Life after surgery and finding purpose: Alexandra

03 November, 2025

By Alexandra Brilliant

Meeting Sandy: Life After Surgery and Finding Purpose

It’s been two weeks since surgery, and I can honestly say the experience has been nothing short of a whirlwind. I’ve officially met my stoma—affectionately named Sandy—and together we’re learning how to navigate this new chapter of my life.

Waking Up to a New Reality

On the 20th, after nearly seven hours in surgery, I woke up confused but smiling the moment I saw my parents, best friend, and fiancé walk through the door. Those first few days were a true rollercoaster—waves of gratitude, bursts of energy, and moments that brought tears I couldn’t always explain.

Eight days later, I was given the all-clear to go home thanks to the incredible care I received from the nurses and doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital in Westminster. Walking (slowly!) out of those doors felt like getting my life back. I couldn’t wait to start healing in my own space, most importantly so I could keep planning our wedding next August.

The Ups and Downs of Recovery

Now that I’m home, surrounded by the most supportive fiancé, family, and friends, I’ve had time to reflect—and if I’m being honest, my emotions have been everywhere.

Some days, I feel strong and optimistic, full of energy, almost forgetting I’ve just had major surgery. Then there are days where anger creeps in—anger about what I lost, and about the impact this has had on the people I love. And then comes the guilt… guilt that cancer has disrupted not just my life but the lives of everyone walking this path with me.

But even on the hard days, I remind myself: I will not let this chapter define me in a negative way. Life gives us moments that break us open—but we get to choose what we build in the space that’s left. I am choosing to build hope, resilience, and purpose.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Over the past few days, I’ve been reading and learning, and something has shocked me: bowel cancer is rising among young people. Again and again, I’ve come across the same phrase—one I heard myself:

“It’s probably not bowel cancer, you’re too young.”

I wasn’t too young. And neither are so many others.

This journey isn’t one I ever expected, but if sharing my experience raises awareness, encourages someone to seek answers sooner, or reminds someone going through the same thing that they are not alone—then this pain becomes something powerful.

This is only the beginning. Sandy and I are here, healing, learning, laughing when we can, crying when we need to, and slowly stepping into a future filled with love, gratitude, and purpose.

If You’re Walking a Similar Path

If you’ve ever felt like life changed in an instant, or you’ve faced something that made you question why me?, then I hope my story reminds you that you’re never alone.

So please come along for the journey with me.

For more support and advice please contact us on: 0800 328 4257 or visit our support page for more ways to get in touch: colostomyuk.org/support