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posted by jc
07 February 2020

Switching treatment to a different hospital

Last reply: 17 February 2020 14:49
Hello all! I have been diagnosed with breast cancer recently and just had my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy last week in James. I've been told that I'll need radio, hormone therapy, and possibly chemo but I think I will find that out when I go back to James next Wednesday. Although it's only a possibility at this stage I would like to be in some way prepared, so I want to ask if anyone received chemo in Tallaght hospital after initially being treated in James? The reason I'm considering this is because I have heard that the cold cap to prevent hair loss might be available in Tallaght whereas it's not in James. Of course if I am to receive radium every day for a few weeks I'd be better sticking to James because it's closer to me, but I would like to be prepared. Any previous experience is welcome, I'm just curious at this stage without having a definite plan yet from my doctors. Thanks!
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posted by james87
12 February 2020

Recently diagnosed

Last reply: 17 February 2020 14:45
Hi my partner went to gp on Monday and was told that he’s got testicular cancer . We are now waiting on an appointment with the hospital and don’t know how to feel the worry and not known is the worst part does anyone have any advice please on how to deal with this and how long an appointment would usually take to arrive thank you
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posted by jk91
11 February 2020

My mother

Last reply: 17 February 2020 13:57
Hi all I’ve just started on this , my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer 4 weeks ago and since then just got nothing but bad news ,, spread to lymph nodes in the neck and chest , tumor is bigger that first thought ,, now being told can’t do radiation as to much fluid around the tumor which has built up in just 2 weeks ,, hopefully start chemo next week ,, My question is this no sugar coating all I want to know is this curable at this stage ???,, I need to know has anyone solid info on this as I’m broken A straight forward answer please
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posted by waters68
17 February 2020

Immunotherapy and the drug Pembrolizumab

Hi, I want to tell you all my story and alert you to the fact that not all cancer treatment is covered by health insurance or reimbursed by the HSE. I have oesophageal cancer, this is my third bout with the disease and had my voice box and oesophagus removed in 2018. My consultant has told me that I need immunotherapy, specifically the drug "Pembro" but this is not yet licensed in Ireland for head and neck cancer, it is licensed for SOME cancers and fully paid for by the HSE but not all. I don't understand the logic behind this, but that's just the way it is. I am currently paying for my own treatment, it is €8,000 per month despite having health insurance with Irish Life, for decades, they are also refusing to pay. I am working very hard to warn everyone about this travesty in the HSE system, I have discovered during this that Ireland is the slowest country in europe to approve new drugs, even Greece who are still bankrupt have approved Pembro on their national health system! So not only am I battling stage 4 cancer, I am also facing financial ruin to fund my treatment, it's so unfair and very stressful for my family. You can also read my story here: . https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/cancer-patient-has-no-choice-but-to-spend-40-000-on-treatment-1.4159445 Thank you, Maria Waters
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posted by Deirdre Digan
08 February 2020

Side effect - nose bleeds - chemo for breast cancer

Last reply: 17 February 2020 12:08
Hi Having chemo for breast cancer and one of the side effects is nose bleeds. Anyone any advice on this as I have had them this week.
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posted by sunshinegirl
09 February 2020

Swollen Lymph Nodes and Breast Changes

Last reply: 17 February 2020 12:06
Hey there I have been feeling poorly for a few months and noticed a lump on my neck. Turns out I have an enlarged supraclavicular lymph node on the right hand side, as well as breast changes, bowel issues and anaemia. I have been referred for ultrasound and also to a breast cancer specialist for consult. I was offered appointment immediately. Very anxious and just wondering has anyone been through similar and what was your outcome. Thanks so much in advance.
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posted by Poly
12 February 2020

Triple negative

Last reply: 16 February 2020 16:32
My sister has just been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. We are all devastated and anything I read on-line is frightening. Does anyone have positive story? Thanks
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posted by mylaur10
15 February 2020

Hats/Head Wear

Last reply: 16 February 2020 10:04
Just wondering if anyone could advise best places to order hats/head wear from in Ireland. Thanks 🥰🥰
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posted by Zol
15 February 2020

Prostate Cancer

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Nov 2014. I had a tumour T2B/Gleason score 9 Treatment: 4 months androgen treatment to shrink tumour 39 sessions of external beam radiation A further 14 months of androgen treatment. Result as at Feb 2020: -bloods all clear..........testerone back to normal & PSA low -recovered some of my muscle tone -penis & testicles back to about 75% of original size -anejaculation still (but this does not bother me) All in all, I'm very happy with the results and I feel very lucky that I do not have any nasty side effects such as incontinance etc. Cheers to all Zol
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posted by Dollycilla
15 February 2020

Megaloblastic anemia

Hi, recently diagnosed as having Megaloblastic anemia and paraprotein in my blood igM it's 22g/L awaiting bone marrow biospy and ct tap, have had some nose bleeds, bone pain, fatigue, lymph node swelling neck area, anyone with same symptoms
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