Many thanks to local Drogheda electrical retailer Briscoe Electrical for
their very kind donation of two fabulous LG Smart TVs for patient and visitor use in the Oncology Unit.
Your support @briscoes.ie of the Unit and NECRET is greatly appreciated
The physiotherapy service in Haematology and Oncology in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital recently marked it first 6 months.
Started in November 2020 and staffed by Gráinne Kerr, a senior physiotherapist the service offers patients support throughout their cancer journey from diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship. Physiotherapy can help patients in various areas including exercise tolerance, mobility, strength, flexibility and function. The physiotherapy service also provides rehabilitation after various surgeries including breast care.
Those who have had surgery or treatment effecting their lymphatic system may also receive physiotherapy specific for lymphoedema. Physiotherapy may also help you to set goals to assist in returning to your usual function, return to work or to assist you in managing side effects from your treatment or disease. As evidence continues to support the role of exercise throughout the cancer continuum, your physiotherapist will assist you to engage in exercise and physical activity in order to achieve many of the associated benefits. To seek a physiotherapy referral, you should have a discussion with your Oncology nurse or doctor.
Gráinne who previously worked in St James’ Hospital Dublin, the national Cancer Institute for the last 6 years has a Masters in Physiotherapy and a Batchelor of Science in Athletic Therapy and Training. On behalf of everyone in NECRET, we wish Gráinne the very best for the next 6 months and beyond.
Read MoreVirtual Tractor Run photos and videos are flooding in!
Thank you to everyone who has sent in photos/videos so far!
Don’t forget to send in your photos/videos of tractors, trucks, cars, motorbikes, children on bikes, toy tractors, lawn mowers etc!!!
Don’t forget there will be prizes for the best dressed tractors!!
Read MoreBig Congratulations to Martin NECRET and all in the Oncology & Haematology Unit, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital would like to thank Martin Russell, his family and all who supported him.
for their wonderful support and generosity in donating a massive €2,084.81 towards our mission of supporting cutting edge cancer treatment and care for patients.
Read More https://www.facebook.com/NECRET/posts/1328040907400931
Read MoreThe Annual Living with Cancer conference is organized annually by the North East Cancer Research and Education Trust (NECRET) in conjunction with the North East Oncology and Haematology Unit with it typically held in late September in the City North Hotel. Unfortunately, this year’s event has had to be cancelled on public health safety grounds.
This public event is for cancer patients who are in treatment or who have finished treatment. Cancer survivors, caregivers or anyone impacted by this disease are equally very welcome to join us.
If you have any suggestions for speakers or topics for future events, please email: info@necret.ie
Read MoreFundraising events up and down the country have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak. However, we still need funds to support life-changing cancer services. So, how can you continue to fundraise under lockdown? The good news it, in this digital age, you don't need to get out and about! It's now easier than ever before to support us from the comfort of your arm chair. Click the link below to see a few of our ideas - or, feel free to come up with a few of your own!
Read MoreThe Vhi Women's Mini Marathon, an annual 10K charity road race, occurs each June bank holiday weekend in Dublin and is the largest Women's event of its kind in the world. This year’s event is going virtual and will take place from the 1st - 10th October. Will you be joining us this year?
Read MoreBoyne Valley Camino Challenge Registration Open Interested in a fun challenge of an amazing 25km walk and ramble through the beautiful Boyne Valley countryside in aid of NECRET, who support focused activities towards improving treatment and outcomes of people with cancer.
Starting from St Peter’s Church led by wonderfully experienced tour leaders who have very kindly volunteered their services, the trail follows the River Boyne before gaining the woodlands of the Townley Estate and then meandering quiet lanes to Mellifont, where there will be an opportunity for that much earned packed lunch or other refreshments. A separate return route gives a total walk of 25km.
You can read further about this here: https://www.facebook.com/events/803079673796819/
Read MoreCOVID-19 presents a higher risk of a serious complication for various groups in our society, including people with cancer or those currently receiving cancer treatment as they may have a compromised or weaker immune system.
