Hi, I am new to the group and have just been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Just need to talk to somebody as I just moved to the country with my 13 year old boy who has an autoimmune disorder and the rest of my family is still in Bermuda. I am scared.
I was the same really. I had been going to the doctor though saying how tired I was and that I didn't feel right. I was offered HRT. It was only when I had blood that I was tested and I had to push for that as I was told it was probably piles.
I'm sure your sister-in-law will be a help to you as a retired nurse. It sounds like you've had a tough time already.
I've found the emotional side as tough as the physical but there is support out there. I found one of our local cancer support centres really helpful and therapies such as reflexology.
Just like to add my welcome to the group also and to say I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis hopefully it has been diagnosed in time and your treatment will be successful.
I live with a permanent ILEOSTOMY the few problems I have experienced over the years have been quickly sorted out.
Reading up on living with a stoma is a good idea and I would like to suggest that it might be beneficial to contact Salts Healthcare on email markering@salts.co.uk and ask for a stoma pre op training pack, if you know which type of stoma (colostomy or ileostomy) mention this in your email as included in the pack is a very informative booklet on the type of stoma.
The pack contains
A dummy stoma
Some pouches - closed and drainable
Disposal bag
Wipes
A thickening agent
A stoma care book.
The idea is that you attach the dummy stoma to either the left or right hand side of your body and you practice applying the pouch to your skin. In addition you can, after you apply the pouch to your skin, part fill it with water, add the bulking agent and this will enable you to see and feel what it is like wearing a pouch and allow you practice emptying it.
Having a stoma is what you make of it but the thing to remember about a stoma is that it is part of the cure of your bowel cancer not the cause of it and is, in your case, a temporary solution to allow your bowel to settle down after the surgery.
Anytime between now and your surgery and of course afterwards I am always available to talk to you on any subject related to living with a stoma.
At any time you feel down, feel scared or just want to chat give me, The BODACH, a shout out and I'll be there to give you all the support and help I can. No matter how small or trivial you think your question may be it is better to ask me than suffer in silence.
Hi and a warm welcome to the board from me too. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had a tough 12 months and then this but Bowel Cancer is very treatable nowadays especially if caught early.
As you can see from your replies already there are lots of people on here who are at different stages of treatment and happy to support you through this. Please post with any questions you have - there is nothing too daft or embarrassing on here!
