It’s not easy to hear that you have stage-four colon cancer, and even harder to be told you’re having ostomy surgery on the very same day. But on April 22, 2014, that’s exactly what happened to me.

It was a shock and adjusting to a colostomy was hard. I'd heard of an ostomy but didn't know much about it. Chemo treatment followed my surgery, and it wasn't easy either. But I made it through because of my faith and the help of my friends and loved ones.

“Emergency surgery leads to an ostomy...and saves a life.”

That was more than two years ago, and I’m healed, adjusted to my ostomy, enjoying retirement, and living a full life.

My faith has brought me this far and I plan to keep going for a long time. If this colostomy has to be a part of my life, then so be it. No one really wants to deal with a pouch, but I am alive.

Today, I do whatever I want to do. This pouch doesn't stop me! I can wear any type clothing I want to wear. I exercise every day. I go to the gym and work out on the weights and aerobics. I walk about a mile and a half up and down the hills where I live. I’ve walked mountain trails in Washington state, taken pictures of beautiful snow-capped Mt. Rainier and hiked to waterfalls. And I’m planning a trip to Glacier National Park.

“No one really wants to deal with a pouch, but I am alive!”

If you’ve been inspired by Dianne’s story and would like us to pass a message on, simply email us at convatec.canada@convatec.com or if you’d like to contribute your own stoma story, just get in touch the same way.

If you’ve been inspired by Dianne's story and would like us to pass a message on, simply email us at convatec.canada@convatec.com or if you’d like to contribute your own stoma story, just get in touch the same way.