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We here at the Irish Cancer Society would encourage everyone to talk to their Doctor, Dentist or Pharmacist about any unexplained concern they may have noticed in their mouth or surrounding area. A symptom may be a sore, ulcer or lump in their mouth. It could be a sore throat or a neck lump. Another symptom to be aware of is red or white patches in your mouth, or if you have an unexplained pain in your mouth. If any of these symptoms are there for longer than 3 weeks, we would advise you to get them checked out. Of course, many of these symptoms can be explained and cancer of the mouth is not common. However, we want to make everyone aware of symptoms and to encourage anyone who has noticed a ‘change’ in their mouth to get it checked out. Picking up a cancer in the mouth or the surrounding area early will make a significant difference to the success of the treatment and the person’s quality of life after treatment. Those who have a medical card or have paid enough PRSI contributions are entitled to a free dental examination each year. Unfortunately, if you have neither there will be a charge to see your dentist. If you would like to speak to a cancer nurse about any changes you have noticed or any other concerns, you may have you can phone us on 1800 200 700. We are here Mon-Fri 9-5pm and would very much like to support you through your worries. I do hope we will hear from you. Kind regards Cancer Nurse    

Hi! I hope you might be able to help :) BACKGROUND My Dad is 67, and has been receiving treatment for Small Cell Lung Cancer for 4.5 years. Most recent was radium for a small spot in his head. Besides that his scans have been coming back clear. He has been deteriorating over the last year (severe muscle loss) and the decline has accelerated in the last 2 months where he has lost complete use of one leg, and second leg is not far behind. We hoped that the spot in his head was the cause but there has only been a decline since treatment. Our Oncologist suspects an auto-immune issue but we don't know for sure. He has spent 7 weeks in hospital and now is being moved to pallative care in the hopes he can rebuild muscle there. QUESTION I have heard about LEMS and I was hoping that this could be explored as a potential cause of my Dad's muscle loss. What would be the best way to broach this with the hospital team? Might you be aware of any teams or patients in Ireland that have had experience with LEMS? Many thanks, Andrea

I am a 34 year old woman, I was diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer yesterday. I am having surgery to have it removed next week. I am expecting a call from the Cancer nurse tomorrow but I am just looking for suggestions for questions I should ask? It doesn't look like I should need chemotherapy as of yet but I am aware that can change once they have a look at the lump and surrounding tissue once it's out. Any suggestions welcome. Thank you.

I am a 34 year old woman, I was diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer yesterday. I am having surgery to have it removed next week. I am expecting a call from the Cancer nurse tomorrow but I am just looking for suggestions for questions I should ask? It doesn't look like I should need chemotherapy as of yet but I am aware that can change once they have a look at the lump and surrounding tissue once it's out. Any suggestions welcome. Thank you.

When a loved one is coming to the end of their life, it is a hugely emotional time.  The practicalities of caring for someone at home can be an added stress to a very sad situation. Here is some advice that we give to our callers to help empower them in this incredibly challenging time. Make a plan - roles and responsibilities can be shared. We recommend to put a Rota in place to share care and to give everyone a break.  Tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping can be assigned so everyone has a role. Communicate with the medical team – arrange a family meeting, this will ensure everyone has the same information and also gives everyone an opportunity to ask any questions.  It will give clarity on what care can be expected and what the expectations are from the family.  A discussion about care options such as hospice or a palliative bed in a nursing home may be appropriate to talk about. Care support at home is assessed individually, the medical team will advise the level of care available.  Bear in mind that while there is support available, the majority of the care taking rests on family members – this is an important consideration when deciding to care for someone at home at the end of their life. Topics to consider when arranging care include When and Who to contact if there are any issues, including when out of hours. Night nursing care provided by the Irish Cancer Society. Equipment (hospital bed, toileting aids, mobility aids). Care package hours. Our support line can be reached on 1800 200 700 if you would like to speak with a nurse about your unique situation.  We also have a booklet ‘A time to care’ that is available to download or post. If you have any other tips or advice, please comment below

Got the shock of my life last week when getting the results of a blood test to find I had a reading of 18.2 my doctor immediately booked me in at Beaumont (still awaiting the appointment) although should be soon only symptoms i have are erectile dysfunction which i have had for 10+years so don't think that is the issue but I am peeing slowly yet from memory even just a couple of months ago it was a mixture some slow and some like a fireman's hose. Mind is all up in the air at the moment and that waiting is a killer anyone else with similar symptoms?

Blood Cancer Awareness Day Blood cancers represent almost one in ten cancer cases, with more than 2,000 people across Ireland diagnosed every year. Where does blood cancer start? Inside the centre of our bones, we have a spongy material called bone marrow. Bone marrow makes stem cells, and these stem cells make all our different blood cells. If this process goes wrong, it can cause abnormal blood cells to grow. This may then cause a blood cancer. The different Blood cells include: Red blood cells – carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies. White blood cells - fight infection. Platelets – help our blood clot when we get injured. Plasma - plasma cells make antibodies, to help fight infection and are a type of white blood cell. When one of these blood cells become abnormal it can cause a blood cancer - Leukaemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma, and/or MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome). Common Blood Cancer Symptoms Blood Cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type of blood cancer and some people may not have any symptoms. Common blood cancer symptoms include: Persistent Tiredness – may be caused due to not enough red blood cells (anaemia). Looking Pale – due to not enough red blood cells (anaemia). Shortness of breath - may be due to not enough red blood cells. Fever or chills/ frequent infections – may be due to not enough white blood cells to fight infections. Unexplained bruising, bleeding, or rash – this may be due to not enough platelets. Swollen, painless lump in the neck, armpits, or groin - possible cause is a build-up of abnormal cells in lymph glands. Coughing or chest pain - possible cause is a buildup of abnormal blood cells in your spleen. Loss of appetite or feeling sick - possible cause is a buildup of abnormal blood cells in your spleen that presses on your stomach. Night sweats - causes remain unknown. Back, Bone and/or Joint Pain/ Fractures - possible cause is pressure on the spine, or nerve problems causing weakness or numbness in your legs - possible cause increased number of abnormal cells in the bone marrow. If you have symptoms that cannot be explained and are persistent, you should make an appointment with your GP - it is unlikely to be anything serious but it is important to get checked out.   For more details, advice and or support call our Support Line on 1800 200 700.   See our booklets Understanding Multiple Myeloma, Understanding Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, Understanding Myelodysplastic syndrome and many more.

Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen. I suppose we all agree that cancer can take your life over. It started for me in April 23. when I found a lump. I didn't rush to my GP when maybe I should have. I had a cyst before and hoped that this was another one. I was wrong, it was Lobular cancer and I had a Mastectomy on June 15, plus 3 lumpectomy's on the other breast. Now I am waiting for Radiotherapy and wondering about the side effects of that. How long more before I can feel normal again?

It’s taken time to process this new challenge in my life. I have a great supportive family and friends. I am very grateful to be part of this very caring community. I wish you all a very creative day. Richard

Hi all, delighted to have found this forum. I found a large lump in my left breast a few weeks ago. My doc was very concerned and I had an urgent referral to Vincent’s. I had an appt with the consultant yest who said he thinks it’s a cyst but I still need to have a mammogram & ultrasound in a few weeks. The waiting now is killing me. Am I wrong to be worried as the consultant didn’t seem to be? Or should I just prepare myself in case it is serious. I am so tired with the last year, heavy legs full of fluid. Started HRT but it isn’t helping with the tiredness.