The Lewis County Herald - 11/29/22

With treatment currently in a holding pattern, I’m getting back to a more regular work schedule with a “limited duty” release from the surgeon.

Tammy and I are awaiting the results of an experimental blood test recommended by the oncologist to see if there are any traces of the adenocarcinoma mass remaining.

That test compares cells in my blood with cells from the mass in my colon, which was surgically removed on September 27.

A treatment plan will be developed when the doctor has a chance to review those results, which are expected about mid-December.

We are also waiting for some healing following the colectomy which will allow for the temporary ileostomy to be reversed. That has been tentatively planned for mid-January.

Since my ostomy is relatively recent, I’m still learning, and coping with having an appliance attached to my abdomen 24/7.

It’s been two months since the surgery and I’m still only able to sleep on my back. I was never comfortable with that sleeping position and still do not like it.

I received a box of samples from a different ostomy supply company recently and have been trying some of the various adhesives, adhesive removers, skin preps, pouches, and wafers, and their various configurations.

The catalog for ostomy supplies would rival a 1972 Sears and Roebuck Christmas catalog.

One thing I have learned is something I should have already known. Simpler is better.

In the early ostomy care lessons, in the days following the surgery, we were shown several steps for applying and removing the device, and caring for the area around the stoma to protect the skin from adhesives and digestive products.

Those lessons started me on the regimen of taking those same steps at every pouch/wafer change. All of those steps. At every change.

I learned that, for me, in most appliance changes, I don’t need to utilize every item in my kit each time I put on a fresh appliance.

The adhesive on the appliance is sufficient to do the job without fortifications. Most of the time.

One of the tricks passed on to me is to make sure that adhesive is warmed up (with a hair dryer) prior to application and that all surfaces are completely dry.

I’ve learned to change appliances quickly to avoid as much mess as possible. A tip I wrote about earlier involves eating a few large (full-size?) marshmallows about 20 minutes prior to an appliance change. The effect is a temporary slowing down of activity at the stoma site.

Tangent (Tammy calls it rambling):

I received an Amazon package in the mail a couple of days ago. Tammy asked about opening it, considering the close proximity of Christmas.

I didn’t recall having any outstanding orders so she exposed the contents and asked if I had ordered marshmallows. I didn’t recall having done so. On closer examination, she located a gift note from my college roommate.

I don’t know if I’m more humbled that he has remained a close friend for this long or that he reads my ramblings.

Planning appliance changes for times of slow activity is also now part of my schedule. I’m still learning how what I consume affects that activity and for how long.

Typically, complete appliance changes are every three days. More often if the adhesive, for one reason or another, becomes un-adhesive.

Since most of the pain from the surgery has subsided, I can more easily detect the burning sensation when pouch content makes contact with skin. Contact with the corrosive material results in skin damage in a short amount of time.

That’s where some of the other products come into play.

There are powders, barriers, sprays, and a few tricks to help heal and protect the skin that is nearly always in contact with some type of adhesive holding the appliance in place. The ideal balance seems to change on a daily basis.

I’m still learning, and appreciate the tips and comments I receive from readers and others living with a stoma, permanent or temporary.

The current leg of this adventure is mostly non-eventful while we await test results and the next planned procedure.

I remain thankful for the answered, and continued, prayers on our behalf.

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