The Colostomy Care Group gives support to patients who are about to have or who have recently had surgery to treat cancer of the bowel (colon or rectum).
The Colostomy Care Group believes absolutely that whatever the difficulty in the initial stages following surgery (when self-esteem can be severely diminished) patients can adapt and return to a full and purposeful way of life. The group operates by encouraging personal and confidential contact between the patient and the volunteer. Volunteers are all men and women who themselves have had surgery for bowel cancer and who have also undergone special training to provide support and encouragement to new patients. In addition to providing information and advice, the volunteer is living proof that life can carry on as normal after a colostomy!
Services
Volunteers are available to:
Help patients come to terms with their diagnosis of bowel cancer.
Discuss the feelings and anxieties that may be experienced by patients who are told they have to have major surgery to remove part of their bowel.
Provide support and encouragement to the patient after surgery and to help answer questions about the management of a colostomy bag
Provide practical advice and help with all simple non-medical queries.
The Colostomy Care group also hold a phone-in day, on the 3rd Wednesday of every month between 11am-4pm. Volunteers are available to speak with you and provide support and information.
Alternatively, information on Colon Cancer can be obtained elsewhere on this website or through the FreeFone Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700 or by e-mail: support@irishcancer.ie.
