Colostomy due to Ovarian Cancer

[Apwulady]

Has anyone had to get an ostomy because of a tumor? If so how long did you have it? Was it permanent or reversed? Are you done with treatment?

[Archeveritas]

Yes. I had an illeostomy while my large intestine healed. I had it for 8 months. I had it reversed. Do you have one? I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.

[Apwulady in reply to Archeveritas]

Yes I have a colostomy. I had surgery to remove a tumor in December 2019. The tumor was blocking my colon making me unable to go to the bathroom . So my oncologist and the colorectal doctor let me know that I would probably have the colostomy after surgery..They also told me that once my chemo was done that the ostomy would be reversed. So chemo is done and now I'm on Lynparza.Now that I'm on Lynparza they are hesitant to do the reversal. I don't understand why? They say what if a tumor comes back. That was a possibility before the Lynparza. So I'm just afraid that the colostomy could be permanent. So I just wanted to know if anyone else has had this experience too. Thanks for your response Archeveritas

[Archeveritas in reply to Apwulady]

You should definitely ask your doctor. I know that I had to wait until chemo and radiation were all done plus a couple of weeks before they would reverse mine. When you are having any treatment, including oral chemo, your immune system might be vulnerable. The reversal was no easy journey, but it’s been 2 years and I’m so happy I got it done. Push for answers and then make a decision on what is best and safe for you. I also joined an ostomy group at my local hospital. It was very helpful.

[Apwulady in reply to Archeveritas]

Thanks for your advice. I will check into an ostomy support group. Best wishes to you

[lovemy3dogs]

I had surgery for ovarian cancer 4/12/19. Because the tumor was stuck to my large intestine a colostomy was preformed. I finished chemo 9/7/19 and went on Lynparza 3 weeks later. I had the colostomy reversed 2/21/20 when it was determined there was enough left of my rectum and intestine to do so. I was in the hospital for 3 days and limited activity (no working out, just walking) for 6 weeks. I felt fine after a week and was ready to go back to the gym and part time work when Covid19 struck. (I am 67 years old). I'm so happy I had it reversed and healed so quickly. I will say I was told success lies with having a good colorectal surgeon. A colonoscopy and rectal Xrays were done prior to surgery to make sure there was enough for a successful surgery.

[Apwulady in reply to lovemy3dogs]

Congrats to you and the success of your reversal. Your story is inspiring to me. How are you doing on the Lynparza? I'm having some side effects like fatigue ,neuropathy,headaches, and loss of appetite. So I'm going to request a lower dosage. But my numbers look good. Thank God. Hope you're having better results with the Lynparza