but a new tumor has been found, and have been "kind of" recommended a mastectomy with reconstruction. I did not receive much support or information. Can someone who has gone through this give me some advice, please? Have you done a mastectomy with an implant reconstruction? Can you kindly share your experience? Thank you so much!
2 comments
Read the post
© Irish Cancer Society 1999-2024 All Rights Reserved

Irish Cancer Society Head office, 43/45 Northumberland Road Dublin, D04 VX65; Charity Regulatory Authority No. 20009502; Revenue Number CHY5863; Company Number 20868.