What happened, in summary

Patricia learned of colorectal cancer in October 2023 after a partner's cancer diagnosis prompted Patricia to seek medical attention. Treatment included a partial colectomy followed by a 6-month course of oral capecitabine. Surgery resulted in a temporary ostomy, and recovery was complicated by a stoma infection that led to a 3-month hospital stay. Adjusting to the ostomy became one of the hardest parts of the experience, with worries about leakage, odor, visibility and learning how to change the bag. Capecitabine also brought fatigue, appetite loss, weight changes and nausea, with prescribed medication used to help manage symptoms. Patricia stopped working and went on medical leave during treatment. Support from an ostomy nurse and counseling became important as Patricia dealt with fear, anger, frustration and anxiety. At the time of the story, treatment and recovery were still ongoing, with Patricia taking the process one day at a time and focusing on family, regular follow-up and learning to live more comfortably with the ostomy.