Melissa Marshall's Bag of Tricks and Ostomy Tips

Feb 13 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Today, Melissa will be addressing some of the most commonly asked questions she gets on the blog. Hopefully, it will answer some of yours, as well.

1. What surprised you the most about having an ostomy?

The first…

Jan 30 2018

This past weekend, Melissa flew to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to attend the OstoMyFamily conference, hosted by Ostomy 2-1-1. There, she met with health care providers and other ostomates to obtain the training necessary to become a certified United Ostomy Association…

Jan 23 2018

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

My first flight after receiving an ostomy bag was an eye opening and trying experience. But through research, trial and error, and finding out what works for me, I now look forward to all my travels. In fact, as I’m…

Jan 16 2018

Let Me Count The Ways...

Melissa is currently still healing from the proctocolectomy that made her ieostomy a permanent fixture in her life. A large part of having an ostomy is the ability to make light of the realities of the lifesaving appliance you rely…

Jan 9 2018

Go With Your Gut

As Melissa heals from her latest surgery, the one that made her ostomy bag a permanent fixture in her life, she took the time to reflect upon the journey that brought her to where she is now, as a life-long…

Sep 25 2017

The Hero of Hope Patient Award

Melissa is so proud to up against these three strong and beautiful survivors for this year's Hero of Hope Patient Award. We at the No You Cant'cer Foundation would appreciate your vote, as a win for Melissa will highlight…

Sep 19 2017

Traveling Internationally With Your Ostomy

Melissa recently traveled internationally for the first time since her ostomy surgery. She visited Macau with her two dear friends Linda and Donna. While International travel is sometimes stressful under the most ideal circumstances, the added stress of the ostomy…