I know this is an odd place for this. Please move it if it's not suitable please.

[Michael Slaunwhite]

There is no real way to speak about this but to say it. Has anyone here, or known anyone who had cancer of the bowel, and needed to have a colostomy bag installed?

I just got some bad news about someone I really care about, and she is in the operating room as I write this, and I have been searching everywhere for as much information as possible. I have watched, or at least tried to watch a few you tube videos as doctors did the operation.

Also does anyone know here if it's possible to survive such a thing?

Since I live in Canada the entire procedure is paid for so there is no heavy hospital bills to have to worry about which I am very thankful for.

Anyway, like I mentioned in the title, if this needs to be moved to the Rant & Rave section, then by all means do it if it seems the right thing to do.

[Marching Thru Georgia]

Sorry to hear about your friend. What stage is the cancer? If stage 4 it's a death sentence. If it was caught early, on a screening colonoscopy for instance, then your friend has a good chance of living a normal lifespan.

[Michael Slaunwhite]

Sorry to hear about your friend. What stage is the cancer? If stage 4 it's a death sentence. If it was caught early, on a screening colonoscopy for instance, then your friend has a good chance of living a normal lifespan.

Thanks MTG, I really do appreciate it.

My wife came home from the hospital (It's her mother that went into the operating room), and from what she is telling me is that the obstruction was cancerous. They have removed it, and also checked the surrounding lymph nodes, and there were no signs that the cancer has spread...thank God.

She is now in ICU, and they are saying that she will be feeling worse before she gets better. Odd thing to say, but it sounds reasonable.

I'm not sure what stage 1 or stage 4 for cancer actually is but if the cancer hasn't spread would that be classified as stage 1?

Thanks again MTG, I really appreciate your reply.

[Ingles of the 57th]

Mike,

I'm afraid that I have no experience to share with you but accept please my prayers and good wishes to yourself and your good lady for the quick return to health of your mother-in-law.

I'm sure all regular members of this forum will join me. You are very special to us all.

Your wife must be very very special also to allow you all that time on the computer !

God Bless you both.

Geoff Laver Late of Her Britannic Majesty's 57th Regiment of Foot.

[Michael Slaunwhite]

Mike,

I'm afraid that I have no experience to share with you but accept please my prayers and good wishes to yourself and your good lady for the quick return to health of your mother-in-law.

I'm sure all regular members of this forum will join me. You are very special to us all.

Your wife must be very very special also to allow you all that time on the computer !

God Bless you both.

Geoff Laver Late of Her Britannic Majesty's 57th Regiment of Foot.

I'm very thankful to you Ingles. I know prayer goes a very long way (personal experience), and all prayers are heard, and are very helpful especially when you see a loved one suffering.

My wife understands my need to be on the computer which testifies to her level of commitment to me (well most of the time).

I know the family are very thankful, and grateful to you for your prayers, and support.... Every bit counts.

[Marching Thru Georgia]

It sounds as if it was caught early. She has a very good chance of survival. If it had metastasized and spread to the bones it becomes incurable. Best of luck to her.

[Michael Slaunwhite]

It sounds as if it was caught early. She has a very good chance of survival. If it had metastasized and spread to the bones it becomes incurable. Best of luck to her.

Thank you MTG. It does sound like they have caught it in time. No way to really tell until other tests are preformed. I only hope for the sake of the family that things work out because she is the foundation, and the strength (most women are the foundation of a family), She is an incredible person.

Thanks for the honesty MTG, always appreciated, and always welcome.

[Grog]

Hi Mike

I am a nurse in England and, although Bowel cancer is not my speciality, I do have experience in caring for people who have had bowel surgery and have colostomies.

My advise would be to get the information regarding her individual condition first hand from her Consultant Surgeon. Otherwise, there is a danger of making wrong assumptions and getting misinformation.

An individuals response to having a Colostomy can vary but, as you can imagine, because of its alien and unsightly nature, along with the unpleasant smell, it can cause a lot of distress at first. However, it is highly likely that in most places in Canada there will be specialist Stoma Nurses locally who can give the necessary support. Be aware though that it often takes a long time to come to terms with this change in body image and she may express feelings of disgust, embarrassment and denial. Also check out support groups.

Most who have long term colostomies do eventually come to accept them and are able to care for them themselves (or their carers take on this role).

Kind regards and hoping for an uneventful recovery

Grog

[Michael Slaunwhite]

Hi Mike

I am a nurse in England and, although Bowel cancer is not my speciality, I do have experience in caring for people who have had bowel surgery and have colostomies.

My advise would be to get the information regarding her individual condition first hand from her Consultant Surgeon. Otherwise, there is a danger of making wrong assumptions and getting misinformation.

An individuals response to having a Colostomy can vary but, as you can imagine, because of its alien and unsightly nature, along with the unpleasant smell, it can cause a lot of distress at first. However, it is highly likely that in most places in Canada there will be specialist Stoma Nurses locally who can give the necessary support. Be aware though that it often takes a long time to come to terms with this change in body image and she may express feelings of disgust, embarrassment and denial. Also check out support groups.

Most who have long term colostomies do eventually come to accept them and are able to care for them themselves (or their carers take on this role).

Kind regards and hoping for an uneventful recovery

Grog

Hi Grog, and Thank you for the information. You have given me some very valuable information here, and I definately will be offering up my opinions, and suggestions to the family.

The doctors here appear to be good, but it's hard to say considering we live in small town, and I'm a bit reluctant to accept everything they say or do as the be all, and end all to what can be done for her. I more prone to think that the best doctors (here in Nova Scotia) are located in Halifax, and I'm hoping that they will eventually transport her to one of the main hospitals there for more tests, and and care.

Your absolutely right she will be self conscience having the colostomy bag, and I will do all that I can do to reassure her that it's alright, and not to let others make her feel ashamed, or shunned because of it (people do that, it's sad really).

Thanks Grog I really appreciate the care you give to others, and thank you for the information, and your support, and best wishes all three always goes a long way for speedy recovery.

Update: She had a good night, and so far no complications have set in which is good news.

[Grog]

You're welcome Michael and you are wise to look further for answers, information and further opinion.
I expect standards of care do indeed vary from place to place, whichever country you are in, especially in the wilds of NS

Where in NS are you? I say this because I was married to a girl from Halifax and have spent quite a few weeks over there in the past. Love the place and the people. There will always be a place reserved in my heart for that chilly place.

You are probably completely sick of this tune but please permit me an indulgence. I once played this tune 'on stage' on Canada day in our local pub, memories, eh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3MAaQLSSI