Easier and more effective methods of identifying the virus could only be a positive development as the world seeks to combat it. To that end, NECRET were pleased to support cutting edge research into a new effective, non-invasive test that may increase detection of COVID-19 infection.
The study, also supported by Science Foundation Ireland and led by Prof. Bryan Hennessy of NECRET and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is published in the current edition of the medical journal Thorax. The researchers collected breath samples from patients admitted to Beaumont Hospital who tested negative with nasal swab tests but had a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19. They found that breath samples were able to detect the virus and that testing multiple genes increases detection.
Further research to bring about a more reliable and a more comfortable test to the nasal swab, which can be an unpleasant experience for people receiving it, is only to be welcomed.
You can read further about this research at the below link: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2020/10/23/thoraxjnl-2020-215705?fbclid=IwAR0DX7uIEAdCH3Aoh11U8tTSAd5WWC2liVLQgiBuDdQ0twGF8joLRbw0Z48
Read MoreBig, big thanks to Pearse Fanning from Drogheda who incredibly raised €3,300 for the Oncology Unit by doing a sponsored hair shave.
The Unit Team and NECRET would like to express their immense gratitude to Pearse who is only 10 years old and a pupil of Scoil Aonghusa. Pearse, who is the son of very proud parents Wendy and Bobby Fanning, decided to fundraise for the Unit after participating in the CLIMB programme with nurses Stephanie Mc Creesh and Nicola Farrell. CLIMB is a programme for children aged 5-12 who are experiencing the impact of a parent’s cancer diagnosis. CLIMB stands for Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery. Pearse has kindly agreed to become NECRET’s first Junior Ambassador. We applaud this wonderful young man.
Pearse is very grateful to family, friends and all those who kindly donated to his fundraiser.
Read MoreAll the Oncology & Haematology Unit Team and NECRET would like to offer their sincerest heartfelt thanks to Geraldine’s Crochet Ladies for the truly beautiful crocheted blankets for the NECRET Blankets of Care appeal.
Read MoreBlood is not only needed for accident victims or surgery patients but many patients with cancer and hematologic disorders are also in need of blood.
Please VisitIf you would like to have a say in shaping the future of cancer care including prevention, diagnosis and treatment as part of a European Cancer Plan, a public consultation is currently open at the below link. Your contribution can bring significant positive change to the lives of EU cancer patients now and into the future.
The survey took about 15 minutes to complete and login by Facebook, Twitter or Google is required. Together, we can make a difference for those who are and will be impacted by cancer @EuropeanCommission #EUCancerPlan #EUHaveYourSay #FightingCancerEveryDay This EU wide plan is driven by EU President and qualified Doctor Ursula von der Leyen who at the launch of this initiative on World Cancer Day revealed “when I was a girl, my little sister died of cancer. I remember the utter helplessness of my parents. Every one of us has a similar story – or knows someone who has.”
Read MoreMay 12th is #InternationalNursesDay an annual celebration of the crucial work and role of nurses around the world – where all their wonderful work, dedication & compassion is recognized.
Wishing all the amazing nursing staff in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, across the country and world every thanks on this special day. For everything you do we are deeply grateful.
This event which was first marked in 1965, was created by the International Council of Nurses to mark the hard work of nursing staff around the world. Since January 1974, the global celebrations are traditionally held on 12 May.This is to mark the anniversary of the birth of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale.
But this year’s celebrations were extra special as 2020 has been designated the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.
Read MoreWith the flu season starting this month, we are encouraging cancer patients, their families and anyone living or working around cancer patients to get the flu vaccine.
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy affect bone marrow, responsible for making the white blood cells in our bodies that fight infection. For this reason, persons with long-term medical conditions (including cancer) are at additional risk of getting the flu.
To get the flu vaccine, contact your GP or local pharmacy. For anyone with a medical card, the vaccine and GP consultation are free. If you don’t have a medical card, the vaccine is free but you may be charged a consultation fee.
Read MoreMany thanks to you all for your very kind and generous messages that have been coming in over the last week regarding our first virtual Service of Hope. They are greatly appreciated. We would also like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who so wonderfully contributed to its production. You were all amazing.
