Hi kitkat, My mother had bladder cancer and had her bladder removed and a stoma put in place. As sailor said it's an extra opening that a collection bag is attached to. I don't know much about my mother's experience with it because she didn't talk much about it. The operation was a major one but my mother recovered quicker than expected. At first she needed help from the nurses to change her bag but after a while she could change it herself. The only downside is that it did leak occasionally but that was usually during the night when she was sleeping and got it twisted up. ... View more

My brother cared for our mother and only now has started revealing just how difficult it was for him and her. I wish he'd told me so that I could have helped. If you've got other family around or friends who can help let them know so that they can help you and her. It's so hard for the both of you and I wish you both much strength. ... View more