very scared

kapper48

Hi, I was told today that my colon was going to have to be removed, The Dr's told me that because last year I had a resection for 2 tumers and the cancer is already back in 2 more places that I should have this done. They told me that they were going to make me a new colon with my small intestine and I would have to have a bag for about 2 to 3 months. Has anyone else had this done or know of anybody that has had it done I could sure use some help right now.
Pat

Annabelle41415

Ileostomy
I've had my rectum removed due to rectal cancer and they made a j-pouch out of colon. I will have reversal when I am done with my chemo. I know an ostomy is scary, but it can save your life so I would look at it that way. My husband helps me change my pouch. It's better to get the cancer out and have the ostomy done. Good luck.

Kim

kapper48

Annabelle41415 said:

Ileostomy
I've had my rectum removed due to rectal cancer and they made a j-pouch out of colon. I will have reversal when I am done with my chemo. I know an ostomy is scary, but it can save your life so I would look at it that way. My husband helps me change my pouch. It's better to get the cancer out and have the ostomy done. Good luck.

Kim

Thanks Kim, I do want the
Thanks Kim, I do want the cancer out and I know that in the long run it will be better. I am just so depressed right now. I have 5 daughters 3 that still live at home 11,14,17 and I am just so worried that if something happens to me what will they do. I know my wife will take good care of them but I am also worried about her to. I hope everything works out for you to please keep in touch with me if you will.
Thanks Pat

PamPam2

Pat
Hi Pat. I did not have my entire large intestine removed, but over half. I was told we can survive without the large intestine, you can do ok with just the small intestine, the difference is the feces will be loose instead of formed. I had the bag for about a year, learned to care for it myself right away, didn't really like it, but as long as got rid of the cancer, it is the better alternative. Was glad when it was time to get put together. I hope your surgery goes as well and it will be a lot better chance for you if they can get rid of all the colon so no more cancer comes back. Best wishes. Pam

tootsie1

Praying
Pat, I know this must be scary news. I only had a colon resection, so I can't give you practical advice, but I want to say that I'll be praying for the best for you.

*hugs*
Gail

Annabelle41415

kapper48 said:

Thanks Kim, I do want the
Thanks Kim, I do want the cancer out and I know that in the long run it will be better. I am just so depressed right now. I have 5 daughters 3 that still live at home 11,14,17 and I am just so worried that if something happens to me what will they do. I know my wife will take good care of them but I am also worried about her to. I hope everything works out for you to please keep in touch with me if you will.
Thanks Pat

Emotions
You have every right to be scared and depressed. I was too and still am. Have your doctor put you on an antidepressant. This will help you get through everything that is going to happen. We have eight children and 9 grandchildren so I know that you are scared about that. Try (and i just mean try) and look at the positive (its sometimes hard, but you can look at your wife and children and see the positive). You are being very brave in facing this head on. You will get through this. Feel free to PM me if you want. I am relatively knew to this site, but I have had my ostomy for 2 1/2 months so I'm learning the ropes.

Kim

Fight for my love

Being scared is very
Being scared is very understandable.My husband will start chemo and radiation next week and I know he has lots of concerns and worries about me.But again,here in the United States you have the best medical technique and the best medical care in this world,so you should have confidence about the treatment.Cancer treatment is not like a few decades ago,the technique has developed so well and today many advanced cancer treatment became very promising and the medication can even change cancer control to a level which just like you have a chronic illness.Please keep positive and optimistic,you will do well.Good luck and best wishes to you and your family.

Madelyn67

Very scared
Being scared is normal in this type of situation. But try think of it this way, you will only have to deal with the bag for a few months, not forever. It takes a bit to get used to, but it becomes a "routine" as time goes by.

In my situation with rectal cancer, they removed my whole colon, rectum and I needed a hysterectomy because the cancer invaded the vaginal tract. I now have an ileostomy for the rest of my life. I wish every day that I didn't need this bag forever, but I guess you just deal with the cards as they were dealt.

Good luck with everything.

wesparris

Hello....I had my entire
Hello....I had my entire Colon taken out about a year and a half ago. The procedure I had was called an IRA (Ileorectal Anastamosis). This procedure, leaves about 6 inches of rectum, and connects the small intestine to it. It is a one step procedure, with no colostomy/bag required, and with only one week in the hospital typically needed. There is very little impact to quality of life with this procedure...you go a bit more (about 6 times a day for me now), and it is a loose stool...but that is it. You also need to go in for a lower scope every 6 months to a year to make sure the 6inches of remaining rectal area clear. My doctor was the Chief Colorectal Surgeon from Mt Sinai in NYC, and he does this procedure frequently...you just need the first 6 inches of rectum to be clear to be able to get it he told me.

Hope this helps,

Wes