Shrinking Stoma During Cancer Treatment: Has This Happened to You?

I had a colostomy due to rectal cancer two years ago. After things healed up my stoma was 32MM. Now two years later the cancer has returned and going thru chemo again. I have only lost about 10 pounds but have noticed in the last month my stoma is now 25MM. It still looks healthy, bright red, but was wondering if others have had this happen. 

  Hi ranger, 

First I'm sorry the cancer has come back. Please keep us updated. 

My stoma has stayed between 38 and 40 mm. I cut my hole to 40 and it works well.  ..mtnman 

Hello Ranger. 

Mine changes diameter with the temperature (shrinking when it's cold - expanding when hot). Hence I always have a wafer to allow for that expansion, otherwise there was no telling when the stoma would expend to touch the wafer and cause it to bleed.

Best wishes

Bill

Hi Ranger,  So sorry to hear of your recurrence.  My stoma changes sizes throughout the day, larger just before output then smaller after.  I would think that as long as the colour is healthy and your output hasn't been affected you are probably just fine, but it doesn't hurt to check it out with an ostomay nurse.  Good luck going forward.

Terry

Hi Ranger, 

sorry to hear about the recurrence. I have had my stomach size change as a result of weight changes.  If you don't already have the cut to fit kind of wafer or the moldable kind, it might be helpful for you so you can adjust as needed to changing stoma size each time you change out your system. 

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister