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Hi All, I have opted for delayed breast reconstruction because I wasn’t sure if I would require radiation post surgery as well as chemo. I was a candidate for oncotype dx and was hoping I won’t require chemo. However, results came back I would benefit chemo. I am currently on ACT chemo regimen, would complete on Jan next year. It would be of great help if anyone would give me tips about delayed breast reconstruction. My Breast consultant advise DIEP breast reconstruction vs implant. I need helpful tips to prepare me for this procedure , especially from those who have been through this. Thanks a lot! Kind regards, Joi

I'm struggling with the knowledge that everyone in my town will be aware of my situation..I know having breast cancer and being at the start of my journey should make me not care, but I deeply dread people other than my immediate family knowing. Everyone knows Everyone here and what they don't know they make up, my own brother in law would tell everyone and embellish the facts for shock factor and while I have wonderful friends I don't want any help right now as Im still trying to process everything. I'm quite private and feel more in control if no one knows ,so I can still go shopping or my kids school without looks and constant attention. Ireland is a small country so I'm aware that when I start radiation I'll probably meet people I know, but how do I still keep control and keep people at a distance without offending anyone. Sorry for the huge essay

Hi All, I'm starting TC Chemo on Wednesday. Just wondering how other people have got through it - were the side effects okay or bad? Also, has anyone getting this Chemo tried a cold cap? How did it work for you? Thanks, Helen

Hi, I had a mammogram last Tuesday, was called back in less than a week later, had another mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. I've got an appointment with consultant in 11 more days to "discuss where we go from here". 11 more days is a long time wondering and waiting. It sounds to me like the doctors know something, could this be the case ? And they are just waiting for the biopsy to confirm? I was told to bring someone with me on the 15th when they called with the appointment. Every day feels like forever while I'm waiting. Is it normal practice to be told to bring along support? I am 42.

Hello, I'm going to the triple assessment clinic in Mater Private next Monday. I haven't even received a letter or text confirming and don't know what to expect. This does not fill me with confidence regarding the clinic. If they don't mention anything to me about how the scans look does that mean it's bad? I'll be seeing the consultant on Wednesday so of course he will go through everything. It's just...well you know how sometimes radiographers will say "all looks ok", if they don't does that mean there is an issue? Also, what will indicate to them that I need a biopsy? If things do look fine, will they biopsy in order to understand my symptoms? I'm overwhelmed and worn out with it all.

Hi, I had a triple assessment last week for a lump that I found while I was pregnant. I am now 3 weeks post partum. I was truly shocked to be effectively diagnosed straight away. Now I am just waiting for biopsy results for staging. I am 38 and in a blind panic. I couldn't ask anything because I was in shock. I have a 12 day wait for my results. I have had upper back pain since labour and have convinced myself that it has spread to my lungs. I'm so worried about the future, especially since I'm a new mum. If anyone could help answer some questions. Is it standard to take a lymph node sample at triple assessment or is it only done if spreading is suspected? Was there any financial supports available? If you can't work or need to get a carer? Thank you.

Hi I was diagnosed with local recurrance in oct 21 just a month off 10yrs clear of first diagnoses . I have finished all treatment since jan of this year thankfully ,although still having 6monthly Ct scan . Last scan was sept and saw oncologist after who was happy enough for another 6 months. I pointed out when there that I noticed a small pucker on my diep reconstructed breast on the opposite side to lumpectomy . She had a look said seemed to be ok ,but it’s just not sitting with me and I now have a feeling of fullness in both of my armpits but predominantly in bad side . There is also pain . I’m assuming it’s all scar tissue and nerve issues after lumpectomy and previous surgery ? Anyone anything similar ? TIA

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

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.

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.