Hi all, Hello and hope you’re having a good day,
In 2019 I was diagnosed with SCC in my perineum. Had surgery within a week, which revealed a wider spread of disease (my lymph nodes and bowel) and subsequently received radiotherapy and chemotherapy over 6 weeks. I was told when I signed the consent form the likely side effects. Because I had radiotherapy to my pelvis, it was recommended that I store sperm as I would be unable to produce healthy cells. I’ve had fantastic support from my Oncologist, the specialist nurses, radiotherapists, and appreciate everything they do for me. I thank my lucky stars that I’ve received all this treatment and I’m still alive, but I’ve recently developed late side effects from the radiotherapy; almost constant diarrhoea which I manage usually with Colesevalam and Loperamide. At my last review with my Oncologist a couple of weeks ago she said the time had come to consider a colostomy to manage my diarrhoea, which is unlikely to improve. I’m just putting this out here to find out if someone who’s experienced this could help me with tips, advice and ideas? I can’t continue like this as I’m frightened to go anywhere or drive or just live with uncomfortable and uncontrolled diarrhoea. I’ve got through the trauma of diagnosis and treatment and I know I’ll get through this, and I’m almost convinced a stoma is the key to boosting confidence and removing the fear. Any advice from someone with experience of stoma issues would be gratefully received. I’m posting this after talking things through with the lovely helpline staff who encouraged me to post in this group. Thanks for sharing your advice and tips!
