At the age of 17 due to FAP I had a Panproctocolectomy so ended up with a permanent ileostomy. Now at the age of 70 I've been told to consider a total gastrectomy so I'm trying to find out if it's worth having the op. and living with an ileostomy and without a stomach. At the moment I'm able to go out on long walks and cycle rides and would like to continue doing so. Due to the FAP I'll still be at risk of cancer so such a hard decision to make without knowing of anyone that has coped with both ops.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community although I am sorry to see you joining us.
A cancer diagnosis can be such a stressful and challenging time but when it comes to support there is nothing better than talking with others who are on the exact same cancer and treatment journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) bit I do see you have joined our specific Stomach cancer group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link(s) I have created above. Once the group page opens you can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
Macmillan have many support services so do check out the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
All the very best.
