ostomy and cancer

In this episode, host LeeAnne Hayden and guest Kristi Tanner discuss Kristi's journey with colon cancer and living with an ostomy. Here are the key discussion points highlighted from the episode:

1. Struggles with Colonoscopy Approval:

   • Kristi turned 50 in March 2020, just when the world was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She didn't think she needed a colonoscopy since colon cancer wasn't in her family history.
   • Kristi began experiencing symptoms such as bleeding, painful bowel movements, and fatigue, which she initially didn't attribute to colon cancer.
   • It took significant effort and advocacy to get approval for a colonoscopy, including calling multiple times to ensure the process moved forward.

2. Diagnosed with Stage 3B Colon Cancer:

   • Kristi eventually received her colonoscopy and was shocked to learn she had colon cancer. The cancer was diagnosed as stage 3B, indicating potential lymph node involvement.
   • They discuss the symptoms Kristi experienced, including rectal bleeding, frequent bowel movements, cramping, and fatigue.

3. Treatment Plan and Challenges:

   • Kristi's treatment plan involved radiation and chemotherapy before surgery.
   • She faced conflicting opinions about whether she would need an ostomy, and there was uncertainty regarding the order of surgery and chemotherapy.

4. Coping with Ostomy:

   • Kristi discusses her initial hesitation and concerns about living with an ostomy. She shares how an ostomy nurse helped her come to terms with it, emphasizing that the ostomy saved her life.
   • She describes how she came to embrace her ostomy, named it Stella, and found humor in the situation.

5. Post-Treatment Activities:

   • Kristi shares how she maintained an active lifestyle after her treatment, working out regularly, even doing a Spartan Race with an ostomy.
   • They highlight the importance of staying active for physical and mental health.

6. Spreading Awareness:

   • Kristi encourages listeners to advocate for themselves and get necessary medical appointments promptly.
   • She emphasizes the need to remove the stigma associated with ostomies and discusses the importance of talking about colon cancer to raise awareness.

Kristi's story serves as an inspiring example of resilience, advocacy, and embracing life with an ostomy after facing colon cancer.

Episode #112: Navigating Life with an Ostomy Bag - Tips and Insights

In this week's episode we discuss: 

• Carly's Ostomy Journey: She shares how she came to be in an ostomy
• Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy: What it took to adjust to having one. 
• Advocacy and Finding Support: How she found and created her support team 
• Advocacy Efforts and Challenges: She shares her advocacy work and how to find yours. 
• Promoting Awareness and Support: How important awareness is. 
• Understanding the Significance of a Stoma: A clear definition of what a stoma is and its significance in an ostomate's life.
• Advancements in Ostomy Bags: A discussion on the remarkable progress in ostomy bag design, focusing on enhanced comfort and discretion.
• The Great Bag Cover Debate: The age-old debate about whether to cover ostomy bags with decorative covers.
• Navigating Skin Issues: Carly's personal journey of dealing with skin issues and the pursuit of the perfect fit for ostomy care.
• Convexity and Bag Types: The importance of convexity for some ostomates and Carly's transition from deep to soft convexity.
• Adhesive Remover Spray: The vital role of adhesive remover spray in ensuring gentle bag changes and skin care.
• Traveling with Ostomy Supplies: Tips for always being prepared while traveling, especially when flying and going through security.
• Emergency Supplies: The importance of carrying essential supplies in your carry-on luggage and the potential support from hospitals in emergencies.
• Embracing Acceptance and Self-Love: An empowering message to ostomates, emphasizing the significance of self-acceptance and embracing one's uniqueness as a catalyst for personal growth.

This episode of the Beautiful Bag Podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of life with an ostomy bag, offering emotional support and a treasure trove of practical tips. Carly Allen's journey and her remarkable advocacy work serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment, inspiring ostomates worldwide to embrace their own journeys with acceptance and self-love.

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LeeAnne on Instagram 

Carly on Instagram 

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