After regular colonoscopy, tumour found in rectum, TEM operation to remove ‘early’ cancer, cancer histology comes back mixed with more aggressive features than initially thought. So meeting with surgeon on 12/3 he has already mentioned the likelihood of having a colostomy. Discussion to be had on how much they remove because of my history of ulcerative colitis. It is not a done deal…
Questions in my head, no one has mentioned chemotherapy yet…not sure why? I know they apparently don’t like to do radiotherapy because of ulcerative colitis flare up…i was wondering if anyone had a similar situation.
I feel okay about having a stoma if it keeps me cancer free. Does anyone else have one? I’m an active 50+ year old and enjoy healthy food…worried that I won’t be able to eat what I normally do! And I guess it depends on how much colon they remove?
In respect to accessing stoma necessities, are these available on nhs? And can you select your supplier/ design?
Lots of things going around my head, I like to be organised and have a plan! At the moment I have neither!
Hi Galligirl
You should come and join us in the stoma support group, and this is the link
In answer to your questions based on my experience, yes I have 2 stomas-an end colostomy and also a urostomy as I also had my bladder removed.
I eat whatever I want with no restrictions, but some others have issues with certain foods. It so happens that I don’t. Stoma supplies are free on the nhs and there are multiple different products made by many different companies. I was given a supplier by my stoma nurse at the hospital because that’s the supplier my hospital used, but you can change this if you wish-I have changed suppliers 3 times now for various reasons. But each supplier can provide products made by different companies.
Design of products wasn’t my priority-the suitability of the bags was, so I have changed the type of products used for both my stomas multiple times before settling on what works for me. With my colostomy, I can choose the colour of my bag-white, nude or black.
You can make your post in the stoma group and you’ll get a wealth of advice there, but hopefully my answer will give you some pointers.
Sarah xx
