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Post by edward on Nov 30, 2003 23:58:34 GMT -5
Hi all. I'm quite new at this. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer two weeks ago, and am having surgery in three days. What really scares me is what will life be like with a colostomy.
I've just recently retired, play tennis 4 times a week, ski in the winter, and this year my partner (who also just retired) and I have booked 4 months in Plam Springs starting on Jan 1. Now bang, surgery, recovery time and a colostomy..wow a lot to take in all at one.
Fear of life after is my biggest item, and of course fear o :-/f what they will find once they operate. I take solace by thinking if it were really bad, then I would have been attended to by now.
Any ideas as to how I can calm my nagging fears??
Thanks for listeninf to me babble..ed
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Post by Kathy_from_England on Dec 1, 2003 12:27:35 GMT -5
Hi Ed,
Your feelings are perfectly normal and natural. Most people feel exactly the same in your situation.
Once you have recovered from the actual operation, your life will go on pretty much the same as before. You can still carry out those sporting activites so long as you have healed from the surgery.
Do you know if your colostomy will be permanent or temporary?
If permanent is irrigation a possibility for you in the future?
Maybe you won't know until after the actual operation.
One very important point to stress at this time is to ask for your stoma to be placed below your waist (or belt) line if possible. It makes life so much easier. Ideally, a stoma nurse should mark you in consultation with yourself to find your idea place.
Have you read Jason's Webpages themselves which give excellent insight into what to expect?
www.ostomy.fsnet.co.uk/
My husband had an unexpected ileostomy in 1985 (went down to theatre for a different operation) so I do sympathise with the suddenness of this operation for you. There is virtually nothing he can't do because of the stoma.
Please ask as many questions as you want and we'll do our best to answer them.
If you want to chat, the link is:
www.ostomy.fsnet.co.uk/chat.html
Good luck!
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Jo
Im new!
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Post by Jo on Dec 1, 2003 17:48:18 GMT -5
Hi Ed
I too have a colostomy due to the same cancer as you, i had my opp this year in March. My way of accepting the colostomy was that i was getting rid of the caner and that for me was my main concern as i was only 39 when told now 40, and i hadnt finished living my life. I also have 2 children who still need there mum. So i stayed poss. for them, that does not mean i dont have days when the colostomy gets me down. The opp its self is a biggie and it will take time for you to get over so take each day as it comes. Keep possitive dont let the cancer beat you, you beat it and hope all goes well. Jo
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Demmie
Posted a few msgs
Posts: 27
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Post by Demmie on Dec 2, 2003 8:50:05 GMT -5
HI  Just a short note to say there is life after colostomy ! Swimming, rowing, walking, driving, sex all are possible..... and much more ...... ( and I'm the lazy type ) . Good luck and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. Demmie |
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Post by Anita on Dec 17, 2003 15:31:22 GMT -5
Hi Ed,
I too have rectal cancer and had my op in Aug. It is a very big operation and I am left with a permanent colostomy. At first I cried all of the time because I really didn't want it but it's not the end of the world and does get better. I am nine weeks into my chemotherapy course now and although I really hate it and I will be gald when it's over, life is pretty much back to normal. The bag is not as horrendous as I first thought. I even hoping to go back to work in the New Year. It's not the end of the world, Accept it and go with it. Life is precious. Good Luck. Anita. P.S. take it very easy
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