Travelling as grey nomads and fortunate to be in Mildura at the time of diagnosis! I considered I was fortunate to be in a large country town where doors opened, and I had massive support and assistance.
I was offered a return air flight to Melbourne, accommodation and two radiation sessions but my husband insisted on making it a trip. So, we packed our lovely van up and our puppy and off to Melbourne.
Good efficient service there and returned to Mildura ready for operation.
It all went extremely well, my surgeon said to me ‘we are in the lucky country’ and certainly are!
It was then time to learn the procedures of fitting the colostomy bag etc! I got a bit frustrated there as I’m like a dog with a bone, won’t give up! I asked if the procedure would become part of my day and it did! It’s easy!
My one piece of advice for others: Deal with it, be positive, we really are in the lucky country, lots of help and assistance. It’s happened, many people go through it! You can do it too!