Hello Tink and welcome to Cancer Chat. 

I'm responding to your post to bump you back up to the top. I know we've got a couple of forum members who have/had a stoma so hopefully one of them will respond. One lady called Lily-Anne has a post here and if you are able to comment on her post then it's likely that she'll get back to you and may be able to offer some words of information and support. 

There's lots of information on our website about bowel cancer including information about treatments and stoma. We do also have a team of nurses that you or Mum could call to talk to. They are available Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040 (free to call from a UK landline). 

Do keep in touch. Sending your best wishes to you and to your Mum. 

Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Hello Danni,

So sorry to hear about your mother's recent diagnosis. I know it will be a very worrying and Confusing time for you all as a family, many questions running through your minds. I think it's always the 'worst' at the start, some usually find once things are in place and appointments and treatments start occurring they feel a little better. The term 'localised' usually means it is just in that one particular area rather than spread elsewhere which is obviously a positive thing when it comes to curing someone. 

Like you I'm also 27. My father was diagnosed April 2015 so 13 months ago with stage 4 'incurable' bowel cancer which has spread to his lungs and liver since then he's also suffered a stroke. The oncologists have explained to my father they can tell him how long they think he may have which he didn't want to know but went on to say his cancer will take his life. Knowing this has been so tough for us as a family and the pain has been overwhelming at times. Nobody quite understands which makes it worse because whilst our lives have been turned upside down everyone's carrying on with theirs and are unaffected by it all. But we've stuck together and are trying to make the most of time together as a family. It's tough but it has got that bit easier as times gone on I guess partly because I've found the strength to try and cope. 

We did think my father may of had cancer but we assumed like most people do that he'd been treated and cured and that life would carry on..but unfortunately for many it's not quite as simple as that. I never thought I'd face losing my father just yet not at my age...so I do know how hard it is for you. X 

Hi Danni, 

I'm so sorry to hear about your mum. I'm 20, and in March of this year my dad got diagnosed with bowel cancer. We later found out that it was incurable. In May this year, he sadly passed away. 

However, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, he had a stoma bag fitted. After being taught how to use it and change it, both my dad and my mum found it very easy and it was no problem at all, so please don't worry about that. It will make your mum far more comfortable, as it did my dad. 

In terms of the positioning of the cancer, my dad's was inoperable. It sounds positive that they may be able to remove your mum's via surgery so try to keep positive.

I know it's really hard but try to keep positive and spend as much time with your mum as possible. I'm here if you want to talk. 

Georgia x