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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Just when your life is going well, things are sent to mix it all up
Ruth was ignored by her GP until she asked to be referred to a gynaecologist.
I was diagnosed with an inflamed appendix
Before I was diagnosed, I experienced increased abdominal size and piercing pain which was diagnosed initially with an inflamed appendix. It took about four months and another doctor for me to get the correct diagnosis at the end of January 2014.
I had cytoreduction and HIPEC and now I’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro!
My local hospital happens to be the centre in Israel for treating this disease and two of the surgeons working there have extensive experience in performing cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. To those of you have undergone this procedure, I don’t need to say more. If you are still recovering or about to undergo it, I wish you excellent care, strength, patience, and a complete recovery.
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.