Hey, I’m Nat, and today I want to tell you about something that’s become a total game changer in my life. It’s not a fancy dress or a sparkly pair of shoes—it’s my little black stoma bag.
Yep, you heard that right.
And trust me, it’s way more fabulous than it sounds.
My bowel cancer diagnosis
Let’s rewind to 2019. I was 36, super active, teaching dance, eating well, and living life full of energy. But something wasn’t right. My body started feeling like it was slowly shutting down. I was tired all the time, and eventually, my bowels just stopped working. After loads of tests, I got the news: bowel cancer. I was shocked. I mean, cancer? Me?
Things moved fast. I had surgery to create a stoma, which meant part of my intestine now lived on the outside of my tummy. I had no clue what to expect and waking up after surgery was a real “whoa” moment. But thanks to my amazing stoma nurse, I learned how to manage it and got back on my feet.
Living with a stoma
At first, I wore a stoma bag that looked nice (it came in different colours!), but it didn’t really work for me. I ended up choosing a black one because it felt less like a medical thing and more like… part of my outfit. But even then, I had leaks, smells, and the bag didn’t always stay put. It made me feel embarrassed and stopped me from doing the things I loved. My confidence took a big hit.
Then I discovered a stoma pouch called the NovaLife TRE™ by Dansac.
And wow—everything changed.
This bag felt better. It was soft, comfy, and stayed put no matter what I was doing. Whether I was twirling across the dance floor or diving into the sea, it just didn’t budge.
Before, I used to get red, sore skin around my stoma.
But with this bag?
My skin looks just like the rest of me. No more irritation, no more ouch. It’s so soft, I forget it’s even there—but I never forget how it makes me feel.
And the best part?
It’s breathable and moves with me. Whether I’m dancing, swimming, or just living my life, it keeps up.
The pros of wearing a black stoma bag
There’s just one thing I wished for—a black version of the bag.
And guess what?
They made one!
When I first discovered the NovaLife TRE™ Black Pouch, I was so excited. It might sound silly, but having a black bag makes me feel more stylish and less like I’m wearing a medical thing. When I’m dancing or swimming, it blends in more and doesn’t stand out. That helps me feel more confident.
When I feel good about how I look, I show up differently—in every room, in every moment.
Now, if a bit of the bag peeks out from my clothes while I’m dancing, I don’t panic. It blends in. It looks sleek. It feels like part of my outfit—not a medical thing.
Having a stoma isn’t always easy. There are good days and tough ones. But having a bag I trust—one that fits well, feels good, and looks great—makes all the difference. I’m back to doing what I love. I feel confident again. And that little black stoma bag? It’s not just a pouch. It’s a part of me. And it’s helped me feel like… me.
Now, I feel like myself again. I’m back to doing what I love, and I’m not constantly worrying about my bag. Having something that works well and looks good has made a huge difference to my life. So yeah, my little black bag? Total game changer.
Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natwoodwardofficial