So, as part of my cancer “treatment” or removal, I have to live with a colonostomy. Sometimes these are temporary, until the initial cancer-infected area heals after the cancer has been removed. However, in my case, due to the sheer size of the cancer (at the time of removal on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 it was the size of a squash ball), the location (only 1 1/2 into my rectum) and the shape (semi-circular), my colostomy will be permanent.
According to Wikipedia, a Colostomy is:
A colostomy is a surgical procedure in which a stoma is formed by drawing the healthy end of the large intestine or colon through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and suturing it into place. This opening, in conjunction with the attached stoma appliance, provides an alternative channel for feces to leave the body. It may be reversible or irreversible depending on the circumstances.
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