Surprising 2nd opinion

Well Stella, that is no small news and I am very happy for you. I hope it all works out for you. What do you say to your local team now?

I will talk to my oncologist about it as the next chemotherapy on Monday should be my last one for a while. My local team is a renowned cancer centre so they are used to given 2nd opinions themselves and just want to best outcome for their patients. Hopefully they will collaborate with the team in London and manage me together. 

Wow that is big news to digest Stella . It’s great to hear that you have the chance of a different path and one that was unexpected 

I have total confidence in my oncologist and team but wouldn’t hesitate to seek a second opinion like you have 

1. I’m sure you will make a well thought out and confident decision in due course and then move on positively in whichever direction you choose to go  - it’s the type of person you are 

Good luck 

Lucy 

Oh wow how interesting!  I think there are people on here who have had that op.  Hope your chat with your onco goes well on Monday!  Monday is my c-anniversary .

Wow Stella! You really have been given food for thought!  This cancer journey is definitely a big rollercoaster ride, you never know what turn is coming next!

Yes you will feel anxious and apprehensive, that is only human. And I know you have done a lot of mental work to get to where you are you, but my god a possibility of a cure!! What a great big Christmas present that is wrapped up in gold paper with a bright red bow!! You grab this chance my love, and you run with it!! X 

Stella, talk to Stacy about the op, she has experience and though young she will be able to help

Hi Stella,

I'm so happy that you have another surgical option to consider, getting second options can really make such a huge difference in our treatment plans. I know how weird it is to have a unique surgical option still available, and it gives you so much to think about as well as hope for the future.

There's another forum heading on here called Ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy, and any other stoma support. A couple of weeks ago someone else started a new thread called Honest opinions 2 stomas, you'll have to scroll to find that thread.

SarahH21 replied a lot in that thread sharing her own experience with having two stomas, and provided a wealth of information for myself and others that were replying back and forth. 

I commented a lot on the thread, because that's part of the same situation I'm also faced with in needing a colostomy and a urostomy as the first phase of my surgeries. I have new scans next week on Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving to see if my tumor is still only in my pelvis and the base of my spine. Assuming that's confirmed, I've made the decision to move forward with my surgeries to hopefully extend my life. They would schedule the ostomies as early as possible in December, and I still wouldn't have the other rare amputation surgery until sometime after the first of the year, so I can still enjoy Christmas as much as possible with my family and friends. Once the risk of infections from the ostomies isn't as great, they'll plan the main operation.

I've literally made myself crazy weighing the pros and cons, and trying to come to terms with all the risks involved for my situation, and honestly I just need to move forward and somehow not have regrets. If I was only faced with having two ostomies, I would have said yes to the surgeries a longtime ago, but the psychological concerns with the main surgery have been the hardest for me to get past. My scanxiety is off the charts, Wednesday will ultimately decide whether we move forward with all the surgeries, or I accept things as they are and be at peace with them just managing the tumor and pain without surgery. 

Anyway, please go check out that other thread I mentioned, if you have specific questions, I'm sure Sarah will be more than happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have! 

~Stacy

Thank you for your reply Dance04accdfc  I know that will be a great help for Stella. I will add a link to the forum that you have mentioned. 

Ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy and any other stoma support 

You have a very difficult time coming up yourself. I know everyone here will be thinking of you on Wednesday and hope it goes well for you. 

I am thinking of your both Stella and Stacy.   Hard decisions xxxxxxx

Hi Stacy

Thank you so much for this when you are facing much more complex and harder decisions. 

I have made the decision to go ahead with the operation in January. I have got some diagnostic procedures and scans to carry out in the next few weeks. I think the additional urostomy is not going to be an issue in the long run. It is mainly psychological issues for me as this throw up new uncertainties.

Scanxienty is horrible. However, I wonder if you are  more leaning towards no surgery then you would not be as anxious about the scan result? You are an amazing young lady and I dare say that you will still be you whatever the physical shape you are in. 

Much love Stella x