Stoma names, registries, and creative collaborations

Post-surgery: I promise, I'm not on narcotics

I’m home from surgery!!!! And I brought someone home with me…my new stoma!*

There’s alot to learn around the practical, technical, and artistic aspects of living with a new ileostomy. As with everything new, it takes time to transition, find protocols and rhythms, and grieve the old so that you can accept and celebrate the new:)

Many “ostomates” talk about befriending their stomas and naming them. Why not, I thought. A name would be fun. Then as I was learning to care for this burpy, poopy pink creature that lives beside my belly button and realized how much love, gentleness and kindness that we both require right now, it popped into my head and belly- this is like caring for a new baby.

Yesterday it became clear that I was going to need quite a few “non-ostomy” things to support this little pooper and temporary lifestyle. As I played around on Etsy and google, I realized that what I really needed was a registry that people could refer to if they wanted to help out with some of these items. Like a baby shower registry, but for my stoma.

It was decided. I texted Dalton. (

Dalton James

)

The next day, guess what landed on my phone???

LOVE IT! I know some will cringe at this, but it’s essential right now for me to follow my creative insights and whimsy. I believe that by sharing these goodies and images, I may help people laugh, decrease the anxiety around cancer and ostomies, and break through the barrier that still keeps many hushed and ashamed about cancer, “abnormalities”, and tough shit. You are not alone.

NOW, let’s name this here lady.

I’m still working on the registry portion of this endeavor.

I started a Walmart wish list and an Amazon Wishlist to keep things simple- you should be able to order and ship without needing my address. (If it doesn’t work, let me know:)

Or you can use venmo: @jenni-tooley or zelle: jennitooley@gmail.com to send over some digital love:)

Love ya lots- more news to come!
Jenni