Adjusting to Life with a Colostomy Bag

Hi Katie! I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis, i just completed 4 different chemo treatments, and 6 weeks of radiation. I am curious as to why they would start out with a bag. I had two tumors, one of which was 7 centimeters, making it stage 4, but no bag was offered. I had some cancer in my lymph nodes in the area as well. You must be well into treatment now, i pray you stay strong throughout. I go back for a scan on Sept 3rd to see if it has been completely eradicated. If you have questions or want to share you thoughts or anything, i would be happy to listen.

Adjusting to a colostomy bag takes time, and feeling distressed about these changes is completely understandable. Many community members find it helpful to connect with others who have navigated similar experiences, and there are often practical tips and emotional support that can make this transition more manageable.

I started my journey with anal cancer in 2010. I did chemo and radiation therapy and was cancer free until 2016. Had a colostomy and some chemo and radiation and in 2019 I had an anal perennial resection to remover all the cancer which left me with a permanent ostomy. The ostomy does create some challenges but much easier to deal with while your bottom heals. Just had MRI and no signs of cancer 🤗