Salvage Surgery

Hi MiniM66 

I had a different cancer, but as part of a total pelvic exenteration I had my rectum removed and an end colostomy made. That was in March 2020, and I think I’ve coped very well since. It’s amazing how quickly you adapt to this new way of life and I also have a urostomy to contend with!  The colostomy is very quick and straightforward to deal with and really doesn’t impact my life negatively at all-I travel abroad frequently and can eat and drink what I want. I’ve never had any issues with it since surgery.

It takes a bit of getting used to at the start, and I was exhausted after my particular surgery, but I’ve never once regretted it. Happy to help with any specific questions you might have based on my own experience.

Sarah xx

• Wow Sarah what a journey. You definitely sound like you will have some answers to any questions I may have. Hope you are doing well now. Take care and talk soon. Than you. xx

Definitely I’ll do my best to help if I can. I didn’t ask many questions beforehand because I didn’t want to scare myself out of going ahead with the surgery, but I probably should have! You’ll learn more after your meeting with the surgeon, so that might give you more things to think about. I had 3 surgeons operate on me, and while they were experts at this, they actually don’t know anything about the reality of life with stomas. That’s where personal experience can help.

Sarah xx

Hi MiniM66 ,

I’ve recently (November) had surgery to remove my colon and rectum due to cancer , I had a stoma fitted and even though it wasn’t what I wanted I am coping quite well with it , 

I also had to have plastic surgery on my bottom cheeks as the cancer / radiotherapy did a lot of damage. 

it’s not an easy operation- don’t mean to sound negative - but everyone tells me it does get better 

make sure you keep on top of pain relief, listen to the doctors and nurses and do what they say and I’m sure you will be ok 

good luck x

Thank you for the advice PoohBear. Sounds like you are coping well. I am ready for it over with now. Keep telling myself I coped with the Chemoradio Therapy awake so can surely do this asleep!! Hoping you continue to move in the right direction! xx

When I learned that I was to have the surgery I didn’t have a lot of time to think about it , literally just over a week from finding out to having it , I struggled afterwards getting my head around what had happened and the way my ‘life’ had changed , I had some wonderful nurses who listened to me and let me cry when needed no matter what time it was , I also spoke with some psychologist to try to understand it better .

the fact you have had time to get used to the idea and a good understanding of what is going to happen can only be a good thing x