This topic is about a woman who has been living with a colostomy since 1995 due to a hereditary form of colorectal cancer. She is now 39 years old and has a large family. Here’s a bit more about her journey and some advice she has received:

- She has adapted to her stoma with the help of her faith, which she considers a blessing.
- She is a mother to eight children, ranging in age from 3 to 19. Sadly, her 14-year-old daughter passed away from colon cancer in 2010.
- After dedicating many years to raising her children and dealing with her loss, she is now eager to start "living life" more fully. She hopes to make female friends and possibly find a partner who accepts her ostomy.

She is interested in forming pen-pal–style friendships and has mentioned that she is heterosexual. She doesn’t visit the forum often, so she welcomes direct written contact.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared with her:

1. General encouragement: Many people have assured her that the site is a great place to meet supportive individuals of all ages and genders.
2. Genetic vigilance: Someone with a similar hereditary condition emphasized the importance of regular screenings for family members and encouraged her to ensure her adult children get tested promptly.
3. Stoma acceptance: There are reminders that a stoma can be life-saving and pain-relieving, and it can be something to appreciate rather than resent.
4. Faith and resilience: Members have reinforced the importance of staying positive and keeping faith as essential to thriving with an ostomy and coping with personal loss.