My name is Christina. I’m 34 years old, and my colostomy saved my life.
In 2022, my health began to unravel. I was in and out of the hospital with daily bleeding, extreme fatigue, and a gradual loss of control over my bowels. My body was slowing down, and I felt truly defeated.
On February 14, 2023, after months of misdiagnoses, I demanded a colonoscopy—and finally got answers. Stage 3 colorectal cancer. Hearing those words was both terrifying and oddly relieving. At least now I knew what I was facing, and I could begin the real fight.
When I met with my surgical team, they explained that because of where my tumour was located, I would need a colostomy bag. Whether it would be temporary or permanent depended on how well chemotherapy and radiation worked.
By the halfway point in treatment, scans showed the tumour had shrunk, but not enough to guarantee safe removal without risking further spread. Radiation had also caused complications—severe burns, urinary problems, and more. Ultimately, we decided on a proctectomy, which meant my colostomy would be permanent.
A week before surgery in November 2023, I was hospitalized for dangerously low hemoglobin and required a blood transfusion. On the morning of surgery, a nurse marked my abdomen where the stoma would be placed. In that moment, everything became real. I had been so focused on survival that I hadn’t truly processed what was happening. But I knew this surgery would end my pain and give me a chance at life.
Recovery wasn’t smooth. That December, I spent Christmas in the hospital with an abscess and a blockage—thankfully, no further surgery was needed. My healing was slow, but I reminded myself that everyone recovers at their own pace.
Today, I’m in full remission. There is no cancer in my body. My ostomy gave me back my freedom—the ability to run, hike, do yoga, dance, and play with my nieces and nephews. It gave me a life no longer ruled by pain or fear of accidents.
The mental and emotional journey was just as important as the physical one. I’ve had days of grief for the body I had before, moments of frustration as I learned to live with my new one. Therapy, prayer, journaling, and allowing myself to feel everything helped me release shame and embrace pride in my survival. My body is different—but it is also strong, and it carried me through the fight of my life.
If you’re on this journey, know this: you are not alone. There is no shame in your scars, your bag, or your emotions. Healing takes time, but life after an ostomy can be full, joyful, and beautiful.
Christina volunteers with the Okanagan Ostomy Support Group and serves as a Certified Ostomy Visitor, providing understanding, encouragement, and hope to others living with an ostomy.
Christina is Stepping Up For Ostomy!
Ostomy Canada actively supports individuals of all ages living with an ostomy through initiatives like the Ostomy Youth Camp and the Ostomy Visitor Program. By contributing to Christina’s campaign, you can offer vital support to ostomates nationwide, empowering them to thrive!
