This Is What Thriving Looks Like

This Is What Thriving Looks Like

This Is What Thriving Looks Like

The Colostomy Queen is proof that with honesty, humor, and hope, you can thrive through life’s biggest challenges.

The Colostomy Queen is proof that with honesty, humor, and hope, you can thrive through life’s biggest challenges.

Since March of 2024, I have been living with a colostomy bag as part of my treatment for colon cancer. My mission is to inspire others to live boldly and unapologetically, bag and all.

Since March of 2024, I have been living with a colostomy bag as part of my treatment for colon cancer. My mission is to inspire others to live boldly and unapologetically, bag and all.

Since March of 2024, I have been living with a colostomy bag as part of my treatment for colon cancer. My mission is to inspire others to live boldly and unapologetically, bag and all.

MY STORY

Thriving against the odds

Thriving against the odds

When I faced the hardest chapter of my life, I discovered a power I did not know I had. Surrounded by unwavering support from family and friends, I turned fear into fuel. Today, I am not only living, I am thriving.

I want to show others that no matter how heavy the burden feels, there is always a path to strength, joy, and freedom.

MY STORY

Thriving against the odds

When I faced the hardest chapter of my life, I discovered a power I did not know I had. Surrounded by unwavering support from family and friends, I turned fear into fuel. Today, I am not only living, I am thriving.

I want to show others that no matter how heavy the burden feels, there is always a path to strength, joy, and freedom.

"I never thought I would be here but I’m stronger, braver, and more alive than ever."
"I never thought I would be here but I’m stronger, braver, and more alive than ever."
"I never thought I would be here but I’m stronger, braver, and more alive than ever."

I never stopped moving, and I never will. From small steps to big leaps, being active has been my way of proving to myself that I am stronger than I imagined.

I want to inspire others to see that life with an ostomy can be powerful, vibrant, and full of momentum.

Life gave me a challenge I never expected. I turned it into my greatest strength.

This is not the end of my life—it's the beginning of living it fully, unapologetically, and on my terms.
Life gave me a challenge I never expected. I turned it into my greatest strength.
Life gave me a challenge I never expected. I turned it into my greatest strength.

Beauty is not perfection. Beauty is resilience.

Beauty is not perfection. Beauty is resilience.

For too long, people have whispered about conditions like mine. I will not be part of the silence. I wear my story proudly. It's proof that life after a colostomy bag can be bold, joyful, and limitless.

My 'bag'gage

My 'bag'gage

Never stop reaching

Never stop reaching

I live life like everyone else

I live life like everyone else

Beauty is not perfection. Beauty is resilience.

For too long, people have whispered about conditions like mine. I will not be part of the silence. I wear my story proudly. It's proof that life after a colostomy bag can be bold, joyful, and limitless.

My 'bag'gage

Never stop reaching

I live life like everyone else

THE FIRST 30 DAYS

Learn how to navigate the first 30 days

Learn how to navigate the first 30 days

Learn how to navigate the first 30 days

From the very first signs to the first 30 days after surgery, nothing about this journey is simple. Hearing the C-word, navigating endless tests and treatments, and learning to live with new routines can feel overwhelming and lonely.

That is why I created Navigating the First 30 Days - a guide that covers both the moments leading up to diagnosis and the critical weeks that follow. Inside, you will find real-world advice, honest reflections, and practical tools to help you process, prepare, and move forward.


There is no cost for my guides. Just support from someone who has lived it.

CONTACT US

From fear to freedom: How I turned stigma into strength

If you are here, it means you or someone you love may be facing life with a colostomy bag.

If you are here, it means you or someone you love may be facing life with a colostomy bag.

My mission is to share my story openly, so together we can build a community where courage and hope replace shame and silence.

My mission is to share my story openly, so together we can build a community where courage and hope replace shame and silence.

Contact

colostomyqueen@gmail.com

Copied

© Jane Durst-Pulkys 2025 all rights reserved

Contact

colostomyqueen@gmail.com

Copied

© Jane Durst-Pulkys 2025 all rights reserved

Contact

colostomyqueen@gmail.com

Copied

© Jane Durst-Pulkys 2025 all rights reserved