Planning a trip to Paris in February, especially after finishing chemotherapy and with a colostomy, can be both exciting and a bit daunting. Here are some practical tips to help make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

- Look for warm, well-heated accommodations, ideally a rental with a kitchen so you can prepare your own meals if needed.

- Ensure easy access to public toilets while exploring the city, dining out, or shopping. Although your diarrhea is improving, you might still experience loose output. Public buildings, department stores, cafés, and even McDonald's are reliable options. In smaller villages, plan your stops as facilities might be more basic.

- Carry all your ostomy supplies with you. A daypack with spare pouches, wafers, drainable bags, wet and dry wipes, and a 500 ml squeeze bottle of water is recommended. Keep the majority of your supplies in your carry-on luggage to avoid issues if your checked bags are lost. Pre-cut your wafers at home to avoid carrying scissors.

- Consider staying in the 17th arrondissement near Parc Monceau or the 8th near Rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré. These areas are convenient for markets and pleasant walks. For delicious bread and croissants, visit Poilâne on Rue du Cherche-Midi or Cohier on Faubourg-St-Honoré. For fine pastries and gourmet items, Fauchon at Place de la Madeleine is a must.

- To get around, start with an open-top bus tour to get your bearings. Purchase a carnet of metro/bus tickets instead of day passes, and enjoy walking to truly experience the city. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in metro and train stations.

- Since you might be sensitive to the cold and have painful foot neuropathy from chemo, pack warm footwear, layers, and ensure your accommodation is heated. February can be chilly and wet in France.

- Embrace the new experiences and let them distract you from any discomfort. Art, culture, fresh food, and friendly locals are waiting to be discovered. Keep a positive outlook and enjoy the "joie de vivre" that Paris offers.