Topic Explanation:
The original poster has been diagnosed with a rare anal cancer and is scheduled for surgery, which may result in a permanent colostomy bag. They express concerns about odor, forming relationships, and the surgery and recovery period.
Advice and Insights:
- There is life after ostomy surgery, and it's important to be confident in the surgeon.
- There are ways to prevent odor, and forming relationships should not be a major concern as anyone worth the time will accept the individual as they are.
- The recovery period will involve a learning curve, but there is support available from people who have gone through similar experiences.
- It's important to focus on oneself during recovery and to find enjoyable activities before the surgery.
- There are resources available, such as ostomy nurses and online videos, to help with the learning curve.
- Finding the right accessories and products for the colostomy may take some trial and error, but eventually, the individual will find what works best for them.
- Keeping a positive attitude and finding humor in the situation can help cope with the challenges of having an ostomy.
- Creating a keepsake jar with funny memories and naming the colostomy can help bring humor and positivity to the situation.
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