My husband has been given the choice (updated scans permitting) between a partial pelvic exenteration which would allow him to keep his prostate and bladder but carries a risk of R1 margins or a total exenteration which would mean both a urostomy and colostomy but increases the chances of clear margins. With the partial he has a 1/4 chance of R1 margins vs 1/8 for the total.
I was hoping to get some insight on the difference in quality of life between 1 and 2 stomas. As his wife my initial instinct is to do whatever increases his chances of a cure but this has to be his decision as it’s his ongoing quality of life that is impacted. He is 46 and other than the cancer, is fit and healthy. I’m trying to support by researching a bit more but it’s hard to find anything on quality of life differences between one and two stomas. He’s made peace with the colostomy but the urostomy in addition to this has knocked him.
We know the recovery will be long and hard (and nothing is guaranteed) so wanting more of an insight into long term quality of life differences between these options. The surgeon has said it has to be a personal decision and is willing to perform either surgeries.
I have literally just got the call from a surgeon. Surgery went well and stable throughout able to see him tomorrow afternoon 
thank god it’s been a very long day.
I’ve been following from a distance. Im so happy to hear surgery went well. I will be having TPE this August. Prayers
Hi Ginger Ale and welcome to the group.
If you have any questions feel free to ask away. I had my TPE more than 5 years ago, and we have plenty experience we can share if you need a bit of support with anything.
Sarah xx
Hi All & Ginger Ale
Im glad to share our journey. I truly hope your surgery goes well too,
thank you for the support. I think it’s good to talk about it. I’m very pragmatic and quite open. My husband has struggled to talk about the cancer or the operation or even come to terms with the TPE. It is a mental battle he’s had on a daily basis.
I’ve been up to see him today. I’m not going to lie it was a shock with all the lines/drains etc. He was still pretty much out of it on drugs and a bit emotional but he’s doing well and should be out of ICU by Monday if all stays good and goes to plan.
The main thing is the cancer is out.
Now to heal and get back to a new kind of normal. Baby steps taking each day as it comes and work through the challenges which I will share too.
sending positive thoughts and strength to you all. X
