Hi my head is all over since meeting consultant today, so basically the tumour has shrunk , so I'm facing surgery in about 4 wks il get a date in next couple of days , because cant tell how far up the tumour is I will end up with a temporary stoma if they can save my rectum if not il have it all removed and a permanent one ! Surgery is 5 ish hrs with 5 to 10 days in hospital the 6 weeks of no lifting driving etc ..then another 3 months off work to recover! Just had call for pre assessment in the morning xx

Hi I can understand why your head must be all over the place it’s a lot to take in. They don’t know how far up the tumour is so you know you may need a temporary stoma or a permanent one. I know someone who had bowel cancer eight years ago and had to have a permanent stoma, but he is living a healthy cancer free life and said that it’s not his choice to have it but it has given him his life back. Please try and stay positive. Sending you hugs xxx

Bless you yes lots to take in and very over whelming.  Be positive unfortunately these things are out of our hands.  They will look after you.  Take care lots of love xx

Hi yes all good.  Wow all happening so quickly.  It is very daunting I am feeling anxious about my daughter’s scans and surgery.  It’s major surgery I guess? I just don’t know how she will manage after surgery with looking after willow.  I will need to take time off work to help.  I worry about the stoma bag, will she cope.  She has her 5th round of chemo on the 27 December final one on the 10th January.  You have a lovely Christmas, I will be thinking of you on the 7th.  Lots of love xx

Hi I’m glad you have a date for your operation. It is all very daunting but these surgeons are amazing at what they do. I will be thinking of you on the 7th. I started chemotherapy on Thursday so that no 1 finished and have second on 2nd January. I’ve been a bit wiped out with a little tingling in fingers when touching anything cold. I hope you have a lovely Christmas. Sending lots of love xxx

Hi yeah they def are amazing just hope I get the best outcome, the tingling from chemo was prob my worst side effect , but I got used to it obvs keeping hands warm etc , hope all goes well for you too , have a lovely Christmas, I will update after my op xxx

Hi I hope your daughter is doing ok and looking forward to Christmas with her daughter and you. I am staying positive and ticking off the chemotherapy from now until February 27th. Then it will be fingers crossed a date for the surgery. My niece is a doctor so is on hand for me with answering my constant questions. I hope you have a lovely Christmas. Lots of love xx

I’m pleased you have a date for surgery as it is something to focus on. I’m six months post surgery and with a stoma. It does take some getting used to but I’m sure you’ll manage. My stoma nurses are brilliant and I know I can always ring them if I need help. The thing I have found really helpful is the Colostomy UK website which has some really good free literature. Also I have joined the Colostomy uk facebook group and everybody on it has been so helpful and supportive even if you think you have a silly question. 
I hope you have a good Christmas and I’m happy to answer any questions if it helps. Take care. 

Hi thankyou for the advise I will keep it in mind, is your stoma permanent? Im just reading about it all again! Was your cancer low in rectum ? Xx