Living with a Stoma Webinar Recording: Fight Bladder Cancer

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07/19/23

At first, the thought of managing and caring for your stoma can be overwhelming. There is much information to take in at once and new things to learn. With experienced stoma nurse, Sharon Fillingham, answering common questions about stomas and two patients sharing their own experiences of getting and living with a stoma, we hope our webinar will help guide you.

It may not seem like it now, but please know that you should soon be able to do things you’ve always done, just a little differently. Our webinar will give you the confidence you need to get back out there, on your terms!

Support for the webinar is provided by the British Association of Urological Nurses, the Graham and Dianne Roberts Charitable Settlement, StreamGo, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, and the National Lottery Community Fund. Fight Bladder Cancer retains all editorial control.

Guest Speakers:

Sharon Fillingham RN. BSc (Hons) Colorectal Nursing. MSc Human Sexuality. Diploma Counselling; Diploma RZT, Nurse Advisor to the Urostomy Association and Mitrofanoff Support.

Biography:

Sharon has been working in the field of Urology since 1978. Whilst a ward sister Sharon qualified as a Stoma Care Nurse and worked as a Urinary Diversion CPF (Clinical Practice Facilitator) and Psychosexual and Gender therapist at UCLH. Her NHS role involves teaching nurses who are caring for individuals having bladder reconstructive surgery.

As a ward sister she became concerned that patients who were undergoing surgical procedures for gender issues, fertility and sexual function, received little or no counselling. This led her to train as a counselling therapist. She studied for her MSc in Human Sexuality. Sharon currently works as a Gender and Psychosexual therapist in the NHS and the private sector.

Co- editor of Urological Nursing: 2nd and 3rd Editions

Read more about Sharon's years of being a stoma care nurse here: https://urostomyassociation.or....g.uk/about/meet-the-

David Ritchie, Patient.

Biography:

After a few years of symptoms and misdiagnosis, David was sent for a cystoscopy in October 2019. He was told that he had a tumour in his bladder and that he would probably have to have his bladder removed.

His first surgery confirmed his tumour was muscle-invasive, and that a bladder removal was the preferred course of action.

He elected to be assessed for a Neobladder reconstruction and, following a further surgery, had it confirmed that he would be suitable. He got confirmation that his surgery would take place at

the beginning of April 2020 but was then informed that he would no longer be able to have the Neobladder due to the COVID19 lockdown limitations in the hospital. Instead, he would have to have a stoma and urostomy.

"Things are different now, and I need to adapt to many circumstances, but it is do-able and not as bad as I first thought. Getting used to my new accessories took just a few weeks and I have found that I have been able to return to a very acceptable lifestyle with a positive can-do attitude."

David has since gone on to run a marathon and has many more planned. Life for David is different, but absolutely do-able!

Susan Mullerworth, Assoc CIPD, DipC ( Inst NH ) Certificate in CBT, Accredited Member ACCPH, Patient Advocate and Speaker.

Biography:

Susan, was diagnosed with Stage 3 High-Grade Advanced Bladder Cancer, in November 2017. A mental health Counsellor and Patient Advocate.

Susan enjoys family life and travel.

Prior to diagnosis Susan had not heard of Bladder Cancer despite a lifetime of associations with other cancers. Susan describes herself as a natural carer and probably a challenging patient.

After opting for life changing surgery namely a Radical Cystectomy, Susan connected with the Fight Bladder Cancer Charity UK and is a voice for bladder cancer and a ‘bladder buddy’ to fellow patients.

Susan’s mission is to continue raising awareness of bladder cancer worldwide through advocacy and patient groups.

For more information and support, visit our website here: http://fightbladdercancer.co.uk/.