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I am just wondering what everyone's experience has been regarding waiting times to be seen at the Symptomatic Clinic? I discovered a lump on my breast about two weeks ago. I was seen by my GP a few days later and she agreed it needed to be assessed and sent a referral to the Clinic in Galway. I am reading about wait times of up to 8 weeks given COVID backlogs. Does anyone know if I am likely to be waiting that long? I have a very strong family history of aggressive breast cancer unfortunately so am absolutely worried sick. I also have private health insurance but not sure if this is something I can use to get an initial assessment or where? Any help would be really appreciated.

Recently had a smear, which was negative. GP referred me to gynaecologist. This happened previously due to cervical ectropian. Went for appt today expecting a colposcopy. But it was a consult. GP saw dark lesion on vagina, and consultant booked a biopsy for two weeks and mentioned ruling out melanoma. He said it was rare, but didn't mention any alternatives for what it could be. This was totally unexpected, and I am freaking out. Stupidly googled it. I have 2 young kids, thinking the worst. I'm terrified

Hi everyone, my Mum has been diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer this week. She is waiting for her medical insurance sign off on a PET-CT so the hospital can stage her cancer (we know it is in her lymph nodes). We have been told this can take 4-6 weeks to get a scan date and all forms signed. It is being looked after by her consultant. This seems really long to me, is this normal? Thank you

Hi everyone, new to this. My dad has very recently being diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer. My main reason for posting is looking for advice on how to tell my daughter who is 11 and very close to him. Has always being a healthy man so this has being a very sudden and massive shock to us all. Thanks

I've just been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour. I've been referred to the specialist team in St. Vincents. I have received an appointment for a pep scan, at the end of November. This is about a 5 week wait and I'm wondering is this the normal wait time? I'm quite anxious at the thought of the wait and feel I'm in limbo at the moment!

Hi I have just finished Tamoxifen after 5yrs, and started on letrozole about 6wks ago. I have not had a period in over 6yrs since chemo, I had blood tests which showed I’m in menopause but this wk I have had heavy bleeding (I presume a period) has anyone else had this experience

Hello I was diagnosed with a blood cancer this year and I'm due to start treatment at the end of the year. I haven't received any information about the booster vaccine and when I asked in St James I genuinely didn't understand the answer. Does anyone know if people with blood cancers fall under the bracket of immunocompromised and should we expect to be offered the third vaccine? Thanks David

Hi there Aswell as having metastatic cancer i’m also concerned about money. Any policies I have are for when I die but I need it more for while I’m still here. Has anyone been given good advice on this? Thanks so much x

Hello Folks, I had 35 sessions of Radiation and 6 Chemo for cancer in my 'lower back tongue leading to tonsil' which I finished in early October 2021. {last month}. I've lost 3 stone ( i.e40 pounds or 18 kg). I can only take Fortisip - liquid food and my taste has changed terribly. I feel that the mucus membrane is gone from my mouth and throat and so it's hard to deal with any food. I find it to be a lonely place as there is not much follow up from my consulting team which is because they presumably are waiting for the treatment to do its job for the first months. I'd love to hear from other people who have a similar experience to mine and if they have any advice regarding my worries about taste and eating and when I can expect results of treatment and anything else they might feel I should know. Kind regards MikeWalsh

Hi, I'm just finished a year of treatment for breast cancer. After a tough road everything has gone very well and my oncologist said he is very happy with my response to treatment and seems quiet positive about going forward. I am of course very relieved and happy that my treatment has gone well, however I feel somewhat lost at sea. Its like the tsunami has hit and now I'm just in open water bobbing along, also the fear of it coming back is always there. Has anybody else felt like this following treatment and does time really help heal? Thank you x