Hi TopsyIrene - so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, I had a similar diagnosis in March but it is in my kidney ...I have a permanent colostomy following 9 failed surgeries to solve a recto-vaginal fistula, it's not quite as bad as it seems once you get used to it! I suggest that you join the CA - Colostomy Association, they have a forum group on Facebook which will give you invaluable advice and talk through what is likely to happen etc .... remember no question is a silly one to ask! I am also very happy for you to message me too if you feel that's a bit 'public' for you?
It will take a while for everything to settle down, and for you to get to grips with dealing with it, generally I forget it is even there to be honest! The most important job is to find a pouch that suits YOU! The hospital will start you off, but you do NOT have to take that as the one and only - ask for samples from all the manufacturers as they are all slightly different, and there will be one out there that will suit you better.
One important thing to look to is your abdominal core strength, if you can improve it before you go into hosptal that could potentially help you a lot - Parastomal hernias can get BIG - mine is the size of a football, has pulled my spine out of alignment and it hurts! So certainly for a good while to come, no lifting heavier than a kettle, wear support underwear and be careful! Other than that you can do normal things!
Happy to speak via PM if you would like xx
Gramaretto please could you tell me the name of the Kidney Cancer group/forum?
Sending hugs xx