In our OpenHouse newsletter, you may have read about Mathew, our new specialist nurse for stomal care. Mathew’s role was completely funded by donors like you, and created after we identified a growing need for stomal care in our surgery ward.
A stoma is a small opening in the abdomen that is used to collect bodily waste into a collection bag. Whether temporary or permanent, a stoma is a confronting and challenging aspect of some cancer treatments. It’s crucial that patients with a stoma receive dedicated care before, during and after surgery.
One of the patients who gave us insight into this need was Veronica. She underwent extensive surgery at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse that left her with two permanent stomas.
Veronica, a mum of two and grandmother of three, was unexpectedly diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2020. After multiple scans and rounds of chemotherapy, she was scheduled for an 11-hour Total Pelvic Exenteration, a surgery that removes all organs from the pelvic area. She woke up with two stomas, a urostomy and colostomy, to pass bodily waste.
Veronica says that the support she received during and after this life-altering procedure was crucial.
“The pre-op stoma simulation sample helped me mentally prepare,” says Veronica, who spent over two weeks recovering from her surgery in hospital. “And the on-ward assistance from the nurses was excellent. They always made me feel understood and calm and were there for every question I had.”
Once home, however, resources were limited for Veronica. “I felt very unsure about the stomas and experienced a few issues with leaks and pain, but due to COVID restrictions, I only had one post-operative meeting with a local stoma nurse.”
Thanks to the support of donors like you, our specialist stoma nurse Mathew now fills this gap in care. His time is solely dedicated to stoma patients and their specific care, before, during and after surgery. He ensures all patients are referred to a local stoma nurse upon discharge – but they can also contact him personally whenever an issue arises.
"Every day I see how our patients benefit from having specialised care to help them through the significant changes they're experiencing,” says Mathew.
Initially, Veronica felt overwhelmed while adjusting to life with her two stomas. Today, she feels confident and empowered. She now volunteers at her local hospital and assists her stoma nurse during meetings, supporting other patients who are starting their stoma journey.
“I was told I had two years left to live. After 3.5 years, however, I am still here, with my two feet firmly planted on this earth and a zest for life. I’m determined to make every day count and I’m grateful to Chris O’Brien Lifehouse for the life-saving surgery,” says Veronica.
Over the past 10 years, the support of Discovery Partners like you has helped fund specialist nurse positions across our hospital. With your help, we will continue expanding this program so every patient receives the specialist care they need during their most challenging times.
