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Rectal cancer and having a colostomy bag

JWYL07
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Hi there 

My mum her Colonoscopy on 12th of June, followed by an MRI scan on 18th of June and a CT the following Wed. We went for the first consultation yesterday to be advised that she has cancer (stage 2). She'll need a Bowel resection and due to how low the tumour is, will need a colostomy bag for life. He is confident that no radio or chemotherapy is required. We've just received notification that she's got another colonoscopy booked for 21st of July to remove another polyp pre op. Why was this other polyp not removed during the first colonoscopy?

Mum seems concerned with having a colostomy bag - this is understandable. For those who have a colostomy bag, how much of a 'normal' life can you lead? 

Thanks in advance 

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat JWYL07 although I'm sorry to hear about your mum's situation.

    This must be very tough but I'm glad you've reached out to us as you'll find quite a few of our members who have been in this position so you and your mum are not alone and hopefully you will get to hear about their experiences and receive some advice from them soon.

    I hope this information we have about living with a stoma will offer some insight in to how much of a normal life your mum will be able to lead but if either of you have any further questions, or would just like to talk things through with someone, then do give our cancer nurses a call. They're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5pm. They're very insightful, and supportive, and will do all they can to help.

    We're thinking of you JWYL07 and wishing your mum all the best with her colonoscopy on the 21st and her bowel resection when the time comes.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Hi Steph

    Many thanks for your reply. Really appreciate it. Wanted to apologise as I think I've clicked the wrong thing and reported your reply. Really sorry!!!! 

    I think I will find this forum very helpful. We are only at the very start of this rollercoaster. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

    Thanks for the link above - I'll take a look 

    Regards 

  • Offline in reply to JWYL07

    No worries at all JWYL07 about reporting Steph's reply by mistake - easily done!  I am so glad that you will find this forum helpful and I hope that Steph's link will be useful to you too. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie

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