Sarcomas are rare malignant tumours that arise from transformed cells of the connective tissues such as muscle, fat, cartilage or bone. Around 8 out of 10 sarcomas occur in soft tissue although they can affect any part of the body.
They are very rare, and more research needs to be done to fully understand how these cancers develop and how best to diagnose and treat them.
There are two main types of Sarcoma: Bone Sarcoma and Soft tissue Sarcoma.
Bone sarcoma affects around 30 people in Ireland each year, making it a very rare form of cancer. Not all bone cancers will be sarcomas.
Soft tissue sarcomas can affect any part of the body; they develop in supporting or connective tissue such as the muscles, nerves, fatty tissue, and blood vessels. About 175 people are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas each year in Ireland and there are a number of different types.
Usually sarcomas do not cause any symptoms for a long time until they become larger and press on an organ, nerve or muscle. If you have any unusual lumps, always get them checked by your GP.
The symptoms of a sarcoma may include:
Any lump that:
• Is increasing in size
• Is painful and tender
• Is deep in your body, and not just under your skin
• Has come back after being surgically removed
• A lung sarcoma might cause a cough and breathlessness
• A sarcoma in your tummy might cause abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation
• A sarcoma affecting your womb might cause vaginal bleeding and pain in your lower abdomen
Sarcoma can affect almost any part of the body. If you notice any of the above symptoms, get them checked out by your doctor. People can survive sarcoma if their cancer is diagnosed early, when treatments can be more effective and before the sarcoma has spread to other parts of the body.
If you notice any unusual change in how your body works, talk to your doctor. The chances are it will not be cancer. But getting it checked is not wasting anyone’s time. It could save your life.
What is the International Day of Friendship?
International Day of Friendship is a day to appreciate and promote friendships from all backgrounds.
Celebrated across the globe on July 30, 2022, the day aims to bridge the gaps between factors such as race, language and culture.
International Day of Friendship promotes the idea that fostering friendships between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace and build bridges between those communities.
Why is the International Day of Friendship important?
Friendship requires empathy, compassion and concern for other people. By valuing and celebrating friendship, we foster these characteristics and adopt a more selfless and grateful outlook on life.
Across communities, International Day of Friendship can help build and strengthen relationships in spite of differences in cultures. The day can help build a more kind and peaceful world, with implications that are wide and far-reaching.
How to celebrate the International Day of Friendship
• Ring up a friend and have a chat
• Reach out to someone who you’ve not spoken to in a while
• Think about what unites people instead of what separates us
Sun Safety 🌞
It’s important to protect your skin from sun damage throughout the year, no matter the weather. Why? Sun exposure can cause sunburn, skin aging (such as skin spots, wrinkles, or “leathery skin”), eye damage, and skin cancer.
We have our Introduction to dementia and intellectual disability courses available in myhomecare. These links can be found on our myhomecare website under staff training!
Coronavirus ~ COVID-19 🦠
All the information you need regarding COVID-19.
In relation to Covid-19 ensure you are kept up to date on the most recent guidance from the HSE & HSPC websites. Remember:
• All staff must wear gloves, apron and FFP2 mask for all visits in a client’s home. Correct donning and doffing of PPE must be completed on entering and leaving the home. Change of PPE if needed between tasks such as personal case is permitted once clean PPE is put on.
• Handwashing must be completed on entering the home and leaving. In between tasks carried out
• All carers are to wear enhanced PPE (FFP2 Mask, goggles/visors, full gowns, gloves) when working with a client who is Covid positive. Please contact your local client care manager/nurse manager so this can be provided to you.
• All your clothes should be washed daily using a minimum 60 degree cycle. If possible, leave your work shoes outside or in the car.
Please remember to self-monitor for COVID symptoms minimum twice daily as per guidelines. If you have a sore throat, blocked/runny nose, cough, aches/pain, tiredness/fatigue, loss of taste/smell, severe headache or any other unusual symptom please contact your GP and Myhomecare immediately for advice before continuing your client calls.
You must inform the office if you are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19, are a close contact or have received a positive antigen test. If you are awaiting a PCR test you cannot return to work until result has come back and it is negative.
Some helpful links are outlined below with guidance and video resources available
It is important that you record your tasks and care provided in the notes section daily for each client. If you have any issues using the system, please contact your local team who will be happy to help!
