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Post by burgoe on Feb 12, 2004 10:03:55 GMT -5
Hi there. Have just discovered this site and realise that it's perhaps mainly for young people. Well, I'm young (28!) but it's my Mum who is going into hospital for colostomy and urostomy surgery tomorrow (operation on Monday). This is due to cancerous tumour that is too close to the bladder and bowel, they need to remove them in order to prevent the cancer spreading. Ont eh plus side, teh surgeon has said that this is curative surgery rather than chemo which she was offered. What I want to ask is....in your experience, what is the best support we can give Mum at this time. She has said that it helps her that we want to discuss it openly and not be afraid of the practicalities but I'm so worried about her. Any advice or places to get information for families? Thanks Emma x
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Post by Jason_D on Feb 12, 2004 12:11:33 GMT -5
Hi there, One thing that may help your mum is to actively plan a holiday whilst she's in hospital. It may sound a bit daft, but it gives the patient something to concentrate on. First of all theres the relief of reading something and not having to spend all day laying on the bed dwelling on the ostomy and so on. Then once out of hospital it gives them something to look forward and to aim for. The holiday doesnt have to be abroad, it doesnt even have to cost much (or anything at all if its a visit to see family etc.) and for me it made a big difference. The surgeon would be able to advise when she would be able to travel to wherever she wants to go and from then she can start planning. Most importantly though you can help her just by being there. It will be a big change for her at first, but with the right support behind her, from the medical world and the family, she will do brilliantly. If she has any support issues whilst in hospital you can always come online to research it or ask questions etc, and return with them for her. If your Mum doesnt have net access you could always print out he lifestyle guide pages of the website for her to read, or if she has net access then she can read them online herself. Hopefully that would answer most of her questions and let her know what to expect at the hospital in advance of her getting there. www.ostomy.fsnet.co.uk/guide.html By the sounds of your post, your mum is already looking at things quite positively by wanting the family to not shy away from talking about it. She's facing it head on and isnt denying its happening or anything, so thats an excellent start. I hope her operation goes well and thats shes soon back home and well on the road to recovery. I'm sure other ppl here with have ideas to share with you too, and If you have anymore questions you know where we are. Good luck to you both. Buh bye now, Jason D. webmaster and colostomist. www.ostomy.fsnet.co.uk Edited: 12 02 04 - to correct a link.
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