Hi Alex, 

I am 40 and was diagnosed with bowel cancer in May this year.  I am still undergoing treatment to try and reduce the tumour so that they can operate. Like you, I was uncertain of how I would cope with a Stoma and one of the first things I thought was that hopefully I would not need a permanent stoma.  I believed at that time I would get a Stoma when the tumour was removed, however, the first MDT recommended that I have a colostomy to rest the bowel and avoid a total obstruction before I started chemo and radiotherapy.  I initially found this recommendation upsetting but after having the colostomy operation, I have found it easy to manage and in all honesty although I hope eventually I will get the Stoma reversed, I am comfortable living with it.  I have to have the colostomy reversed and an iliostomy put in place when I have surgery to remove my tumour to allow the bowel to heal. It is scary to start with but it doesn’t take long to get used to and some humour helps!  My husband definitely wouldn’t go near it lol. It doesn’t hold you back from any normal activities, just a bit more planning sometimes.  We are going on holiday to Florida next week and I was a bit anxious about the Stoma for travelling and  swimming/sunbathing but just delighted that we are able to have the holiday we booked last year and looking forward to it.  I hope that you feel a bit more positive about things as it settles down.  It just takes some time to get used to.

Lesley

x

Hey Taff, thank you so much for you’re honest and great advise. I have read your reply a few times and appreciate the time you’ve taken to share your knowledge and experience with me. I really hope I will become as confident with time.   I do admire your strength and you’ve got me thinking (in a good way). Best of luck for the future. 

Many thanks

Alex 

Thank you Lesley for your reply! It really has given me some relief to know there are others out there coping with it.  Hopefully with time I will start to feel more positive and confident. Enjoy your holiday! 

Many thanks

Alex

Thank you Lesley for your reply! It really has given me some relief to know there are others out there coping with it.  Hopefully with time I will start to feel more positive and confident. Enjoy your holiday! 

Many thanks

Alex