Yeah, I know, that probably sounds crazy right? I have known for just over 2 months this day would come, but somehow it feels even more real now. And more scary as I listened to the surgeon explain what I would be going through. So it's set for Oct. 2nd.
I got some new info today... some scary and some surprises. The gastrointeroligist who did my colonoscopy had said the tumor was 2 cm. Today I find out it was actually 4 cms. They examined me and said it has shrunk from the radiation but is still there and likely is still cancerous but has shrunk some.
I also found out my surgery is different from what I thought it would be. The day it was explained to me was the day all the news about what I was facing was dropped into my lap and I missed some of the info. I will actually be having a ileostomy instead of a coliostomy. The will actually connect everything back after cutting out the tumor. Then they will cut my small intestines and make a stoma. This is all so new to me... I hadn't read much about ileostomies. The surgeon says it is my best chance for not having to have a permanent colostomy. He said it will give things a much better chance of healing well. He will also be making a J pouch.
So here we go... ready or not! The doc says it will be a difficult surgery and recovery for me. He is going to install something new into my stomach cavity that releases some type of anesthesia ( I think) there is actually an article on the front page of this site about this new procedure. So hopefully things won't be as bad as I am afraid of.
Thanks to those who have sent words of encouragment. I keep reminding myself I am only 42 and people who are much older than me have gotten through all this so surely I can too.
Anita