Rectal cancer

Hi Cecilia

This is a great place to talk to others that have had the same. I found I needed support after my operation to be honest I was in a haze before. I was close to blocking so it was theatre for me

I hadn’t had a major op either my only source of comfort was I was going to be fast asleep so my job was to close my eyes

There's a stoma support group here that can share ideas about managing a stoma. I flew abroad, ate out and lived my life to the full with a stoma but I was scared of having one. Truth be told I was more scared of not having one and that cancer growing

Chat here if it helps

Others will be along 
I wanted to say hello and send you a hug 

Hi Cecilia and a warm welcome to the board. I’d never had an operation or even stayed in hospital before my op but I found my worries to be unfounded. Everything was explained to me before hand and the anaesthetist and surgeon came to me on the day too to check I was ok and see if I had any questions. 
The nurses keep a close eye on you afterwards and any pain was well managed. They will be keen to get you up and moving around the next day and will help you with your bag. The stoma nurses will also visit you and show you how to look after your stoma and how to change the bag and, as Ann says, there’s lots of support on here too.

Ive attached a link to a booklet about the op and suggestions of things to pack - a long charging cable for your phone is a good one - and also a link to the stoma board.

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/YourOperation_BowelCancerUK.pdf

 Ileostomy, colostomy and stoma support

Please let us know how you get on and we’ll be happy to help and support you through this

Take care

Karen x

Thanks for the hug Ann, sending you one back,. I think my fear of is the unknown and not being in control of my body.

I know they will take care of me. Keep having nightmares that I wake up from op and they’ve taken off my arms and legs and being so angry that I won’t be able to look after myself. I know it’s only dream and totally irrational but I stay angry for a while. And my poor hubby gets into trouble for not stopping them . It’s taken me a while to join site, I always think everybody has al lot more going on than me. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Seeing Stoma nurse on Friday..  Will let you know how I get on.

Take care Ann you’re a star .  Cecilia.

Well there. I would stop watching Steven King movies and definitely no reading. Watching that film Misery stayed with me for ages 

Try watching romcoms or happy TV. That’s what I did I banned news, horror and even thrillers  

Meditation though phone apps is a good way to get some head space

Its not long until the 30th it would be productive to ask for tips on packing  I know I made a few mistakes and my hubby was only visitor allowed it was tough on him  That was Aug 21 and Covid  

So I will start 

Spoil self with lovely toiletries  lavender spray on the pillow is nice

Long charging cable

Eye mask maybe some ear plugs 

Nighties mean easy access and P Js take a lot of pulling up and down 

Mints and some soothing tea bags are refreshing 

Others will come and join in soon I am sure 

Best Wishes

Hi Karen62,  Thanks for getting in touch Karen it’s all a learning curve for me am trying to take one step at a time and stay calm.  I cope better with information. Thanks for the link will give it a read before I see Stoma nurse on Friday..  I just want to be through the other side and recovering at home again. My family keep telling me I’m strong but I don’t know if I am. Hopefully with the boards help I’ll get there.  I appreciate your help today bit wobbly trying not to cry. Sending big hugs to everyone waiting on news or surgery for their cancer.

Take care Karen62

Cecilia.