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posted by Vision
19 December 2020

Onkotype test

Last reply: 23 December 2020 17:01
Hi I was wondering if anyone has had a Onkotype test done as part of breast cancer treatment
2 comments
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posted by PN
21 December 2020

Bile Duct Cancer -Cholangiocarcinoma

Last reply: 23 December 2020 02:06
Hi -I'm only writing this as I find it impossible to talk about it to anyone. I was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in November 2019. I had surgery on the affected bile duct and liver re-section in December 2019. I've had follow-up scopes and bowel biopsies since then, with the most recent blood tests for tumor markers a few weeks back. As the blood tests are done in batches the results are due around now. I missed two calls from the hospital (I didn't have my phone on me) and I suspect the calls are related to the blood test results. I've deliberately not tried to ring back as I don't want to hear any bad news before Christmas. I'm due back in January anyway for more scans. I'm finding the stress very tough at the moment and I've had more or less no contact with anyone, outside my immediate family since the first Covid lockdown in March as I've been (lucky enough) to be working from home since then. Just want to get through Christmas and face up to it again in January.
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posted by Masterson
22 December 2020

Stage 4 Bowle and liver cancer

Last reply: 10 February 2021 20:56
Hi, sorry to ask but a family member has been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel and liver cancer, we have been advised its incurable but can be controlled with chemo every 10 days or so . hes only in his 50s and has no other health complications . His doctor is positive but has anyone ever been through this stage ? Many thanks
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posted by SM_2020
03 January 2021

Appetite and nausea relief

Last reply: 04 January 2021 16:28
Hello, I am caring for my mum who is very ill on chemo for stage 3 ovarian cancer. She was hospitalised five days ago because she can't eat. She's getting IV fluids and a stomach pump delivering Maxolon (but still can't eat as it's not really helping). I'm extremely concerned about her weight loss, inability to eat, and relentless nausea. She is very weak and her mood is low. At what point would a feeding tube or similar be considered? A palliative care nurse mentioned Megace as an appetite stimulant and I've been trying to bring it up (brought it up at last chemo appointment and the nurse took note but haven't heard anything since). Does this sound like something that would help under the circumstances? I can't visit her and getting a chance to speak to her oncology team is difficult. I understand that the COVID restrictions need to be in place, but it means that patients don't have advocates when they most need it. Thanks in advance for advice
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posted by SM_2020
03 January 2021

Genetic testing

Last reply: 04 January 2021 15:54
Hi everyone, My Mum was recently diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer and her oncologist recommended genetic testing. Bloods for this were sent off for lab assessment a few months ago but no results yet. Has anyone has experience of this? I'm very anxious, obviously caring for Mum but also worried about possibility that there's a genetic element to her illness too, raising my risk. Anyone know about time frame for test results, full process etc?
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posted by ciarao
03 January 2021

Shielding after treatment

Last reply: 12 January 2021 11:35
Hi Does anyone know should you shield after completIng chemo/ retuxamab infusions 1.5 years ago. In the uk it states if your not more than 2 years in remission you should shield. It’s v confusing.
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posted by LisaJH
07 January 2021

Hot Flushes / menopause

Last reply: 12 January 2021 00:07
I am 43and have stage 2 breast cancer, I just finished chemo last Monday. I haven’t had a period for months which I was told to expect and have been experiencing intense hot flushes and night sweats for about a month. While I know chemo is the cause of this, I’m just wondering if it will continue now I am not on chemo anymore or if the menopause I’m starting will reverse itself? Has anyone had any experience of this?
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posted by cal89x
08 January 2021

Waiting Times

Hi all, 4 weeks ago I went to my doctor with a new area of lumpy tissue that was not normal. I am 31 years of age have no other symptoms and my doctor does not seem concerned at all as she told me so. My mam suffers with breasts cysts a lot and we don’t have breast cancer in the family. A referral letter has been sent but marked as non urgent. I rang the hospital today and because I am non urgent my wait could be a couple of months as the list is getting longer. I am a tad anxious but the what if and unknown is always in the back of my mind. Just wondering has anyone been in the same situation or know how long the waiting list is? I am based in cork. I am thinking of asking the doctor to send the letter privately and I will pay whatever the cost it. Thanks a million
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posted by cal89x
08 January 2021

Appointment wait

Last reply: 24 February 2021 14:03
Hi all, 4 weeks ago I went to my doctor with a new area of lumpy tissue that was not normal. I am 31 years of age have no other symptoms and my doctor does not seem concerned at all as she told me so. My mam suffers with breasts cysts a lot and we don’t have breast cancer in the family. A referral letter has been sent but marked as non urgent. I rang the hospital today and because I am non urgent my wait could be a couple of months as the list is getting longer. I am a tad anxious but the what if and unknown is always in the back of my mind. Just wondering has anyone been in the same situation or know how long the waiting list is? I am based in cork. I am thinking of asking the doctor to send the letter privately and I will pay whatever the cost it. Thanks a million
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posted by cara74
10 January 2021

tamoxifen and bruising

hi been on tamoxifen for over a year now and from time to time ive noticed bruises but cant remeber and injury!?! tonight u have a big bruise on my elbow..looks like i fell on it and i definitely did not injure it..has anyone any side effecs like this from tamoxifen?
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