Cancer Chronicles S4: Post Ileostomy Reversal, Poop, and...poop

If you’re new here—welcome! You can find more at JenniTooley.com, where the podcast, Substack, and zines all live. Right now, you can try a one-month free subscription to The Studio—come check it out! You can also support the cast via venmo: jenni-tooley.If it helps you can sing it to the tune of George Michael’s “Let’s Talk About Sex”.Hey friends, it’s me, Jenni. Yep—you read that title right. This week I’m diving straight into the glamorous, unpredictable, and oh-so-humbling world of post-cancer poop. (You’ve been warned!)In this episode, I talk candidly about what life looks like after rectal cancer treatment, rectal resection, and ileostomy reversal. From prune juice and sourdough toast to Imodium and the hilariously bland “rectal resurgence diet,” I’m sharing the real deal about what’s happening in my body, my kitchen, and yes… my bathroom.But this isn’t just about bowels. We also get into the deeper stuff like healing at your own pace, the sneaky ways stress shows up in the gut, recognizing trauma in the aftermath of treatment, and why giving my energy to healing (instead of outside pressures) is non-negotiable.If you’ve ever wondered what recovery actually looks like day-to-day—or if you just want permission to laugh, sigh, or nod along while I overshare from the toilet—this one’s for you.In this episode:* My week of poop roulette: constipation, diarrhea, repeat* The “rectal resurgence diet” (aka the blandest foods known to humankind)* Why healing is a full-time job* Recognizing the trauma of treatment (and what that does to the nervous system)* Honoring energy, boundaries, and slow healing—on my own termsUntil next time—take three deep breaths, pet your pets, and may your bowels be kind to you.Love ya lots! Jenni Get full access to w/Jenni Tooley at www.jennitooley.com/subscribe