I was diagnosed in 2009, at the age of 31, with colorectal cancer. I had surgery, along with chemo (2 rounds) and radiation, and now have a permanet colostomy. This was very traumatic for me. My body image means everthing to me. I guess I have two questions then. My first is how long can the cancer be in your body before you see symptoms? I'm asking this because I was in the Marines for 4 years and I'm trying to get benefits for this. The VA treated me, and the Marines need evidence that I had this while I was in the Corps. My second question is, is the anything I can do or get (even surgery) to get rid of this colostomy? It really messes with my self-esteem, and I have never had a problem with my self-esteem before. I used to be an exotic dancer, so you know that my body image means the world to me. I am willing to be the trial person for new studies, or equipment. I just want my benefits, and the colostomy gone.View Thread