Colonoscopy yesterday

[ChrissiLea]

Hi all.

I'm 54 years old and had my colonoscopy yesterday when I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. I had my CT scan today and waiting to find out if it has spread. My biggest fear is needing a stoma bad after surgery. Help, I'm panicking!

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi ChrissiLea,

Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected.

Sorry to hear you were diagnosed with bowel cancer. That can be very eye opening and a rude intruder into your life. I hope you are finding it early. You've got to be "all in" with the efforts to eliminate the cancer. Focus on getting good doctors and relying on them.

I see that less than 10% of bowel cancer patients require a permanent stoma. I've seen many that have a stoma and live quiet well with them. I also see many that have had to get a temporary one and it is eventually removed. Did your surgeon state you were going to need one permanently?

I hope your sharing of this will bring out some of this sites patients that have a stoma or have had one and gotten it removed. Their information can be very useful to you.

Please stay positive and don't panic. When I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 49, I was surprised at how much of your life you need to put into your cancer team to fight it. I tried to control what I could by being the best patient I could be. Things like hydration, nutrition, attitude and faith are what I could control.

We do wish you the very best and please keep us informed at you find out more information. The goal is to beat the cancer and become a survivor.🤟❤️💪

~Tom, GCCA Survivor - Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[mittle]

So sorry to hear this. Best of luck on this journey

[Andy-D]

Hi Chrissilea , I am just a few years older than yourself and very recently had stage 4 colon tumor removed ,which went well ,I now have two permanent stomas as they had to remove my bladder and rectum , But the main thing for me was removing the cancer successfully ,and getting used to dealing with two stoma bags is something that can be handled ok , you can still carry on with everything you used to do ok. It just takes a while to find the best routine for you ,So please don't panic it is definitely not as bad as you think . Best wishes Andy

[ChrissiLea in reply to Andy-D]

Andy-D thank you so much, I was scared but positive last week. I've heard nothing for over a week and now I'm terrified. But you're reply, 2 stomas is better than not having a future, I feel much better and looking forward to my future

[Doglover88]

Hello! I just wanted to write and check on you. My sister was just diagnosed at 58 and I’m 56 and having my first colonoscopy in 3 weeks. Do you mind if I ask if you had any symptoms? Did you have surgery?