Finding Strength in Community: My Journey with Colostomy UK

02 September, 2026

My name is Alexandra Brilliant, and on 17 September 2025, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer.

Like so many people, I never imagined I would hear the words “you have cancer.” Everything suddenly became about appointments, treatment plans and making difficult decisions. As part of my treatment, I underwent surgery that left me with a permanent colostomy. My stoma, affectionately named Sandy, will be with me for the rest of my life.

Facing the Unknown

When I was first told that I would need a stoma, I will be completely honest, I didn’t really know what that meant. I had so many questions, so many fears, and very little understanding of what life would look like afterwards. It felt overwhelming. That was when I found Colostomy UK.

From the moment I opened the website, I felt something I hadn’t felt for a while: reassurance. Instead of feeling alone, I found practical information, honest advice and, perhaps most importantly, stories from people who truly understood what I was going through.

Finding My Voice

One of the most unexpected parts of my journey has been becoming a blog writer for Colostomy UK. Looking back, it is honestly one of the best decisions I have made. Writing about my experiences has been incredibly therapeutic. It has allowed me to process everything that has happened while, hopefully, helping someone else who is standing where I once stood.

Just as healing has been writing my own story, reading the experiences of others has been equally powerful. Whether it is advice on managing pancaking, coping with your stoma during hot weather, or simply hearing how someone navigated those difficult first few weeks, every article carries something valuable. These are the kinds of practical tips that only people living this reality truly understand, and they have made such a difference to my confidence.

Finding a Community

The Colostomy UK website and Instagram page showed me that I didn’t have to face this journey alone. I had found a community, a support network of people I had never met, yet who understood exactly how I was feeling. They knew the frustrations, the worries and the sometimes embarrassing moments that come with living with a stoma because they had experienced them too.

There is something incredibly comforting about speaking to people who simply get it. Friends and family can offer endless love and support, but there are certain emotions and experiences that only another ostomate can truly appreciate. That shared understanding is invaluable when you are learning to come to terms with life after surgery. If anyone is wondering whether they should reach out to Colostomy UK, my answer is simple: absolutely do it.

The charity has provided me with information, reassurance and a sense of belonging when I needed it most. More than that, the community has become an extension of my family. I know that might sound a little cheesy, but it is completely true. They have celebrated my victories, lifted me through the difficult days and reminded me that having a stoma does not define who I am or what I am capable of.

You Are Not Alone

Today, I want to be able to do the same for others. If you are about to begin your own stoma journey, or if you are feeling frightened and unsure of what lies ahead, please know that you are not alone. There is a whole community ready to welcome you with kindness, understanding and encouragement.

My inbox is always open. I was fortunate enough to receive phenomenal support when I needed it most, and I sincerely hope I can now be that source of support for someone else. Because sometimes the greatest comfort comes from hearing three simple words: “I’ve been there.”

How You Can Get Involved

You can now visit the Stomas Unlocked campaign to learn all about each of our campaign initiatives, as well as discovering the many ways you can support us across all three themes.

We hope you will join us as we build towards Stoma Aware Day 2026.

Together, we can Unlock Understanding. Unlock support. Unlock Choice.