Large polyp

Hi Lolly67 

If it helps you any to know what can be done, I had a total pelvic exenteration which removes everything in the pelvis. This meant I effectively had a hysterectomy and my rectum removed at the same time in the same op-along with the rest of my reproductive system and vagina and bladder. Three surgeons carried out the surgery- one gynae, one colorectal and one urologist, all working in tandem. 

I just wanted you to know that it is possible to get through this type of major surgery and recover and my op was more than 3 years ago now. Managing 2 stomas is second nature for me now, and I don’t find them an issue which impacts on my life. Should your daughter need one, it takes time to adjust but doesn’t mean you can’t still lead a full life. If I can help with any questions, please feel free to ask. I appreciate my surgery was different to what your daughter is facing, but she can get through this.

Sarah xx

Thank you Sarah that's a hell of an Operation you certainly have been through it no my daughters thankfully wouldn't be that extensive and thank you so much for your reply that's eased my concerns slightly and I appreciate your response I will definitely come back when we know exactly what they are goin to do it really helps to listen to people's experience and I wish you well Sarah thank you so much 

Definitely keep posting in the group Lolly67  where there are lots of positive stories with good outcomes. I’m glad you feel a little more reassured about what can be successfully achieved but appreciate of course what a worrying time it is for you. I hope you’ll find out soon what the plan is for your daughter and that she doesn’t have too long to wait for any surgery.

Sarah xx

Hi operation is goin ahead on the 26th May it's 2 ops bowel first keyhole but bigger cut remove polyp/cancer as results still not back but they're pretty sure it is remove foot of bowel and lymph nodes rejoin the bowel moving pretty quick see stoma nurse and pre assessment same day so that's good but I feel so helpless not being able to take the fear away... 

Hi Lolly67 

It’s good news that your daughter now has a date for her op but of course it’s natural for you all to be worried about it. But try to focus on the very positive outcome that is possible from this surgery. 

The surgery is going to be longer than mine was, as I notice from your other post that it is scheduled to be a full day, which mine was not. The recovery will take longer than a hysterectomy alone as this is in effect two surgeries in one and your daughter will need to take it easy afterwards and not expecting too much too quickly. 

Is the meeting with the stoma nurse a “just in case” meeting? In other words in case it ends up being what needs to happen rather than rejoining the bowel? 

I hope your daughter’s  surgery goes well and she is soon on the road to recovery.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah yes it's a just in case meeting which is good for both of us to know so there are no shocks I don't think the waiting helps your mind runs away with you as a mother I think it's difficult but we will get there as you say not to expect too much too soon she's always so busy in the home working full time it's probably going to be difficult especially being dependant on others but we will get there as a family thank you for your help on this site its such a help to listen to people who have been throughout it and out the other side 

Hi Lolly67 

I’m a mum of daughters myself and imagine I’d feel just as you do. We want to sort everything for them still, even though they are adults themselves. And all the waiting is very stressful for everyone. 

It sounds like you and the rest of your family will rally round and help and I’m sure she’ll appreciate that. She’ll definitely need to rely on you all as she will need to rest and recover. It’s important too to remember that there is a lot of healing to go on inside that we can’t see, so we still need to be careful at first after such big surgery.  

Obviously the hope is that the stoma is not needed, but as you say it’s best to know it might be a possibility. Fingers crossed the surgeon can accomplish everything without it, but even if this is what has to happen she would learn to cope with it and there’s lots of personal experience and advice on living with a stoma within the community here. 

Remember to look after yourself too Lolly67. It’s important that you take care of you in this stressful time. Please keep us posted with how things are going and let us know if you think of anything else you’d like to ask. 

Sarah xx