Stoma bags

That's really great news about the stoma, I think from what the doctor said, mine is going to be permanent! I'm quite used to it now, even after only a month! Is it a big operation, reversing the stoma? I'm sure you're thrilled to ribbons Aldan!

I got the date of my first Radiotherapy session, 25th February and I'm terrified! The doctor says it feels like mild sunburn at first but by the fifth week, it'll be so bad that I'll want to kill him! I prefer straight talking but HELP! I'm a coward!

  Emmerdale time, maybe it'll take my mind off it! Good luck Aldan and Kim, I think I also have 5 weeks if radiotherapy, plus chemo, so any tips please?

Love Moira xx

Hi Moira. I don't remember feeling anything like mild sunburn or anything else with my radiotherapy. Make sure you keep your skin moisturised in the  area. My skin became a bit dry, one of the wonderful radiographers at James Cook hospital recommended that I use Fairy products to wash my clothes which I still use. They give you anti sickness tablets and anti diarrhoea tablets. I used them both only once. For me the fact that Darlington Memorial Hospital doesn't have a radiotherapy department meant I had to go to James Cook on the hospital transport. It was a long day as I had to be ready to go by 10 o'clock even though my appointment was not until 1 o'clock. The treatment only takes a few minutes though. The 5 weeks passed really quickly once I got used to it.

Love Kim xx

Hi Kim,

I think it's where the cancer is, being anal, it's all down below there! Honestly, I'm such a coward, the thought of being blistered down there is terrifying me! The nurse recommended a pregnancy pillow, like a long sausage, and bamboo knickers! The mind boggles! They are reducing my morphine so do they give ANY painkillers? I'm so glad you didn't get the symptoms I've been warned about, hopefully I won't either!

What a wuss I am, thanks for your help,

Love Moira x

Hope y you don't mind but I mentioned about the Bag and and she said it was because Scotland ,NHS did things differently .Our Stoma nurse are under a private company and they can't be moved to anoth part of the hospital  ie  Stoma Care to  A &E ..Best of luck with everything that you are going through..ps have. You given your Stoma a name .Mine are called Boris and Nicola I feel it easier and  I mention them by bam it makes it easier for all. Alaine

Hi Aldan,

No, of course I don't mind, it was nice of you to ask about it! I haven't given my stoma a name yet, we are still getting to know one another!

I've been told I should buy a pregnancy pillow for when I have the Radiotherapy, last time I was pregnant was 46 years ago so if anyone has any reasonable priced suggestions, I'd be very grateful!

Love Moira x

Hi Moira. You must have started your treatment by now. How is it going? I hope you are  not having too much trouble with it.

Love Kim x 

Hi Kim,

I've had 7 full treatments so far, and, up to now, not too bad at all thanks! I'm starting to burn a little but again, not bad! Of course the nurses are warning me that it could, and probably will, get a lot worse! I'm just taking it one day at a time and trying not to worry to far ahead! I'm smothering myself in Flami-Gel 3 times a day, so fingers crossed!

Hope you are keeping well and looking forward to the end of lockdown? 

Love Moira x

Hi Moira.

That's good news that you're not having too many problems with your treatment. I"m well thanks. As I'm working through lockdown at Wilko  the end of it will probably be a bit scary as people are not obeying the rules now anyway.

Stay safe.

Love Kim x

Hi Kim,

Can I pick your brains please? I know about taking Capecitabine within 30 minutes after a meal but do you know how long I have to wait AFTER taking the pills before I can eat again? I took my tablets correctly then 45 minutes later, decided to have a chocolate bar! Am I being daft to worry or don't you know? Sorry if I'm treating you like the Oracle!!

My son has also worked, as a retail security guard, throughout lockdown, so I know what you're going through! Take care,

Love Moira x

Hi Moira. I don't think it makes any difference when you eat after your tablets. I think you have to take them within 1/2 an hour so you have something to absorb the medication. I'm sure I must have eaten after mine and suffered no problems. Your son will be more on the frontline than me. I don't envy his job.

Love Kim x