{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"147: Helinka Carr survived bowel cancer | ileostomy bag | pelvic radiation disease | colonoscopy","description":"When Helinka Carr experienced limited rectal bleeding, because it was limited, she never thought her problem could rise to the level of cancer.  She also thought the bleeding might be diverticulitis, which had been suffered by members of her family.  However, at the urging of her doctor, she underwent blood tests and a colonoscopy.  The latter revealed that she had bowel cancer.  Thanks to two surgical procedures, she achieved survivorship but has to wear an ileostomy bag.  She tires easily, but had the energy to start a line of ostomy lingerie for bag-wearing women diagnosed with below-the-belt cancers.   Helinka Carr said when one experienced rectal bleeding for three weeks, that was the standard in the United Kingdom for being a candidate for bowel cancer.  Helinka while noticed bleeding in her rectum and in her stool, it didn\u2019t exist to the degree that aligned with the accepted standard for bowel cancer.  She also said her family had a history of diverticulitis, which also led her to believe that she was not a candidate for bowel cancer.   Nonetheless, her general practitioner urged her to get the bleeding checked out.  After a series of blood tests, Helinka underwent a colonoscopy and bowel cancer was indicated.   Once upon learning of her diagnosis, she immediately refused chemotherapy.  She agreed to a regimen of radiation treatment, combined with her self-styled complimentary hearing.  It took two surgeries, but her tumor was removed.  Helinka detested the radiation therapy, and firmly believes her practicing complimentary healing all by itself could have removed the majority of her tumor.   Despite achieving survivorship, the radiation continued to affect her.  She suffered from pelvic radiation disease, which robbed her of any feeling in her rectum or bladder, creating major problems any time she had to urinate or defecate.    Helinka\u2019s care team said she would need to be fitted for an ileostomy bag.  At first she was told she would only have to wear it for twelve weeks; but after it was removed, she was incontinent and was told she again would have to wear the bag, this time on a permanent basis.  Helinka has figured out a way to manage the bag, go out and enjoy normal activities and get six to eight hours of sleep each night.   Helinka\u2019s experience inspired her to devise a line of ostomy lingerie.  It is attractive underwear destined for bag-wearing women diagnosed with below-the-belt cancers.   By way of advice, Helinka Carr says regardless of your cancer diagnosis, you need to fiercely advocate for yourself.  That means asking lots of questions, and if your doctor cannot sufficiently answer your questions, to get another doctor.   Additional Resources:   Helinka\u2019s lingerie line: Unspokenrosebud-Etsy ","author_name":"Cancer Interviews","author_url":"http:\/\/cancerinterviews.com","html":"