Some of you asked about the poem from the service. This poem is by Ralph Waldo Emerson:
This is my wish for you:
Comfort on difficult days,
smiles when sadness intrudes,
rainbows to follow the clouds,
laughter to kiss your lips,
sunsets to warm your heart,
hugs when spirits sag,
beauty for your eyes to see,
friendships to brighten your being,
faith so that you can believe,
confidence for when you doubt,
courage to know yourself,
patience to accept the truth,
Love to complete your life.
Read MoreMany, many thanks to Sandra Rogers for bravely doing a sponsored head shave in our aid. It is greatly appreciated by all at NECRET and the Oncology Team. We wish her all the best on December 21st.
If you can at all support Sandra the iDonate page link is www.idonate.ie/sandraheadshave
Necret is a charity set up to raise funds for equipment, cancer research and training at the North East Oncology Unit based in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. I normally participate in Necret's largest annual fundraiser in the north-east - the Dip in the Nip. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year's event was cancelled. To co-inside with the Winter Solstice, I will be shaving my head for charity at dawn on 21st December 2020, which will be streamed live on my Facebook page. Christmas can be a demanding time of year financially. But if you could please dig deep and sponsor me if you can, I would be very appreciative. Thank you, Sandra."
Read MoreFor those of you that took part previously we don't have to remind you of how this incredible event will empower you as a person and for those that have never done it, come on! what's stopping you?
This years Northeast Female "Dip in the Nip" will be the 10th year for it to take place and as always at a very Secret Location.. Again it is a women-only event.
As an experience and as many of the dippers will testify it is very much about life-affirmation and a celebration of life and our bodies in all its beauty.
With all funds raised being used towards improving the treatment and outcomes of people with cancer in the northeast it truly does make a massive and real difference to those fighting cancer.
For registration forms and sponsorship cards please simply email necret.info@gmail.com your contact details. We will email you the form or send both form and sponsor cards out in the post.
Read MoreThe Board of NECRET would like to extend our sincere condolences to Pat’s wife Frances and their family and friends at this very difficult time.
We were honoured to have Pat come as a guest at our annual information and support day for people impacted by cancer called Living with Cancer.
On that day in September 2018 Pat spoke very candidly about the challenges he faced living with his illness and imparted much beneficial information and advice to those in attendance.
We are deeply appreciative for his amazing generosity, warmth and inspiration he showed to everyone on the day.
May Pat rest in peace.
Read MoreFebruary 4th each year is World Cancer Day – a day whereas one globally we join together with renewed focus and determination to overcome this disease.
Cancer awareness of signs and symptoms regardless of age will always be important.
For general cancer awareness information, please visit https://www.necret.ie/awareness-symptoms
Read MoreNECRET and the Oncology & Haematology Department, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda invited you to our annual Service of Hope which took place, virtually, on December at 6.00pm.
Available to view on the NECRET Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/NECRET/
or
on the YouTube page of Joe Finnegan https://www.youtube.com/user/Finnegandvd
Read MoreMany Thanks to the really wonderful Eddie Quinn and Dessie Hynes who have very kindly offered to play a Facebook live gig in our aid on May 29th. We are really looking forward to this fundraiser which should be a great night's entertainment.
The gig will take place from 8pm to 10pm at here
We have exciting news!! Our NorthEast Dip in the Nip Returns.. September, Sunday 5th. This year with limited numbers of only 200 which is in line with HSE Covid 19 Regulations. You know we’d love to have you so don’t delay register today. Come on girls we all need a little bit of fun while still fundraising or our worthy cause.
This year will be extra special as it amazingly will be our 10th year.
The gig will take place from 8pm to 10pm at here
Read MoreCongratulations to Dr David Easty, Oncology Unit registrar under the guidance of Professor Bryan Hennessy whose research work to improve outcomes for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer has been recognised in the announcement of a nationwide clinical trial being opened.
NECRET are delighted to be providing funding for the translational part of this trial.
