The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

Total Colectomy questions

rthornton
rthornton CSN Member Posts: 346 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I have noticed on the message boards that many people have had partial colon resections or ostomies, or sometimes jpouches, but I don't seem to see many people who have had total colectomies.

As a stage IV colon cancer patient with mets to the liver, I recently had this surgery (May 23) and would love to compare notes with others who have gone through the recovery from this procedure (or are going through it now). I seemed to be adjusting very well just after the surgery, but lately it feels like I have regressed. Bathroom trips are becoming more frequent and there is often tremendous discomfort during those trips. Maybe it doesn't help that I started chemo last week. Maybe also I am expecting my new digestive system to adjust too quickly. Afterall, the surgery was only a few weeks ago.

Anyway, if anyone can share stories and advice for adjusting to a total colectomy, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached through CSN or at rthornton@joimail.com.

Thanks!
Like Care

Comments

Discussion Boards