Eating at Christmas with a stoma

Shelby was diagnosed with stage 1 bowel cancer in July 2022. She had to learn how to manage eating during Christmas with a new temporary stoma, and then again after her stoma reversal. 

My surgery to form my stoma was just before the festive season, which for me added an extra layer of concern about my bowel cancer treatment. I love food, and the thought of missing out on my favourite indulgences at Christmas was overwhelming. 

Learning to eat with my new stoma 

After my low anterior resection surgery (removing the cancerous part of the rectum) I was fitted with a temporary ileostomy (a type of stoma) to allow my body time to heal. Adapting to life with a stoma was challenging at first, but with perseverance and determination I found my rhythm. To my surprise I found that it turned out to be much easier than I’d anticipated. 

When I was in hospital I was given the standard menu that all hospital patients are given, which didn’t entirely align with the advice from my stoma nurses. They’d provided a factsheet on what foods I could have and those to avoid, and how certain foods might affect my stoma bag. It was daunting, but gradually, I learned what worked for me. 

By Christmas 2022, I had begun to manage my stoma. I was careful with my food and drink choices but learned I could still enjoy my festive favourites. My family were so supportive and it helped make my Christmas Day even more special. 

I used Bowel Cancer UK’s forum and social media for help, which became a lifeline. I connected with others who had been through similar experiences, and it gave me invaluable insights and reassurance. 

One surprising tip I picked up from the bowel cancer community was to chew food thoroughly. It made a huge difference. It helped with my digestion, eased my anxiety around eating, and allowed me to enjoy more of the foods I loved. 

Getting back control after my stoma reversal 

In the summer of 2023, I had a stoma reversal. The first six to nine months after my surgery were tougher than I’d anticipated. 

I had some mild low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) symptoms, that were challenging. I found that typical advice like ‘eat fibre’ or ‘drink plenty of water’ didn’t always work for me. Ironically, fibre-rich foods like vegetables, often triggered constipation, which made eating healthily a balancing act. 

I started getting heartburn. This made enjoying certain food and drink, like having a casual pint, difficult. Rennie became a must-have in my bag. 

By the 2023 festive season I had begun to understand my new bowel habits. I stuck to foods I knew were fine for me, listened to my body, and used medications like Loperamide and stool softeners, so that I was able to enjoy my Christmas dinner with confidence. 

Same me, new Christmas tradition 

The last two years we’ve eaten out on Christmas Day. This is a new tradition I cherish. Having a family that understands my occasional dash to the bathroom and supports me without question has made all the difference. 

These days, I live life as I did before and let nothing hold me back. Bowel cancer hasn’t stopped me from enjoying time with loved ones or indulging in the Christmas dinner I look forward to all year! 

Now, 16 months on from my stoma reversal, life feels so much easier. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and for anyone still in the thick of it: trust me, it gets better. 

• Find out more about diet after bowel cancer treatment
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