Cancer Research UK main site

Bowel Cancer Diagnosis

Pip21
Offline

Hi, recent diagnosis for bowel cancer luckily not spread to other areas.  Had the meeting with the surgeon but now wondering wait time for surgery he advised it would be as soon as possible? Anyone in the same position.

I was adamant that I did not want a bag but he advised the surgery could not go ahead without my consent to a stoma, I have agreed but now upset as this is not what I want.  Mixed emotions currently and had a melt down when my stoma information arrived including bags!! Has anyone had bowel surgery without the need for a stoma?

Thanks 

Pip21

  • Offline

    I've heard people say this is just temporary and sometimes you can get a reversal ,did they mention that to you ??

  • Offline in reply to Jenny3109

    Hi Jenny3109

    Thank you for responding, yes this was advised but temp or not it is something I am against. It stems from my mother having a stoma and all the issues that came with it, the accidents, the odour, the depression :(

  • Offline in reply to Pip21

    I can fully understand that you'd think in this day and age there would be an alternative to it ,it appears from what you say that the op can't go ahead without your agreement to having it ,I think if it was me I wouldn't be happy about it but as long as it was only temporary I'd find ways to cope for a period of time ,I know some don't get that choice and they remain permanent ,I hope all goes as well as possible for you Pip ,I really do x

  • Offline in reply to Jenny3109

    Absolutely!, thank you I need to find the coping mechanism.

  • Offline in reply to Pip21

    Keep in touch its a good place to have a chat Best Wishes .

  • Offline

    Hi Pip21, I am 17 days post bowel operation. I was lucky enough not to need a stoma. Where my cancer  was positioned I didn’t even have to see the stoma nurse before surgery. The stoma nurse did com e to see me the morning of surgery to mark where the bag would go just incase. I went in to theatre in a good position compared to some and it was the first thing I asked when I woke -do  have a stoma? Luckily I did not!. l  do feel your pain and stress about having one but I just kept thinking would I prefer to live with a stoma or not live at all? I’m not sure when and what happened to your mum but I have a coupl o of friends that have them and it’s no bother to them. Hopefully yours will just be temporary . I saw the consultant on 20th December and had my op on 12th January.. Good luck and I hope you don’t have to wait to long . 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.