Colostomy done, planning treatment

sistermoon

Just got home from the hospital a couple hours ago. The ostomy nurses at Roswell were fantastic. They gave me lots of time to practice working with the bag, cleaning and emptying. The bag is very inconspicuous. This isn't going to be the inconvenience I thought it would.

I had a follow up with the oncologist and the pharmacist. I'm having my port installed on Nov. 1, and beginning chemo Nov 7. I'm being treated with Flourouracil (5FU) and Mitomycin, with Leucovorin for side effects. The pharmacologist said that this is "old school" treatment that has proven to be effective.

She was very open and honest with me regarding side effects. I'm pretty much guaranteed to lose my hair (which is not a major concern of mine - I love hats !!!)and will likely have issues with skin rashes and irritation. She's given me lots of literature and drug information.

I'm just ready to get this started, and get on the road to recovery.

Phoebesnow

Surgery
Welcome home. I must commend you on your wonderful attitude. I started on 11/1/10. It's a good number. Keep in touch.

7243

Encouragment and Positive Energy
Hello Dear Girl ... Sending you positive thoughts and love your way! Hang in there! Big hugs to you!

z

7243 said:

Encouragment and Positive Energy
Hello Dear Girl ... Sending you positive thoughts and love your way! Hang in there! Big hugs to you!

sistermoon
I am so glad your home and finding the bag isn't as scary as you may have initially thought. I think you will feel even better once you start treating the cancer on the 7th. I wish you well, and keep us posted. Lori

shirlann54

sistermoon
So glad your home. Now you can get these treatments done.I know your ready to get this over with.My pray's are with you.

mp327

Welcome home, sistermoon!
I'm glad you are doing well and I must commend you on your great attitude! That will go a long way in helping you cope with side effects that you may be dealing with when you begin treatment, which I hope will be minimal. Please keep us posted on how things are going while you rest up and get ready for chemo. I will be keeping you in my prayers.

sistermoon

mp327 said:

Welcome home, sistermoon!
I'm glad you are doing well and I must commend you on your great attitude! That will go a long way in helping you cope with side effects that you may be dealing with when you begin treatment, which I hope will be minimal. Please keep us posted on how things are going while you rest up and get ready for chemo. I will be keeping you in my prayers.

Thanks :-)
Thank you all, once again, for your kindness and encouragement. I've learned so much from this site that I go to my appointments armed with questions and knowledge. You've made this much less stressful.

pjs62

so far so good...
Hey lady...happy things are going ok so far. Sounds like you're in very good hands which is a blessing. I had the same chemo as you along with radiation. Yes I did lose most of my hair but like you, I love hats so not much of a problem. haha!

BTW...you've given me some encouragement regarding the 'bag'. I was very scared of the possibility of having one. And although there's a slight chance I may need a temporary one after surgery, I feel alittle better about it.

Please keep us informed thru out your 'journey'.

sandysp

Thanks
Your posts mean a lot. Keep them coming. We are here for you. Glad you are adjusting so well and have the right attitude. The treatment is about recovery. You can feel better and will once you have completed it and some healing time. All the best,
Sandy

Lorikat

Sister moon, thank you for
Sister moon, thank you for your post. I have been petrified of the colostomy bag and you have made me less afraid. I will not know until Jan 2012 whether I need one but have been worrying myself to pieces, I also talked to the spouse of a colostomy bag wearer and she says it becomes no real big deal fast! So thank you and goog luck. Lorie