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Hi all, Has anyone been for a private triple assessment and then went back to the public clinic afterwards? South east area but would fly to the moon… Also how much would it cost in total including seeing consultant for results etc I am 59 days waiting publicly on an urgent mammogram and ultrasound. I have been told there’s no available dates on the system yet and I will be informed when there is. I don’t feel I will be able to relax unless I have a biopsy. after going through this journey with my own mother who was told scans were good and nothing concerning but had a biopsy same day to be sure. It’s a stressful time.

This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While breast cancer mainly affects women, approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Ireland. Men have a small amount of breast tissue behind the nipples where cancer can develop. The exact cause of breast cancer in men is unknown but there are some factors that may increase your risk. Breast cancer risk increases with age and most commonly affects men over 60 years of age, however it is important to get checked out at any age if you are concerned about symptoms. Other risk factors include obesity, high oestrogen levels due to other medical conditions, previous radiation to the chest, and a family history or genetic link. As the incidence of breast cancer in men is rare, most men with these risk factors will never develop it. The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is a painless lump in the breast under the nipple. Other symptoms of breast cancer in men and women can include an inverted nipple (nipple turning in), nipple discharge (often blood stained), changes in size or shape of the breast, rash around the nipple area, skin ulceration on the breast, or swelling under the arm. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned or are concerned about any changes to your chest area, you should see your GP to get checked out. Most changes are not breast cancer but the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed and treated the better. Our website has information on male breast cancer here including information on diagnosis, treatment and supports available. If you would like to speak to a cancer nurse regarding any of this or to get advice or support you can call our Support Line on 1800 200 700, Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.

Has anyone explored the Lu 177 PSMA treatment ? I understand only 3 on trials in the Mater Private. Royal Marsdon in Surrey on hospital in the UK offering it. FDA approved in 2022 But originated in Germany about 8-10 years ago, and is now available in 50 - 70 hospitals in Germany. I have stage 4 metastatic prostrate cancer and am half way through my 39 radiotherapy sessions and am interested in exploring what options are available afterwards to contain / beat my cancer. I’d really love to hear from someone who may be interested in exploring this option or any other constructive options for this journey. Gearoid B 08.10.23

Hi, I'm nervous posting here. For the past two months my life has been turned on it's head. My gynae referred me for a hysteroscopy due to a thick endometrium. It turns out I have a polyp which will be biopsied and removed. Ok I thought, that's that sorted. Then I received some information about my biological mother's family. My great grandmother, 2 great aunts, and 1 aunt all had breast cancer. So I had a breast exam on Monday. One area of my left breast was quite sore when doctor was pressing. She said that it was "lumpy" but was quick to add not a lump, and told me she isn't worried and I shouldn't worry. I know young women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and who lost their lives to it. I'm 41. 3 years ago I had a mammogram because of tingling sort of pain. Outcome was mastalgia. I'm also newly diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and am taking Eltroxin. I'm very scared. I have a history of health anxiety so all of this is my worst nightmare come true 😥 Thank you for reading.

Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer October 13th 2023 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Metastatic breast cancer is when breast cancer cells have spread to another part of your body. This is also described as advanced breast cancer, secondary breast cancer or stage 4 breast cancer. With long term treatment many people with metastatic breast cancer will have a good quality of life while continuing treatment for many years. Even though your cancer cannot be cured treatments may be offered to prevent the cancer from worsening. Living with a long-term disease and treatment can be challenging at times. Each person will have different needs and challenges. It is important for people to be aware of how their cancer is impacting them and seek support when needed. It can be helpful to spend a little extra time looking after yourself. Eating well and trying to maintain a healthy weight can help you feel better. When you feel able, a balanced diet including a variety of food to provide nutrients is best. A balanced diet can improve your energy and strength, can help you tolerate the dose of some drugs given, and can help people cope better with the side effects of treatment. Our Diet and Cancer book offers more helpful information: Understanding Series (cancer.ie). Exercise offers many physical benefits such as increased energy levels and improved fitness. Regular light exercise can also help manage side effects of cancer treatment such as fatigue, pain, nausea, anxiety and stress. As the impact of metastatic breast cancer can be different for each person, the types of exercise and the frequency may differ. Chat to your team about what may be best suited for you. A metastatic breast cancer diagnosis can impact us emotionally. Some find that talking with family and friends about their emotions can be helpful. Others may find that talking with someone such as a health professional or a trained counsellor may help. You can speak with one of the cancer nurses on our Support Line at any stage. We can also refer you to our counselling service if you would like to speak with a counsellor. If you would like to speak to a cancer nurse or to get advice or support you can call our Support Line on 1800 200 700, Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.

