rowing with a stoma

[vk2gwk]

Interesting to read in an older thread about other cancer patients that are also rowing. Recently I was diagnosed with rectal cancer and at present undergoing radiation therapy (25 sessions of which yesterday I finished the 13th) combined with chemo therapy (pills I can take at home on radiation days).
I keep rowing although a little less than I used to: about 5 km a day. I checked with the doctors and they told me to keep going as much as I can as it will help with the treatment and recovery. Next month they are going to remove part of the rectum and I'll probably get a temporary stoma.
Wonder if there are any rowers that have experience with this and are there any suggestions for the location of the stoma (surgeons seem to be able to position these in various spots).

[lindsayh]

don't know about the stoma part (best of luck with all that) but there is a lot of work now to show that serious exercise during recovery and chemo is really useful. Some really good studies recently published from a university physio/exercise physiology department in Perth shows enormous benefits.

[Dangerscouse]

I can only echo Lindsay's comments. Best of luck

[SteveB]

I took up rowing regularly to regain some fitness about 4 months after my permanent stoma was formed in 2011. I think mine is positioned in the 'standard place', left hand side between navel and belt.

I was on the move more-recover quicker program and they told me it would take three months. Youthful (49 at the time) bravado had me determined to get that down to two months, which meant I over did things and ended up taking 4 months before I could begin exercising in earnest.

I managed to give myself a parastomal hernia whilst mixing concrete and sometimes I feel that pull if I over lean at the top of the stroke but apart from that it rarely gives a problem rowing. In 2011/12 I was constantly trying to set PB's for various times/distances as part of mentally proving myself back to normal, but now I mostly stick to steady state 10k or 1 hour to manage weight.

I manage the stoma by irrigation which means I onle rarely have a problem with output during a session.

Good luck with the rest of the treatment. If I can answer any more questions you have I'll be happy to try.

Steve

[nick rockliff]

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2007. Had my ascending colon removed July of 2007 and was lucky in not needing any other treatments. Was a bit sore though

Was back on the erg abot 10 days after the OP just very steady away and did a 2k race 7 weeks later and finished about 6.58.

Just do what you can when you can. Being fit will help with recovery.

[vk2gwk]

We are about 1 year down the road since I posted my question. The temporary stoma (ileum) has come and gone and so has the cancer (at least they cannot find anything anymore but they keep checking me ). I have been rowing in between visits to the hospital and am slowly getting back in shape. The stoma did not give me any problems rowing (or doing anything else for that matter). It was located on the right hand side just above the navel.
Thanks to all forum members that reacted to my post for your positive feedback and encouragement.

[Ombrax]

OP, congratulations on your recovery and your determination to push through it on the rower.

[FitnessSF]

I too was diagnosed with rectal cancer back in April of 2019, and now have a temporary stoma and plan to begin working out again. It has only been a week since my operation. How long did you rest before rowing? Did you do any other form of exercise like lifting? I still have 10 rounds of chemo but hope to soon be out of this in 5-6 months. Hopefully the rowing will be a helpful distraction!