Hi all,

I am a very new member and first of all want to wish you a Merry Christmas. 

Over the last few days we got the dreaded news that my mothers cancer has come back after only a year ago going through the surgery for anal cancer which she had stoma fitted. The cancer has now spread to the vulva area and we have been told she will have to undergo total pelvic exenteration surgery. Also she has a hernia behind her current stoma which they are worried about during surgery as it’s so big and also will have her coccyx bone removed and filled with muscle and skin from her thigh to replace the gap. This is very overwhelming for us all especially for my mum as she thought she beat cancer the first time and now has to undergo this intense surgery. 

I am looking to reach out to anyone who has went through this surgery and can provide us with their experience of the recovery and any suitable advice etc. I understand it is a very delicate subject and we would be greatly appreciated for any help, advice, someone for my mother to speak to who has went through this surgery and will be able to relate with. 

We are finding it very difficult at the moment to comprehend all that is happening. It is likely the surgery will be in January. 

Thank you for your time and support. 

C