Hi, I am a 39 year old woman, with a 5 year old daughter and a husband in his early 40s who is currently in chemotherapy for secondary cancer. He first had cancer 5/6 years ago, and the outcome of his surgery and chemotherapy then was very positive. Unfortunately, it's come back quite aggressively in multiple sites, and we've had an exhausting time since his first symptoms last December. I have access to therapy, a good and caring gp, and a supportive family. But I find myself most often craving a conversation with another person whose spouse is in a similar position, or another cancer patient with a young family, or just anyone who can relate to where we are right now. Family and friends mean so well but they don't really know what to say, and that gets tiring to engage with. I'm surprised to discover there are a lot of support groups for patients, but none for carers, that I can find. The cancer support centre in my county has counselling but that's not what I want. I don't need any more sympathy, I need to relate. As I'm sure plenty of people already know, the Facebook groups can be helpful for info but also full of weirdos with juice recipes to cure cancer. Anyone else out there feeling the same way?

My husband and myself are 40. He has been diagnosed with life ending cancer. It is quite extensive. Last August we were told stage 4 lung, lymph nodes, spine, hip and thoracic. This year it’s spread to more bones, stomach lining and liver. My husband is completely in denial about his palliative diagnosis but I’m aware and happy to help him think he will survive. I’m heartbroken but I’m off work as a carer which I am grateful to have this time together. My main concern one I’ve been nervous to ask is what should I expect to happen near the end. Right now he’s being treated with palliative radiation for severe pain. And chemo to lengthen things. Any advice please would be appreciated.

Hello all! New here (well, newish, 10 years after the first time...). I've had lumpectomy and removal of 2 lymph nodes - lucky that my breast cancer, just like the first time in the other breast 10 years ago, is not the worst brand, and hoping to not need chemo, to get away with just surgery, radio therapy and hormone therapy. However, just 3 1/2 weeks since surgery, I have developed cording under my arm (armpit and nearly to elbow) and in my breast tissue (armpit to nipple, down the side). It is sensitive rather than painful, and I have relatively good arm movement, but I am keen to treat it to get rid of it. My post op physio appointment is not for another two weeks, so keen to find info and resources of how best to deal with this right away - i.e. what kind of massage, and what kind of exercise. The internet is chock full of contradictory advice (light pressure massage, deeper massage, different types of exercises). I do the exercises in the booklet I got in hospital religiously, but that is not focused on cording. Anyone here has good advice to share, and quality resources they can point me to? Many thanks in advance, and I wish you all the very best wherever you are in your cancer journey. All the best Catherine

I have had a mri on my pinky finger, so far they think it's a soft cell tumor hopefully benign. I have had it on my finger a few months, originally my GP sent me for a xray but nothing came back so he said it's probably just a ganglion cyst. 8 months later it's gone very big had to go for 2 mri's. ~Anyway just wanted to share I am 30 years old, anyone else had this experience?

Our annual national conference will take place as an in-person and online event on Saturday 18th November in the Clayton Hotel, Silver Springs, Cork. Register at www.cancer.ie/livingwell There will be range of topics and concerns specifically focused on supporting people who have experienced a cancer diagnosis. Expert talks about: Scientific discoveries and current cancer research studies Advances in cancer treatments Keeping healthy with and beyond a cancer diagnosis including managing fatigue, diet and self care The financial realities of cancer and supports available Interactive stalls and sessions: Exercise demonstrations Look Good Feel Better Practical Support and Financial Solutions Services clinic Access to our support services team, including our cancer nurses. This day is intended for those who are currently going through a cancer diagnosis/treatment or have in the past, plus a friend or family member. If you would like more information about the day do ring our cancer nurses on our support line at 1800 200 700 Mon-Fri 9-5pm. If you would like to get an idea of what to expect you can view recordings from previous conferences scroll down here We hope to see you either online or in person Kind regards Cancer Nurse