I have decided to take part in the step of for stoma to raise awareness.

Since having the chemotherapy it has left me with tingly feet and really aching fingers which feel totally different and harder to use.

On the 29th July when I arrived home from my cousin's funeral, I recieved a phone call from my oncologist who I met for the first time on the 25 July 2 hours after my father in law died unexpectedly. She gave me the shocking news that I had to have an emergency stoma fitted before my cancer treatment started. Because of the damage the radiotherapy was going to cause.

The following day I had a phone call from the incredible surgeon who spotted my cancer on the 9th may. He said he would operate on the 9th august.

Next steps I had to go to hospital for my pre op and then back in on. the 8th August to meet my Stoma nurse. She was so shocked to see me arrive alone, but as Mum had just passed away 2 months before and it was the summer holidays Andy had to be at home with the children. It was soo overwhelming going through all the stoma paper work and being shown bags etc and that it would look like. I just wanted my mum but that couldn't happen.

The next day I arrived at the hospital nil by mouth and waited alone for the op, I was taken into a room where the nurse drew on my tummy where the surgeon needed to cut me open for the stoma.

I later woke up in recovery with my body gone into shock

and was shaking uncontrollably with my teeth chattering. The pain in my shoulders was immense.

I was so grateful that a room had just become available in a side room, so I could be alone. It was a big thing having to stay in hospital after visiting Mum, Mark and Hazel everyday for so many weeks. I was dreading being away from Andy and the children, the children barely visited and was very scared of seeing me with the stoma.

My biggest concern was being home for Pat's funeral, it look longer than normally for my stoma (Winnie) to start working.

luckily it slowly started to work the evening before pats funeral so they said I would be able to leave to go to it.

I was sat in the crematorium taking oramorph.

6 days later I started my daily appointments for 6 weeks in Oxford, this was very uncomfortable to walk at this stage and even more painful laying flat with all the scars on my tummy to be still and flat on the radiotherapy machine.

For the first 6 weeks of having Winnie I wasn't allowed to eat fruit, vegetables, fibre, oats, nuts seeds, dried fruits.. This was so tough with the terrible Nausea I had with the chemotherapy. I have never felt so poorly in my life.

As the weeks went on with the chemotherapy and radiotherapy it got tougher and tougher, with my ovaries melting, my kidneys failing and then the horrid burns. I was on 60mg of radiotherapy a day plus added oramorph throughout the day to get back on the machine for more burns. All the medication caused havoc with wine working so added medication.

When people now see me out and about they think I look so well but they have no idea about all the life changing thing's, medical menopause a number of foods I can't eat.

always in my mind when visiting new places where are the toilets will they have facilities for changing Winnie.

I am trying to build confidence in using disabled toilets but that comes with judging and huffing from elderly people, where I have found myself apologising and explaining I have stoma.

Will the toilets have a bin? a mirror? a shelf to put my changing things? is Winnie going to behave? is she going to leak?

Nobody is aware of all the inner thoughts you go through. But im so pleased that Winnie got me through all my treatment.

Next I wait to see of Winnie can be reversed or weather I am keeping her, I honestly don't mind either way. Both children are use to her now and happy for her to stay if she needs too.

when I go for a walk it makes Winnie work better because of the blood flow, this can be tough mentally too as I can't judge what she will do. I've had tummy bugs from the children where the bag constantly fills up and blockages which are complete agony and had to take morphine again.

I went into hospital with pneumonia as the antibiotics caused the out put to be out of control and I need intravenous medications for dehydration and other things I had 3 canals both arms and hand.

I enjoy now booking things with friends and family and having things to look forward to. I have no idea what's around the corner.

I still have many hospital appointments and am left with life long side effects from the radiotherapy.

I am so grateful and adjusting to this new life and the new me.

Thank you for reading and following my journey.

Much love

Katie xxxxx

Did you know that there are over 200,000 people living with a stoma in the UK? Each of these individuals could greatly benefit from our many support services, which we provide completely free of charge. Our 24-hour stoma helpline, extensive range of support literature, and Private Facebook Group are just three of the ways people can access practical and emotional stoma support whenever they need it.

As we approach the event "Step Up for Stomas - Active April!" on April 1st, 2025, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Your contributions enable us to be there for anyone who needs assistance. We understand the challenges faced by those living with a stoma, and it is our mission to ensure that no one has to navigate this journey alone.

We invite you to join us in making a difference. This year, we are aiming to raise £500 to sustain our vital services. Together, let’s step up and show our commitment to supporting those in need. Your participation in "Step Up for Stomas - Active April!" will help us continue providing essential resources and support. Thank you for being part of this important cause.