New support group forming at BCHS for those with colon cancer and ostomies

Support groups have been around since the beginning of time.  The premise is that since we all need a little help now and then, having others around who are familiar with the challenges we might be facing can better offer comfort, a listening ear, social networking, or advice and information. 

Such is the case of a new support group that has been created at Battle Creek Health System.  This group is for those who need support or need help supporting someone who has had or currently has colon cancer and/or an ostomy.  The group will meet the third Wednesday of the month starting September 15 from 6-7 p.m. in The Cancer Care Center at BCHS.  For more information, call (269) 720-6814.

Most people are familiar with the term ‘colon cancer,’ but not so much with ‘ostomy.’   An ostomy is a surgical procedure performed to create an opening on the front of the abdomen that allows waste to exit the body when it can’t eliminate it in a normal way due to illness or medical condition. 

To better understand what an ostomy is, it helps to know a little about the body's anatomy. The gastrointestinal tract begins in the mouth, moves to the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth and stomach) and continues through the stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus.

When food is swallowed, it goes to the stomach for digestion, then travels to the small intestine where it leaves as liquid.  The colon absorbs water from the liquid material and stores the remainder as formed stool until it is passed voluntarily out of the body through the rectum.

Should a person suffer from cancer of the colon or rectum, from trauma, malformations present from birth, obstruction of the bowel, complications of diverticulosis, and colitis or Crohn's disease, it may be the best and safest form of treatment to have an ostomy.

“There is probably no surgical procedure that produces more misunderstanding and is feared as much as an ostomy,” says Jenny Rogers, coordinator of the Colon and Ostomy support group.  “This new support program is here to help those who either have had this surgery, or want to help someone who is in need of it.”

“Following surgery, the patient needs time to heal, to learn how to manage the ostomy, and to mentally adapt to these changes,” adds Sue DeRuiter, RN, patient navigator for The Cancer Care Center.  “In time, the patient will usually finds that life is only slightly altered, if at all.  In the end, most would agree that they would rather have the ostomy than their previous medical conditions.” 

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission.  Battle Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, is a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement as designated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network.  BCHS, a nonprofit hospital, provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all.  For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

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