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My brother who is in his early 30s and has small children has been diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of cancer. He’s currently getting radiotherapy treatment in St Luke’s but he’s very ill and he’s afraid that continued treatment may be refused to him if he gets any weaker. I’m trying to research how to go about finding an alternative route for treatment, perhaps in the private sphere, and perhaps in another country, should the need arise. Any advise would be very gratefully received

Hi, I have been diagnosed with cancer of the lower oesophagus and top of stomach. I have had the FLOT regime of chemotherapy. I have received 3 bouts of it. Advised it would be rough and I do find it hard. The plan is to have 4 chemo sessions and then hopefully surgery, and four more chemo after operation. Feeling hopeful.

Hi all, I recently found out at a scan that not all the abnormalities were removed from my breast back in November. I was never told, I’m raging to put it mildly, not to mention scared as hell... Surgeon reckons there’s no point to scans, end result is a full mastectomy when chemo is over. (He describes my first surgery as a half mastectomy as my breasts are on larger side) I’ve only a couple more weeks of chemo and everyone is delighted but I’m the opposite worrying about how my body will get through the surgery after all the chemo I’ve had, 5 months. Sorry for the moany post, it’s my 1st post and I’ve being trying to put all this out of my head but there’s no getting away from it!

Hi all, Im scheduled to have my DIEP flap reconstruction this Friday after a 2yr wait so am full of varied emotions. I know I will be in hospital for at least 5days so I guess Im just looking for any tips of what to bring with me. Any advice/experiences would be great. Thanks a mill

I 35, recently I noticed that there was a change in the shape of my right breast. Underneath there is a slight indent and the skin is a slightly different colour. Went to GP and they have referred me to the systematic breast clinic. I can’t stop stressing and googling doesn’t help but I can’t seam to not look up stuff. The waiting for an appointment is driving me crazy and I’m not really sleeping. Has anyone any tips on how to take your mind off of thinking about worst case scenarios?

Hi guys 1st time poster here.... So I’m 33 and was at my routine smear today. After it was done the nurse said she could see a cluster on my cervix and she wanted the doctor to have a look. The doctor had a look and has referred me to Gynae for a further look and a pelvic ultrasound. I’m panicking so much about this. My last smear was in 2016 which had low grade changes and I got it repeated which was then clear again. What could this be.....anybody ever experience this or have this noticed during a smear Thanks in advance for your replies ❤️ L xxx

Hi I am trying to talk to someone about Latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction (Tissue from your Back) I have had a failed implant and my surgeon in now suggesting this procedure. I would like to know the long the effects so any who has had this some time ago. I am only considering this as my skin is tight and teddered at the scar and very uncomfortable when I move. My mastectomy when very well but I had two additional operations because of infections with the expander and implants. Any help would be great. ..... Johanna

Hi everyone, Having gone through a very traumatic and failed DIEP Flap just 3.5 months ago I am now looking at my options. The LD Flap has been suggested to me and I would love some feedback from u out there who have had that surgery Who did it for you ? can u give me the advantages / disadvantages of this surgery ? How are you managing with the implant ? Was your LD muscle in your back effected ? I am v nervous about proceeding with the LD Flap as the failed DIEP took 20 hrs and only now 3.5 months later am I beginning to get my energy back. Thanks for your help Viv x

I had breast cancer 6 years ago. I initially had reconstruction using Latissimus Dorsi Muscle and an implant. The reconstructed breast sat higher than my real breast; as the implant seemed high on my chest. I had the implant removed as I had radiation and the implant suffered because of it. I had my breast rebuilt by fat grafting. This has made a huge difference. I have had 5 sessions of fat grating and completed my final one 2 years ago. They could never get my reconstructed breast to the same size of my real breast, therefore I had reduction on my real breast but the reconstructed breast is still a cup size smaller. My surgeon suggested that I have the smallest implant available inserted to make up the difference, as they cannot harvest anymore fat. I don’t know what to do. Has anyone had the same experience, or is there something else I could do instead of an implant. Don’t get me wrong the most important thing is I am healthy and well but I would like to feel normal when I look in the mirror too. If any of you can give me information or help it would be very much appreciated.

My daughter met with her consultant last week and we were told she will need a Colectomy , he said it would be about a month. Can any one tell me what the usual waiting time for surgery in limerick hospital is ? We’re very anxious for her to have it