I was experiencing shortness of breath and my sides ached when walking around, nothing specific. I had an ultrasound which showed a large tumour which was confirmed by MRI. I had surgery at my local hospital to remove a tumour the size of a football and my diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) was confirmed.
Around 18 months later, after tumours had started to reappear, I went to Froedtert and Dr Samuel Pappas carried out a full cytoreduction and HIPEC¹. When Dr Pappas left Froedtert for another position, my case was turned over to Dr Turaga. Both wonderful doctors. There isn’t a history of cancer in my family and I certainly hadn’t heard of PMP or appendix cancer before. I was lucky that I had my friends and family as my primary support. I had a ‘go, get it‘ attitude. This whole thing was hardest on my children. They were worried about their primary support person (emotionally and financially) possibly not surviving.
As someone who has survived for over six years, I want to assure others that it is possible to recover and lead a fulfilling life after a diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). While my recovery was challenging, I fortunately didn’t experience many of the common complications associated with PMP. My advice to others is to seek out a specialist as soon as possible, as it may prevent the need for multiple surgeries. It’s important to maintain a positive attitude throughout the journey. I highly recommend a website that provides a comprehensive summary of information on PMP, which can be a valuable resource for individuals and their loved ones.
–Carol
HIPEC
HIPEC – Heated IntraPEritoneal Chemotherapy: heated chemotherapy, delivered directly into the abdomen, after complete cytoreduction.
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I’ve gone from 0km to 10km in just over 6 months!
In 2015, I had cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for pseudomxyoma peritonei. To thank Pseudomyxoma Survivor for all the support I was given and all the friends I have made through the charity, I’m doing the Southend 10K to raise funds for the charity. I would have been so alone and desperate without the charity and I cannot thank you enough x
Don’t let a cancer diagnosis mean waiting and delaying become habits
Following a major operation in September to remove my left ovary, a cyst, my appendix and litres of mucinous jelly from my abdomen, in November I received the horrible news that I definitely had cancer. We didn’t know which cancer, whether it was mucinous ovarian cancer or pseudomyxoma peritonei (or PMP). I was told we could wait several months for a final diagnosis.
I thought I had a kidney infection
I feel great. I was worried about catching colds and things without my spleen but I’m as healthy as I was before. My son and husband have caught colds but I have not which is normal for us. I have caught a sickness bug from my son since surgery but I recovered quickly with no problems and again compared to what I’ve been through, it felt like nothing.
Almost four years after my first HIPEC, I’m going for my second the end of March. Survived my first, the second should be a piece of cake, right?!? I thank God everyday for the miracles that doctors can accomplish. PMP isn’t fun, but it’s survivable and I plan on enjoying life after!
Good Luck Leanne!
Prayers are with you. You got this.