Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Sponsored by Hollister
Login   |  
Forgot password?
 
Forum
Videos
Reviews
About Us
Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Where Everybody Understands You
41,449 members
Nov 16, 2011

Living with Colon Cancer and a Colostomy

This topic is about someone living with recurrent colon cancer, dealing with complications from a colostomy, and facing new tumors in the mesentery and liver. After an emergency surgery in 2009, they woke up with peritonitis and a permanent colostomy. Following chemotherapy and struggles with skin issues around the stoma, they managed to gain some control over these problems. However, a recent scan revealed a new tumor and a suspicious spot on the liver. They are waiting for an oncology appointment and are seeking advice from others who might have experienced similar situations.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Emotional Support & Mind-set
- Many long-term survivors emphasize the importance of maintaining faith, staying positive, and enjoying life despite challenges. Meditation and visualization can be helpful coping strategies.

2. Seek Multiple Opinions & Specialized Centers
- It's important not to rely solely on one oncologist's opinion. Consider seeking second opinions from large cancer centers, which may offer additional treatment options that smaller centers might not.

3. Investigate Advanced/Surgical Therapies
- Look into treatments like hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for abdominal or mesenteric disease. Ask about procedures such as total mesentery excision and liver-directed treatments like ablation, CyberKnife radiosurgery, or SIR-Spheres for liver metastases.

4. Colostomy & Quality of Life
- Skin issues around the stoma can be managed over time, and many people adapt to living with long-term or dual ostomies. Engaging with reading materials, preparation, and peer forums can help normalize daily ostomy care.

5. Alternatives & Complementary Approaches
- Some individuals choose to focus on diet, natural remedies, and maintaining a positive attitude instead of chemotherapy. While this is anecdotal, it highlights the importance of aligning treatment with personal beliefs after thorough research.

6. Clarify Anatomy & Recurrence Risk
- Even after extensive colon removal or diversion, cancer can recur in remaining intestinal tissue or metastasize elsewhere. Continued monitoring through scans and colonoscopies of any residual bowel is necessary.
See full discusison
Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
MeetAnOstoMate.org

MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,449 members.

“I found real people, real humor, and answers I couldn’t get anywhere else.”

“The support here impressed my husband’s medical team - they plan to recommend it.”

“This community saved me when I thought I was a freak. Now I’m thriving.”

“Thank god for this site - I finally knew what to ask my surgeon.”

Join Free

Popular Topics

What do you call it?
Bowel Cancer
New to this Ostomy this year 2025
TIGER SNAKE ENCOUNTER
Hello fellow Ostomates
Shiny Skin and Rash Issues with Ostomy Products
Leaking Ostomy: Seeking Advice for Belly Button Issues
New to Colostomy: Can I Eat Popcorn or Mango?
One-Year Stomaversary!
Typical kiwi

New Topics

Flying with a Stoma: Tips and Concerns
Advantages of Barbie Butt?
Experiencing Pain After Stoma Reversal: Is This Normal?
B. Withers - Be KInd 145
B. Withers-Be Kind 128
Erectile Dysfunction
The Elusive Stoma Nurse
Dietary Tips for Ileostomy: Success with Berries?
You Might be an Ostomate if...
B. Withers - Be Kind 69
About us | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Ostomy Blogs | Ostomy Q&A | Guides | Contact Us
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.
Copyright (c) MeetAnOstoMate.org All Rights Reserved
Create Account
Login
↑