Coping at home between appointments

It’s important to know what to do or who to contact if you have any symptoms or concerns. For some symptoms the hospital may prefer you to contact them. Other times your GP might be the best person. Ask about this and get names and phone numbers, including out-of-hours contact numbers, so you know who to contact if you have any problems.

Specialist nurse/oncology liaison nurse at the hospital

Your specialist nurse can offer emotional and medical support and is often the best person to advise on what to do if you have an issue or concern. They also know what supports are available and how to access them. Your specialist nurse has the experience to know if your issue or concern needs to be reported to your specialist doctor.

Your GP

Your GP is your primary doctor – they get letters from the hospital and can often help in determining if symptoms are related to cancer or previous treatments. They can contact your hospital team, if needed. GPs can also help you if you’re finding it hard to cope.

Your local pharmacist

Pharmacists can be a great source of information –They can help with some of your healthcare questions and advise on medicines.

Irish Cancer Society cancer nurses

Call our nurses on 1800 200 700, email supportline@irishcancer.ie or visit a Daffodil Centre if you have any worries or questions. The nurses can support and advise you.

If you are worried or notice any new symptoms between appointments, tell your GP or call your specialist nurse for advice, especially if you have:

• A pain that does not go away, usually in one place
• New or unusual lumps or swelling
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• A fever or cough that does not go away
• Unusual rashes, bruises or bleeding
• Any other symptom you are concerned about