My mom is 48 and has rectal cancer. She had radiation/chemo her tumor seemed to go away. The cancer went into her lymph nodes, she had the radiation/chemo again. It started to shrink in the nodes but the bleeding came back. Monday she is to have the surgey and recieve a colostomy. Sorry to dumb all of this down. Can anyone share their experinces? I live 10 hrs away from her. I am witrh her now for her surgery., but will have to go home in a week. I'm a chef and have been making and freezing dinner for her and my dad. She is in a lot of pain currently, taking morphine. Her will is strong. Doctor said we are losing a finger to save the hand. Please share and thank you.

I, too, have rectal cancer and had surgery that removed my rectum and am now "sewn" up. Prior to the surgery, I was alternately terrified and angry that I was facing a colostomy. It has now been 3 months, and I can tell you without a doubt that I am grateful that I was wise enough to go ahead with the surgery. I never thought I could accept the "bag," but I've found that it really isn't that bad. Yes, you must make some adjustments and be prepared for those little "emergencies," but it truly is manageable. I still have a long way to go (chemo) and am now facing surgery for papillary thyroid cancer, but I'm determined to get past all this and live many, many more years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom.

My father was 67 and had his surgery in May, he was told there was a possibility of having a colostomy but really didn't think that would be necessary. He was very unhappy when he woke up and found he had an ileostomy but he adjusted to it very quickly. The Doctors found it necessary to remove his entire large bowel, prostrate and rectum. The recovery from the surgery took quite awhile. It is great that you have been able to prepare meals for your Mom as my Dad said everything he ate felt like sand in his mouth for awhile after the surgery. When was your Mom diagnosed?Has your Mom had a PET scan to see if the cancer is anywhere else? I found this board after my Dads surgery and I read alot about the different treatments and how people were doing with them. Please post how your Mom does after the surgery.

undef*nedundef*nedMom has had a pet scan. She sa*d *** cancer *sn't *n any o***r organs only *n *** lymph nodes. As crazy as th*s my sound she *s look*ng forfard to *** bag. *** tumor causes her alot of pa*n before, dur*ng, and after a bowl movement. Monday *s *** day for her surgery. Please hold her up *n prayer. My dad has made her a bedroom downsta*rs w*th a shower and to*let so she can have one level l*v*ng. Her best fr*end of 30 years bought her a hosp*tal bed. She told me today that just hav*ng me and my son here has g*ven her great comfort. * just can't even *mag*ne *** pa*n and worry she must be feel*ng r*ght now. * told her about ***se boards and put ***m on her favor*tes but r*ght now she's not able to get to *** computer. She w*ll though after *** surgery she says. * th*nk she needs to hear some pos*t*ve th*ngs from people who can empath*ze. Thank you for your response. W*ll keep you *nformed ;)

jaydees-have been following this board for awhile & must compliment you on all the sound advice you give. Keep up the good work!
Positive4U :)

Thanks, you have an ostomy, or know someone who does?

No,at least not yet. Totally different kind of cancer. Am scheduled for colonoscopy in September-so you never know.
Positive4U :)