Just to say hello and maybe become friends

Hello,

Many greetings from me. My name is Ciska and I am 58 years old. In March 2011, it was known that I had colon cancer. In April 2011, I received a colostomy. And several operations, chemo treatments, and radiation later, it is now 2025!!! I am aware that all my so-called "friends" have vanished. And that hurts. A LOT.... Sometimes you want to just say hello or have a nice phone call. Or just to know that someone is there for you. I am married and we have two Chihuahuas and two cats. But sometimes you want to say something that your husband doesn't know. No serious things, but as a woman, you have to cope with some things that your husband perhaps does not understand.

Have a nice Sunday everyone ❤️

Hello from Canada. I had a brief stay in Amsterdam when I was on a student exchange many years ago.

Welcome aboard. I hope we can be of help.

Regards, IGGIE

Hello from England.

Hello Ciska, welcome to the site. Long time ilieostomate here. Feel free to ask any questions you might have or offer an observation on a topic. The more we share, the better for the group.

How to Stay Hydrated with an Ostomy with Collin | Hollister

Hi from Scotland.

Hello. You're never alone on this site. Welcome to the community.

Hello and welcome to the site. So many nice people here to make friends here.

Welcome! It is painful when those you thought were friends abandon you in your time of need.

Here you will find loving, supportive people who know what you are going through.

Hi Ciska, Welcome to the site. You will find lots of people here who understand what it is you are going through. Even with a supportive partner, as you say, they just don't and can't really understand what it's like to be an ostomate. We do, so feel free to ask anything or just express your frustrations too. It's sad that you have lost friends, but I think any friend who would abandon you simply because of your health issues is a friend you really don't need. I'm glad you found us.

Terry

Hello from California 👋🏽.

Hi from Pennsylvania! Yep, you definitely need better friends. Life is too short to waste on people who aren't truly going to support you, especially when you're dealing with physical and mental struggles. This site will help.

Welcome from Oz 🇦🇺

Welcome Ciska

You have come to a good place.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Waves from the Green Hills of Wales ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

BW

Jayne

Hello Ciska 👋

I found out who my friends were when I got cancer too; yes, it does hurt. I think that they are scared and don't know how to talk to us.

This is a good place to be, though; lots of lovely folk x