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posted by CarrieD
29 November 2016

Dad just diagnosed with small cell lung cancer stage 4

Last reply: 19 May 2017 09:35
Hi, I'm a little, well a lot sad today, my Dad has been diagnosed with stage four small cell lung cancer. He has no symptoms and went into hospital for something else. Unfortunately, I know a lot about the disease as a dear friend's sister has it and I've read a lot about it. I'm scared. My Dad knows nothing about how potentially serious it can be and he thinks he'll beat this with chemo. We're going to discuss his treatment on Friday and I don't know how he'll cope with the devastation if they tell him it's terminal (and my poor Mammy). Any advice on how I can help him through this? I'm being really positive when I'm around them but I'm petrified. Is there any hope for this type of cancer? I'm sick of the doctors already asking me if I'm medical when I ask them questions, they also said chemo is their only option, why can't they do radiation or immunotherapy? Any advice as well on what's ahead would be appreciated and how I can balance spending time with my own family (in Dublin), my family at home (Kerry) and work (Dublin). Obviously I want to spend as much time as I possibly can with my Dad and family. I have two young children as well who seemingly have been acting up since I've been home. I miss them terribly (and I have only been in Kerry six days). Any help would be so appreciated.
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posted by Caroline walsh
26 December 2016

Operation for mole

Last reply: 05 January 2017 15:50
Hi I am due to have operation for a freckle on my back in Feb problem is I am highly stressed and have exams in Jan my hair is coming out in clumps really did not realise how stressed I am
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posted by Anne Marie
03 January 2017

Can node negative BC spread

Last reply: 16 January 2017 11:34
Ive had her+ node negative bc twice 2012 and 2014 lumpectomy and rads then mastectomy and chemo 2nd time. Ive had prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy. I take Letrozole. My back aches on 1 side and my joints are sore. Im wondering has anyone had this diagnosis and treatment and still developed secondaries?
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posted by Lorri46
10 January 2017

Nipple reconstruction

Last reply: 11 January 2017 11:38
Hi there, I've had dcis and Paget's disease of breast had my nipple removed and 3 cm of dcis in October and 2nd operation for clear margins in November. I'm currently having 20sessions of radiation feeling very lucky caught early etc, but after living with this I realise I need to have nipple reconstruction the dr only mentioned tattooing he did say if radiation changes breast size he will fix it at the moment it looks more or less same as other one , my question is can nipple reconstruction be done on public system or do I need to pay for this surgery? Has anyone else had this done not nipple reconstruction and mastectomy just nipple reconstruction thanks.
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posted by Mona
10 January 2017

Worried - Core Biopsy

Last reply: 07 August 2017 19:56
Hi, I found a lump in November, had a mammogram in December and had a return visit yesterday. Had another mammogram, an ultrasound and a core biopsy. I was told the person who performed the biopsy was very concerned and that he felt there was a cancer there. I will be returning for results on Monday next and meeting the consultant. Are they usually close to the mark when they mention cancer or is there a possibility that the results could come back as benign?? Many thanks for any replies. Mona
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posted by cancerhusband
22 January 2017

Breast Cancer Oncologist

Last reply: 06 February 2017 11:34
Hi, My wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently in hospital for her second surgery. Though she has a medical oncologist consultant, my concern is if the consultant is a specialist in breast cancer or a general oncologist. Though I can ask the consultant, I tried to do some research on oncologist specialities and failed to find a list. I could find lists of oncologists in Ireland but not those who's sole or main focus is on breast cancer. We all want the best for ourselves and our loved ones and I'm lucky enough to have health insurance for her that will cover any consultant in any hospital in Ireland (And maybe elsewhere but hopefully it will not come to that). My world has turned upside down, and I'm finding it very frustrating that I can't even find such basic information as: a) Who in Ireland is a Specialist Breast Oncologist? b) Who is considered the best? I hope you can help me find the information that I hope is easy to find and its just my panic that is stopping me finding it. CH
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posted by Sparklejars
25 January 2017

Hysterectomy at 93

Last reply: 26 January 2017 16:29
Hi, We are currently having trouble deciding whether my 93 year old Granny should go ahead with a Hysterectomy. We are waiting on her doctor to have an interdisciplinary meeting to discuss the best course of action. She initially suggested we go ahead but did state that she hadn't performed this surgery on a woman of her age before. My mum and I thought it might be helpful to try and get some insight from others who may have been in the same situation. Has anyone else had experience like this? I understand no one can make the decision for us, but my Granny is really relying on my Mum's input. I don't expect anyone to push us either way but would really appreciate any advice or shared experiences. My granny was always in great health and only started slowing down in her 80's. We have already been discussing moving into a home before this diagnosis. We are just worried that she will never fully recover from the surgery, and it’s so hard to compare that to doing nothing, having already agreed that she is not strong enough for chemo. I would really appreciate any help at all, Thank you for reading.
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posted by bchubby
03 February 2017

Post biopsy & diagnosis distress

Hi, Asking on behalf of my wife, who is strong and wonderful, but struggling with some aspects of this new world we have been thrown into. Has anyone any experience of distress when showering/bathing after a breast biopsy & diagnosis. Biopsy was two weeks ago and we now have a confirmed diagnosis. Managed to get one set of steristrips off last night but it is very distressing and upsetting and every time we are showering th emotional aspect of things is very difficult for her. Anything we can do? Or try? This seems like an amazing forum full of strong, inspirational people.
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posted by bchubby
03 February 2017

Post biopsy & diagnosis distress

Hi, Asking on behalf of my wife, who is strong and wonderful, but struggling with some aspects of this new world we have been thrown into. Has anyone any experience of distress when showering/bathing after a breast biopsy & diagnosis. Biopsy was two weeks ago and we now have a confirmed diagnosis. Managed to get one set of steristrips off last night but it is very distressing and upsetting and every time we are showering th emotional aspect of things is very difficult for her. Anything we can do? Or try? This seems like an amazing forum full of strong, inspirational people.
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posted by Dottie
04 February 2017

World has turned upside down

Last reply: 31 March 2017 23:39
Hello reader, my husband 53 has just been diagnosed with Lung Cancer. Right lung upper lobe .inoperable due to collapse of the top 3rd of lung and where it is placed. Sub group Squameons stage 3A... now that is all double dutch to me and i'm afraid to go on google. Heading for a pet scan on Monday next and that result will determine when chemo and radium starts ... Im scared shitless... ;(
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