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Hi everyone, I'm Aidan, I'm 51, single male, live in West Cork and have recently been diagnosed with lung cancer (dont ask me which one, I cant pronounce it let alone spell it, haha). I've just joined the site today and have been having a quick look around and whilst there are very good sections devoted to specifics, I'm somewhat surprised there is no "New member introduction" or "General Lounge/ General Chat" section,,,, unless I haven't found it yet. I'm specificly interested in finding out if there are any support groups in my area, particularly along the lines of something where there are regular get togethers with people who have cancer, or have lost someone from cancer etc, something where people can meet in person and get to know each other. If you know of any such groups I would be very interested in hearing about them, thanks and best wishes to you all, Aidan.

Hi all, I am new to this, and to be honest I'm not quite sure what I am hoping to gain from posting...maybe a little understanding and support from people going through something similar! My wonderful hubby was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in November 2011 after being very ill since June 2011 with breathlessness, coughing, night sweats, weight loss. He underwent an unsuccessful biopsy in June 2011 (he was coughing too much to remove a biopsy) and at this time he was misdiagnosed & told he had Sarcoidosis. He began steroid treatment for Sarcoid, but steadily went down hill. When he collapsed and was hospitalised in October, it was discovered that there was a lot more going on! After A LOT of testing, biopsies and scopes, it turned out my hubby had stage 3 Non Hodgkin’s mediastinal lymphoma with a tracheoesophageal fistula thrown into the mix for fun! He was sent home from hosp to await chemo but was re-admitted as a critical patient after his lungs flooded at home due to the fistula. He underwent 6 rounds of R-CHOP and was hospitalised for 2 months. Due to the fistula he needed a PEG and JEG tube fitted to decompress his stomach and was on liquid feed almost 2 months. It wasn't believed he would make it through 3 nights during his hospital stay as he developed severe infections and went into resp. failure. I slept on the floor beside him in the hosp for 2 weeks! But, Thank God, he pulled through and we began to see improvements slowly. He was discharged from hospital on the 18th of December, was told his fistula had sealed on the 21st of December (and he was allowed to eat again) and he finished his last chemo on the 29th of Feb. We just received his PET scan results...and they are clear! It has been a rollercoaster of a journey! We will be married two years in July...this has definitely been a test of our vows! He is doing wonderfully, his energy is almost back to pre-sickness, and his hair is growing back.. I have my husband and best friend back. I guess I'm just finding it hard to get my head around all that has happened. It has been very fast moving and we have had a lot to deal with! We have been told that his PET scan was clear and 100% normal...can I ask..does this put him into the remission category? I was in such shock when we received the results via the phone that I forgot to ask! We are seeing the oncologist on Monday, but just wanted to test the waters here first! Has anyone experienced anything similar to this? I believe the type of lymphoma my hub has in a rarer type? I'd love some feed back! God Bless. xx

diagnosed nov 11. Finish chemo on 8 may, goin week Holiday. I wanted to go away before my surgery. Anyone gone away so soon after chemo. Any tips. I heard you are more sensitive during chemo.

On Monday next a team from 'C Team - Cancer Survivors' will be running in the relay in the Cork City Marathon. You can find out more about us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/C-Team-C ... 8393882344 . We'd be delighted if you'd consider sponsoring us. If not, please click 'Like' or 'Share', or pass it on in some format. ....of course, if you're on, or around, the Marathon course on Monday, please give us a cheer!! C Team - Cancer Survivors relay team who are taking part in the 2012 Cork City Marathon Relay are: Mossie Shanahan (Skin Cancer - Cork), Ned O'Brien (Melanoma - Clonmel, Co. Tipperary), John Quigley (Prostate Cancer - Cork). Liam Ryan (Neck & Head Cancer - Ballina, Co. Tipperary) Noel O'Connor (Prostate Cancer - Carrigaline, Co. Cork), Each C Team member has their own fundraising. John Quigley's pages are: Irish Cancer Society - http://www.mycharity.ie/event/c_team_20 ... r_society/ and Cork ARC - http://www.mycharity.ie/event/c_team_2012_cork_arc/ Liam Ryan Cancer Appeal - http://liamryancancerappeal.weebly.com/donate.html Please like, share or donate! Our primary aims of the group are: 1) To raise the profile and awareness of cancer survivors. We're still here and getting on with life. (It may not be easy, but, bugger it, we're dealing with it) 2) To show those facing cancer, whether diagnosed or supporting someone who is dealing with cancer, that we’re getting on with life… and they can too 3) To make contact with other cancer survivors who might join with us in future events and finally 4) (Maybe) raise a bit of money, though this is not a core aim.

Our daughter, 25 years old, was diagnosed last July with oral cancer. She had an operation on her tongue, neck and no follow up was necessary. She visits her doctor every two months and is followed closely. She is angry with her parents, siblings and in general has shut her family out. We need to know how to help her come to terms with life now without making matters worse. Thank you

Had a lumpectomy and complete lymph node clearance under right arm. Had chemo first and was told tumour shrank to nothing. Came home with drain and got an infection. It's over three weeks in and very sore and I have terrible pain in my right shoulder blade. I am eating pain killers. I get drain out tomorrow amen but have to find out what this unbearable shoulder blade pain is. Has anyone else experienced this. On 24 July I have to have A reincision done as margins are not clear? This scares me as if this does not work I will have to have a masactemy. Wish me luck.

Hello, I am new to the forum.. just wish to know if anyone else has MRCC cancer.. my 59yr old husband was diagnosed 3wks ago!! it was all a big shock to us, as he wasnt unwell!! it seems to have started from a broken rib!! he is currently on Sutent 1 aday, and has a bone infusion once a month.. to strenghten his bones.. all this week he has had radiotherapy in Wwhitfield Clinic in Waterford, and they have been lovely. Just wish to know if there is any persons out there with the same condition, that I could chat to when I need them. Thanks.

Hi ladies Quick question,big toe on my right foot has been black and lifting since second last chemo.Cleverly i managed to stub it yesterday and yes as painful as it sounds!!!Was in for herceptin today and assumed that they would remove it for me,as the whole nail is just attached at the cuticle now,but the registrar just gave me antibiotics and painkillers.Just wondering if anyone has had any problems with nails and if a chiropidist would do something? I know this is a small complaint but i can barely walk and wearing shoes is a non starter. Thanks

Hi, my partner of 25yrs has been diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer 5wks ago he is 47 yrs old ,we were told it was inoperable and palliative chemo his only option.The cancer has spread to his pelvis and has also blocked his right ureter causing damage to the right kidney,and is sticturing his lower bowel he has a temporary catheter in place draining his kidney.He had his spleen removed after an accident when he was 14 has been fairly healthy but over the years has been very ill with minor infections.The oncologist agrees this is an issue but still thinks chemo will help and said J would have only 6months without chemo, we live 60 miles from the hospital treating him and my major fear is that without a spleen he has absolutely no back up 4 infection .He agreed to the chemo when we saw the consultant but now is thinking of refusing.Is there anyone who has experience of having chemo in this situation?We have less than 2wks before treatment due to start.xx

I have had this very rare sinus cancer that is starting to spread. ADENOCARCINOMA OF ETHMOID SINUS CAUSED BY ORGANIC WOOD. IT HAS BEEN REMOVED 8 times,6 weeks radiotherapy,and now IV been waiting three months for brain surgery. My son was killed in Afghanistan last year, I have no family and the pain is immense and suicide seams to be my only answer because when I'm asleep I don't hurt x