The Life with an Ostomy After Cancer Treatment

Many cancer survivors have to live with an ostomy. Therefore, you need to learn how to live with an ostomy for the rest of your days. You should have appropriate knowledge of ostomy care and handling the ostomy supplies. Moreover, you should know how you carry forward yourself into the daily routine chores with an ostomy. 

You should learn how to manage your lifeafter having ostomy surgery. It will boost your confidence and help you to move forward in life tranquility.

You can crash into the ostomy surgery after cancer treatment. Or maybe you need an ostomy treatment because of your cancer. Or perhaps you are already an ostomate, and now you have been diagnosed with cancer, and now on, you have to pass your life with an ostomy and cancer treatment. In every case, you need to learn your life as an ostomate person. 

Many of the cancer survivors need ostomy surgery, it will be a life-saving operation, for such people. Ostomy has divided into two fundamental kinds. These are permanent and temporary ostomies. After cancer treatment, you might need temporary ostomies. However, if you need a permanent ostomy surgery, a part of your colon or the entire bladder will be removed.

Ostomy Types in Cancer Survivors

The following are the ostomies, we have seen in cancer survivors. These are the most common types of ostomies in cancer survivors.

Colostomy

A colostomy is a surgical hole in the large bowel or colon for feces to come out of the body.

Ileostomy

This is a surgical opening in the ileum. It collects the waste content from the body and passes it into the pouch.

Urostomy

This is an opening in the urinary system. It collects the urine and passes it to the ostomy pouch.

Less Common Ostomy Kinds in Cancer Survivors

Jejunostomy

This is a surgical opening in the jejunum, which is the second part of the small intestine. This is to feed the patient.

Gastrostomy

This surgery also allows feeding to the person; however, the opening will be in the stomach.

Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy surgery will happen in the trachea. It will protect the airways.

Types of Cancer that Need an Ostomy Surgery

When cancer spreads to the rectum, colon, or bladder, then the patient requires an ostomy. Such cancers are called cervical cancer and prostate cancer.

The following are the cancers that could cause the ostomy surgery.

·       Ovarian cancer.

·       Small bowel cancer.

·       Rectal cancer.

·       Cervical cancer.

·       Bladder or Urethra cancer.

·       Small intestine cancer.

·       Colon cancer.

·       Prostate cancer.

·       Uterine cancer.

·       Lymph nodes cancer.

How to Live with an Ostomy as Cancer Survivor?

Well, there are no worries about the ostomy and life-management skills. You can lead a normal life with your ostomy hole and supplies. In the initial days, you have to halt some activities and wait for the healing of your opening. After 3 weeks, you can perform your previous activities. In general, ostomy does not affect your life and activities.

Daily Activities

As I mentioned above, once you get relief from the surgery pain, you can resume your normal work activities. You can join the office, you can go for a daily walk, you can practice your sports, exercising, swimming, biking, hiking, bowling, and any other activity you were performing before.

Diet Habit

Here, you need to be careful. You have to find out which food is best for your health and digestive system. As from now on you will lead your life with an ostomy pouch; thus, you should not eat or drink anything, which has a bad odor.

Medicines

You cannot give up your medicines until your doctor’s suggestion. Moreover, you will have to avoid some specific medicines, which can create a problem for your ostomy.

Wardrobe

You can wear anything you like or you are comfortable in. You are not supposed to change your wardrobe and dressing style. However, you should wear comfy and loose dresses.

Shower

Well, you can easily take bathe after an ostomy. Water will not affect your ostomy opening. You can take a shower anytime; however, you should avoid scented soap bars.