Community

My Mum passed away in 1981, so thirty years ago last October. It seems to be on my mind alot for the last few months. Most likely because I am now older than she ever was, she was 33 years old when she passed and my son is nearly the age I was when she died (3) and I had a little girl a few months ago. I can honestly say Ive grieved for her alot and feel robbed of her on all happy and sad occasions in my life. Ive no siblings and feel Im the only person who still actively misses her. I just wish she was here to meet my babies RIP Mum

Hi anyone who is wondering about this- Thought I'd post quickly on this topic, as I'd started asking about it a few months ago, before starting chemo. Anyhow, and we don't all have choices in this regard, I recognise, but I kept up my work- a bit. And it helped enormously. I went on sick leave from my full time job as that involved too much travelling, but I kept up, sort of, my self employed practice. To be honest, my super-employee fronted for me, and did everything, but it kept me sane to try to work. I sort of followed her into meetings and pretended to understand what I was doing, and typed aimlessly a lot of the time, but other times I did make good and big decisions and presentations. I really felt much better for the sense of doing something worthwhile and not being a full-time invalid. However, I did have help, I did have a choice, and I also slept and rested a lot. There were days when I was in a chemo daze and towards the end my cognition and memory definitely deteriorated (that was a bit frightening), but its grand again now, seven weeks after final chemo. I was on the pretty aggressive TAC, which though horrid and not at all easy, was survived. There you go, started rads and Tamoxifen this week. Waiting for menopause to kick in any day now. Sincere good luck to everyone... xxxxxxxx

If anyone is awaiting Radiotherapy... I suggest you start taking MOR EPA (Omega 3) fish oils. If you eat oily fish at least 3-4 times a week, you won't need to take them as a supplement, you should be getting enough. They really helped me through my Radiotherapy as I didn't experience the tiredness nor the break down of my skin as was suggested might happen. I went on them and Vitamin D3 at end of September and started Radiotherapy on Nov 14th. I am studying Nutritional Therapy and am 100% convinced that taking them helped me to have 33 rather "uneventful" radiotherapy sessions. Best of luck to you all on your journeys. Happy New Year filled with health, happiness and positivity.

Has anyone had mamosite and brackytherapy for breast cancer. I had this last year and have had a lot of problems

I had mammosite and brackytherapy last year wondered did anyone else have this and did they have any problems

The Irish Cancer Society’s 2012 Lung Cancer Awareness campaign was launched today with the Society expressing concern at a recent report which shows lung cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the biggest cause of cancer death in women in Ireland for the first time. According to the report ‘Cancer in Ireland: 2011’ issued by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI), lung cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the main cause of cancer death in women by 6 per cent. The radio and poster campaign will run for two weeks, commencing on Monday 16th January. This year the Society is encouraging everyone to ‘Look After Your Lungs’, know how best to prevent lung cancer, the signs and symptoms and if you are concerned, go to your GP. The Society has also developed a new publication called “Look After Your Lungs” which is full of information and advice on how to improve your health and be aware of the early signs and symptoms of lung disease. If you would like a free copy of “Look After Your Lungs” or if you are concerned about lung cancer, call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700 and speak to a specialist nurse in confidence.

Hello! I was diagnosed with breast cancer in late Nov, grade 2 stage 2, had lumpectomy and node biopsy which showed minuscule traces of cancer so had lymph glands removed on 14 Dec but luckily all others were clear. Scans all clear. Met my Oncologist the other day and am due to start chemo, 6TC over 18 weeks, in 2 weeks in Tallaght (am patient in Vincent's but they have no cold caps) Just wondering if anyone else will be starting then too? Was terrified but seem to have my head round things a bit better now especially after meeting th Oncologist who was so nice and also reassuring. Love Linda xx

My sister had osophageus cancer 2 years ago and had an operation which lasted 12 hours. Her blood levels were low and she was unable to have radium or chemo treatment afterwards. It has been a long gruelling and very difficult recovery - but she was upbeat and positive throughout her many bad days. She has lost a lot of weight and suffered nausea and cramps. At Christmas she seemed slightly better and we thought we were beginning to see the wood for the trees. However last week she was told that she had peritoneal cancer and there is no more the doctors can do for her. Her children and the family are absolutely gutted. Has anyone any ideas of where we can go now. Are there any clinical trials? Any suggestions would be welcomed. She is such a wonderfully positive caring mam, wife, daughter and sister.

Hi, I am receiving treatment for Metestatic breast cancer in my bones and was wondering if anyone else is going through this at the moment, I would like to compare notes etc as I feel on my own at the present even though my family are great. What questions should I ask my oncologist? I am on Zometa every 4 weeks and have just finished my 8th session

Hi Everyone, Just a quick introduction. Today I'm exactly two weeks post-op - lumpectomy plus wide margins plus three lymph node removals. Discovered lump (just under 2cms) end of November'11, had mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy by mid-December. Diagnosis of IDC Christmas week and two days before my 60th birthday! Shocked but overall, took it very well, didn't have too much time to dwell on it as I was up to my eyes in Christmas preparations! Back with Dr. yesterday who told me the great news that the lymph nodes are clear, my cancer is hormone positive so now I await appointment with Oncologist. My treatment will either be hormones or Chemo but definitely five weeks of Radiotherapy. I'm scared that the hormone treatment won't be sufficient to prevent the reoccurance of the breast cancer. The people I hear of having a 15-20+ years of being cancer free probably would have had chemo plus radiotherapy. Should I be scared? Feeling more confused than ever and very weepy. Thanks, Annie3