More details can be found on this study which proposes to test the anti-tumour efficacy of paricalcitol, in combination with GEM/Nab-paclitaxel in patients with advanced metastatic pancreatic cancer at the following link
Clinical Trials are now regarded worldwide by cancer experts as the cutting edge in terms of cancer treatment because they not only offer people with cancer the opportunity to get what is currently the best standard treatment, but also to get new drugs that are potentially better than current treatments.
Pancreatic cancer is sometimes called a difficult to treat cancer. Occasional patients show a good response to chemotherapy and this encourages our efforts to improve current protocols. The incidence is increasing and by 2030 pancreatic cancer will be the second most common cause of death due to cancer. Pancreatic cancer survival rates have remained relatively unchanged since the 1970s and a lot of work is being done to find more effective treatments for this cancer.
The aim of a new clinical trial is to improve the results of treatment for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. A pair of drugs, called Gemcitabine and Nab-Paclitaxel, are widely used to treat patients with pancreatic cancer. We aim to find out whether adding an extra drug, called paricalcitol will improve the results we see with the chemotherapy used today.
A look under the microscope gives a clue to just why pancreatic cancer is so hard to treat. You can see blue cancer cells sitting round white spaces, but it’s the pink background surrounding the loops of cancer cells which are important. This is especially seen in pancreatic cancer.
The body reacts to pancreatic cancer cells by surrounding them with a thick pink scar of tissue and this has been described as like cement. Unfortunately this scar sometimes blocks chemotherapy from getting into the pancreatic cells. The scar is made by star cells. These are normal cells, but they are traitors that protect the cancer. Not only that, the star cells also feed the cancer cells with amino acids and give it signals to grow. Paricalcitol re-educates the star cells and the hope is this will make chemotherapy more effective.
The purpose of this clinical trial is to find out whether paricalcitol will further improve the results we get with Gemcitabine and Nab-Paclitaxel treatment in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Read MoreNECRET and the Oncology & Haematology Department, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda invited you to our annual Service of Hope which took place, virtually, on December 16th at 6.00pm
Available to view on the NECRET Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/NECRET/
OR
on the YouTube page of Joe Finnegan https://www.youtube.com/user/Finnegandvd
May 12th is #InternationalNursesDay an annual celebration of the crucial work and role of nurses around the world – where all their wonderful work, dedication & compassion is recognized.
Wishing all the amazing nursing staff in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, across the country and world every thanks on this special day. For everything you do we are deeply grateful.
Read MoreReally looking forward to the Annual Tullyallen Tractor Run is always a great event with plenty of fun and cheer over the Christmas period. (27th December 2022)
Registration takes place on the Day at Tullyallen Parochial Hall at 12 Midday. Tractors, trucks, cars and other vehicle types all very welcome. Refreshments after in Dolly Mitchells.
More details can be found HERE
Congratulations to Dr David Easty, Oncology Unit registrar under the guidance of Professor Bryan Hennessy whose research work to improve outcomes for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer has been recognised in the announcement of a nationwide clinical trial being opened.
NECRET Supported Research Recognised Congratulations to Dr Sinead Toomey and Professor Bryan Hennessy whose study titled ‘Genomic and Transcriptomic Characterisation of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer’ has been published in the Oncology International Journal called Cancers. NECRET are delighted to have part funded this important research, which was a collaboration between Ireland’s RCSI and the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in the US.
Read MoreThe Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dundalk will host an Easter Family Fun Day in our aid next Sunday April 9th. More details can be found at their event page here (Facebook)
There will also be their traditional guess the egg, that is run memory of their late colleague and friend Aoife. All funds raised on the day will go to NECRET.
In collaboration with the Northeast Cancer Research & Education Trust (NECRET), the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RSCI) and Queens University Belfast, would like to invite students who are considering a future career in medicine or medical research to an information and discussion open day on Saturday 25th September.
The event is open to all students but is primarily geared towards transition and fifth year students. This initiative, incepted by NECRET is specifically designed to inspire and enthuse the next generation of cancer medical and research professionals.
All funds raised on the day will go to NECRET.
To read more and register please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/all-island-schools-open-day-learn-about-the-careers-combating-cancer-tickets-169506320969