Rectal tumor surgery coming up, and colostomy bag.

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mavrules
mavrules Member Posts: 1
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Mar 6 will be 2 yrs since my diagnosis of Stage 4 metastatic cancer,  with mets to liver and one lung. 

Yesterday it was decided that I will be having the rectal tumor removed,  due to a new pelvic mass,  attached to my ovary,  that is also  attached to the rectal tumor. 

 

Surgery will be 1 day after my 2 yr cancerversary.

In addition to the large midline incision,  I will habe,  I will also be waking up with a colostomy bag.  I was told at initial diagnosis,  that a Colostomy would be in my near future,  they r quite surprised I have been without one this long. 

 

I am mentally prepared to have this as part of my daily life,  but I do worry about any issues that may arrive,  due to my weight and body shape,  how well I will be able to conceal the bag under my clothes,  etc. 

 

I know it is a small concern,  but still on my mind,  nonetheless. 

Has anyone here had tumor removal,  with midline incision,  and colostomy?  Are any who have,  overweight and had any complications that docs said were related to your weight or body size? 

 

 

Thanks

Comments

  • JanJan63
    JanJan63 Member Posts: 2,478 Member
    #2
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    My situation is not the same

    My situation is not the same as yours but I do have an illeostomy so I have a bag that I wear at all times. I can have it eversed but have chosen not to. I hated it for a long time but eventually got used to it and wouldn't want to go back to the constant diarrhea, cramps, stress, misery, and embarassment of having IBS again. In many ways it's better than the IBS. I can eat whatever I want and not worry about where the bathroom is everywhere I go. I've found that if I eat it fills up quickly while I'm eating so if I'm at a restaurant I'll probably have to go empty it right after I finish eating even if I haven't had anything in it for hours. I have a tummy that isn't smooth so I use a wax ring with it to even things out. If I don't drink anything for the last while before bed or just a little then I likely won't have to get up and empty it during the night but I often do. Sometimes it's very full and is like an inflated balloon.

    I do dress for it so that in case it fills up it's not obvious. I'm 53 so I'm not going to be weraing short tops or anything tight anyway so for the main part it's not noticeable. If I'm out somewhere and it fills up I hold my purse in such a way that it kind of hides it until I get to a bathroom. But lots of loose tops for me. I'm lucky that I work in a dental office so I wear scrubs all day so the pants are loose and the tops are loose as well. I have worn fairly tight jeans with the bag and the waistband went right across the bag and had no accidents. I think a colostomy bag is located in a different area than my illeosomy bag is, though.

    I hope this is helpful in some way. When I first got home I was horrified by the idea of it and had my husband do the first bag change. After that I came to grips with it and just do it myself. I've had it for 3 years now. The other thing that I have to watch for is that if I eat spicy foods it can burn the stoma a bit when it empties into the bag. It can be quite uncomfortable for a few hours and then goes away.

    Best of luck with your new friend.

    Jan

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    #3
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    lp1964 said:

    Dear Friend,

    I'm a 52 year old male with rectal cancer removal 3.5 years ago. I have colostomy and even though it's a big inconvenience it saved my life after all. Planning the location of the colostomy is critical and should be done by an ostomy nurse prior to the surgery. The surgeon can put it anywhere pretty much but needs your input considering your body, your clothing and life style. You can get great info at uoaa.com 

    Mall the best for you,

    Laz

    is Tony

    I'm thinking auto correct got you, Laz.   I think it meant to say Ostomy or ileostomy nurse?

    TRU

  • danker
    danker Member Posts: 1,276 Member
    #4
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    Bag

    At first it may seem impossible, but you will learn to cope with it. Then you will settle in to just a new lifestyle.  Good luck!!!

  • lp1964
    lp1964 Member Posts: 1,239 Member
    #5
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    Dear Friend,

    I'm a 52 year old male with rectal cancer removal 3.5 years ago. I have colostomy and even though it's a big inconvenience it saved my life after all. Planning the location of the colostomy is critical and should be done by an ostomy nurse prior to the surgery. The surgeon can put it anywhere pretty much but needs your input considering your body, your clothing and life style. You can get great info at uoaa.com 

    Mall the best for you,

    Laz

  • cherrob123
    cherrob123 Member Posts: 13
    #6
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    Suggestion

    I would suggest you contact every ostomy supply company out there and request samples. You can google OSTOMY SUPPLIES and go to each website and request samples. That is truly the way to find what's best for you. I use coloplast sensuri mio. It lays very flat on the stomach. I am overweight and have a parastomal hernia. I've asked my friends of 30+ years if they can detect it under my clothes and they all say they cannot. 

    Good luck with your recovery and your colostomy bag.

     

    Cheryl

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    edited March 2017 #7
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    Not to worry

     

    I will be 70 in a few months and have had my colostomy for the last 7 years.  I often recommend the following book which was loaned to me by my ostomy nurse.  I believe it is still available at Amazon, maybe even your local library or bookstore.

     

    The Ostomy Book: Living Comfortably with Colostomies, Ileostomies, and Urostomies

     

     

    by Barbara Dorr Mullen and Kerry Anne McGinn RN BSN OCN

    A colostomy differs from an iliostomy in form of the output.  The colostomy has more time to absorb liquids and process foods.

    Hopefully you will meet with an ostomy nurse before surgery to determine best placement for your type of surgery.  She should also meet with you after surgery to help you with changing appliance and care of the ostomy.

    Requesting samples is certainly something you want to do.  The manufacturers are good about sending them.  Even after to pick one, if something changes or doesn't work, they will keep trying samples until you get what you need.

    The only time the bag is noticible under clothes is if it inflates due to gas.  Some products now have a vent to help prevent this.  Also you will learn which foods cause gas and can "schedule" those when not out and about.

    Best of luck with your surgery.  Don't hesitate to ask any questions.

    Marie who loves kitties

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