Rectal cancer

Just popping on quickly and just delighted to read that . Good news on a good day !

So pleased to read this update and hope to read many more .

Court 

Well done to you Monzaman, it’s truly a journey and you did so well. I got my permanent stoma this April. And, like you, no problems. Its great to hear positive news on stomas. Have a lovely Christmas Day and a wonderful new year 

Well done, and a good new year to you!

Fantastic news monzamanand lovely to hear from you x

Hi Monzaman. This is so good to hear, so pleased for you. My husband is about to go for APR in January. He also will have coccyx removal due to position ot tumour which was also T3 N1 M0. So great to hear of someones recovery of similar thing. You give me hope Monzaman.

Jent2

Hi Andy,

thanks for posting this, it’s really encouraging to hear you are doing so well, I am due to have the same procedure in a few weeks time and I am absolutely terrified of life after

Hi Monzaman. Such lovely news, xx

Hi Helen. You sound so positive and that's the reason I am mailing you. My wife is due to get both bowel cancer and liver cancer surgery shortly and, as you can imagine, she is very worried. She has also been told the she will get a stoma bag and that it will not be reversible which has really upset her. Can you please advise me on how I can try to make her feel better about herself, about getting a stoma bag and what difference it will make to her life, especially the stoma bag. Thanks

Hello Mr Mac, what. Kind loving husband you are. And that’s the best start. Yes to hear it first is a shock and so was I. Didn’t want it at all. It’s a very lonely feeling. I cried and cried. Then in the Internet I saw a picture of a Canadian actress called Jessica Grossman. She had a stoma. Looks beautiful, and that one picture gave me hope. Had the operation then gave myself a good rest. Nurses are wonderful. I ate  according to the medical advice, now I can have most things including chocolate.. of course there are a few bumps on the road, but not many. Before the operation my husband bought a few nice leisure suits,  gave me confidence when appropriate to get out. First trip was my local supermarket,  parking was near an exit so if I had a worry I could get there. But as time went on, I’m confident, and in time  will fit into my old clothes. Also and this may sound simple but it’s good to hug. She will be good and beautiful and the same person she was, no difference. When I say time, had the op in April and now Christmas nobody would guess I have a stoma. Cooked my Delia Smith turkey and trimmings. Life gets back to where you were. And this Christmas  my husband said he was the happiest. Life is normal, I have my stoma, proud of it and the life it is giving me. One mistake I made was I ate too much cake of every variety. Sorry for the long ramble.  Take good care and my regards. This will go well.

Aww thanks Helen. Your reply has given me a real boost and I hope and pray that my wife will have the same type of experience as you. I will show her your inspirational reply and I will also Google Jessica Grossman to show her that the stoma isn't the end of the world. I appreciate that I could never fully comprehend the fear and worry my wife is going through but, hopefully, together we can beat this bugger of a disease.

Thanks again Helen and please give my regards to your husband.