Thanks @Ashley_ccnsw  I will keep you posted ... View more

Hi Suz   It's a long time since I started this post. A lot has happened.  I am post chemo, post stoma reversal and post my 12 month colonoscopy (despite Covid19 delaying it by 3 months).   I have distant memories of my stoma. Post stoma brings on it's own issue and has you wanting it back. It makes you quickly forget about the issues of stomas. However,  when I reach into the vault, it all comes back. Leakage was my biggest fear. I had about 2 to 3 hours sleep between bag alarms.    I struggled a lot at the start because I had trouble getting a seal around the stoma. It took a long time to work out what worked for me. After I cracked that, it all got better, but my main concern then become controlling diet which was also tricky with the chemo. If the bag filled up with fluid or gas, that was high risk leak situation. It's like a high pressure balloon.   I ended up finding a good ring seal. I had to order a large one and cut it to size. I could wrap it closely around my stoma which was a figure 8 shape. It really cut down on my leaks.   In the meantime, I'm cancer free and things are improving generally. Tests are continuing and hopefully they won't find anything in the future.    Good luck with your stoma care. I hope you get some better sleep.   cheers   Phil   ... View more

Hi. I do want to express my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your dear husband. My bowel cancer journey has only just started and I had questions about my own life and it was not nice. But you have had the devastation of loss. I am so sorry. I don't believe 'time heals all wounds' but I am a committed Christian with faith in a loving God and eternity.   Take care and somehow let God's love be a comfort. ... View more