abdominalperineal reconstruction to begin

[Guest guest]

To All,

In 8 weeks, I will be going back into surgery on my 4th yr anniversary post

treatment. No, cancer is not the root of my problem, but the longterm

effects

of radiation have made it necessary to undergo reconstructive surgery.

I will receive a permanent colostomy with the descending colon, rectum and

anus being removed. In addition, there will also be reconstructive

surgery to the vaginal area where radiation destroyed all of the soft

tissue.

The temporary colostomy for 6 months in 2001 taught me what I could eat

and what to avoid. I learned about wearing loosely fitted clothing

and how to care for the stoma and so on.

While I was in chemo and radiation in April & May of 2001, I never

took possession of my temporary colostomy. It was a daily reminder

to me of my illness and the sooner it was reversed, the better.

This time however, I have emotionally accepted the colostomy as

part of my wellness program. We are entertaining the idea of a

birth certificate that I want my surgeon to give me and I will have

a named it by then. My colorectal surgeon and I have a beautiful

relationship because I know he saved my life 4 years ago and as a

deeply spiritual man, he has won my trust as an advisor.

We've learned to appreciate each other's sense of humor

so he is delighted to participate in this silly " birth certificate " idea

for the colostomy. I promised not to name it after him.....

ANY IDEAS FROM OUR LISTMEMBERS WILL BE APPRECIATED!!

In these 4 years since treatment, I have fought daily to rebuild my immune

system and raise my energy levels and keep positive thoughts toward

a healthy body and mind. As a spiritual woman, I have felt that the

path has been laid for me to follow and am blessed with supportive

family and friends. Many of my supportive friends have been on this

survivors list and I want each of you to know that I am going forward

at this time to a new level of recovery with the kind concern and

encouragement from each of you.

The preliminary testing for abdominalperineal reconstruction began

last week and will continue as the surgeons create the records necessary

for the lengthy procedure. Nuclear medicine's full body bone scan,

CT Scan whole body with contrast in one day alone, left me with

diarrhea that I haven't experienced in several years and only pain pills

and sleep helped me thru that. This coming Tuesday I'll be swallowing

a camera (sedated thank goodness) for the upper GI surgeon to help

make sure that my left rib & bone pain has nothing to cause concern for.

(I've always been told that if I could swallow it, I could pass it ;D)

Soon, my husband and I will be taking a vacation across a few states

as we drive to visit relatives in Tennessee. I'm sure that I'll have a

thunder bowl with me in case immodium fails to manage my needs.

This springtime drive will be the first time since 1993 that we have taken

so much quality time together. We want to take in all of the natural beauty

along the way. We will bring home many memories to hold in our hearts

during the lengthy recovery period ahead.

We planted a small vetable garden this spring. But about the time

that things will need to be harvested, I'll still be in recovery mode.

I am hoping that the grandchildren will come and spend some time

after school is out and we can work together like we did 4 years ago

to pick tomatoes, potatoes, onions, okra, etc.

Love to All,

Louise from Deep in the Heart of Texas