Hi.

My partner had a tumour removed from his bowel 2 years ago. He didn't have to have any chemo or anything they just cut it straight out - it was all a bit of a blur to be honest but if you get to the stage where it is to be removed here's what happened:
He went in for the op which took 6 hours. The removed the tumour and fitted a stoma - this was to give the bowel chance to heal - he had this fitted for around 8-9 months. It was very easily managed with a bit of research and hideable with some high waisted underwear.The removal of the stoma was quick and recovery from this was fast. The stoma nurses are fantastic and allow you to keep your dignity in what is a particularly personal cancer. Hopefully the pre treatments your MIL is having will shrink the tumour and she won't need to have a stoma fitted, but its not the end of the world if she does. Sorry I can't be more medical but in my own experience of seeing someone battle this particular cancer, I can tell you that there is plenty of help available if needed.