Considering Ileostomy Reversal After Colon Cancer

I know that others have posted about this before - sorry for the repeat. But sometimes the specifics are different. So here it goes - my in-my-head conversation with myself now being put online.

I got my end ileostomy as a result of colon cancer. I agreed to an ostomy so that as much of the tumor could be removed as possible. When I woke up from the surgery, I had an ileostomy. The surgery was basically on an emergency basis, so I didn't get a chance to learn what having an ostomy would fully entail. I just wanted as much of the tumor out as possible. I believe I still have about half of my colon.

I have had a discussion with the surgeon about possibly reversing the ileostomy. We talked about what to generally expect if I had it reversed - the process of the colon reawakening will take months for timing and number of daily bowel movements to stabilize, etc.

At this point, it's almost an emotional decision. Not knowing what the future holds, what if I have it reversed, the colon cancer gets worse, and I end up needing another ostomy. Would I be okay (although not thrilled) with the reversal decision? Basically take the attitude of 'Hey, at least I gave it a try.' And at least I would have experience with ostomy life.

I went through the same process in deciding whether to take a chemo break. After 13 treatments every 2 weeks, I decided to first try going longer between treatments - initially every 3 weeks, then 4 weeks. I finally decided to try the chemo break, which I am still on (last treatment was early October). If at some point I have to go back to chemo, at least I tried.

This is an intensely personal decision. And only you can really make it.

My ostomies are not reversible, but if they were, I'd probably opt to keep them. I'd be worried about all the problems and basically prefer "the devil I know." But that's me, not you.

Do what you think will make you happy.

It is really up to you and your surgeon if it works great. If not, you can go back to an ostomy.

Agree with the cat lady above⬆️..

Saying "at least you tried" has consequences, though.

More surgery. More scar tissue. More agony. More what-ifs.

If you are young enough to recoup fast, sure. But older folks take more time to heal.

A surgeon is not a magician, nor does he have a crystal ball to show you your fate.

Waiting for Iggie to chime in, saying "better off knowing the devil now than later."

Totally agree with Warrior,

If you can handle your stoma and it has given you a better quality of life than you had before, then why head down the track of the unknown.

As stated, "Better the devil you know."

Regards, IGGIE

My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister

Thanks for the input. For me, some of the cons are additional scar tissue (which could complicate a future ostomy if needed), my age (late middle age/early elderly), the reconnection point developing a leak, etc.

Given that I had the discussion about potential reversal last December and still haven't decided means I probably have decided, and the answer is likely NO.

You "believe" half your colon remains? You need to know exactly how much remains and what was removed. Cecum, transverse, descending, ascending, sigmoid? Each segment has a function. Learn what those functions are.

For example: The sigmoid colon stores fecal matter until it is ready to be expelled. It also absorbs water and electrolytes from the feces, making it more solid. The average sigmoid colon is about 12 inches long.

I had all my sigmoid colon removed. So when I consulted with my gastro surgeon about reversal, I chose to keep my colostomy. Because without my trusty sigmoid, I would have mushy, fluffy stools—the output that pops into my colostomy bag now.

Read your surgical report. Has the cancer been eradicated? Does some remain?

Once you have the facts, you can make an informed reversal decision.

Good luck.

By the time I had a chance to read your question and respond, it looks like you have, perhaps, made your decision. I tend to agree with what the others have said. Too many unknowns, and I agree that there usually is a reason when we take a long time to make a decision.

Terry

I have the option to get mine reversed, but I have chosen to keep mine rather than go back under the knife. I am coping with this new life with a stoma and am grateful for life. So instead of prepping to go back into the hospital, I have booked a holiday instead. 🙃

Well done, Queenie. I hope you enjoy many more years with your stoma.

IGGIE