This topic is about someone who is preparing for a urostomy and possibly a colostomy due to a cancer recurrence. They are concerned about the timing of their hospital stay, which is expected to last at least 10 days, potentially keeping them away from home during Christmas. They are seeking reassurance and practical advice on how to handle this situation.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Spending Christmas in the hospital might not be ideal, but hospital staff often go the extra mile to create a warm and festive atmosphere for patients. Try to see the timing of the surgery as medically necessary rather than inconvenient, which might help reduce stress.

2. It could be beneficial to discuss the timing of the surgery with your surgeon or consultant. Some people have successfully postponed their operations until after the holidays when their health condition allowed for it. Ask if a short delay is medically safe for you.

3. Be prepared for the possibility of a longer hospital stay. Complications can sometimes extend recovery time significantly. For instance, one person mentioned staying in the hospital for two months due to multiple follow-up surgeries.

4. A person who had a colostomy shared their experience of spending 12 days in the hospital, which aligns closely with the consultant's estimate. This suggests that a 10-day stay is a realistic expectation.

5. It's important not to rush your discharge from the hospital. Make sure you have fully recovered and received adequate training in stoma care before going home. Leaving too early can lead to setbacks in your recovery.

6. If delaying the surgery isn't an option, consider celebrating Christmas at a later date once you have recovered. Your health and well-being should always come first.