I was diagnosed with high grade appendix cancer in 2021, and underwent CRS and HIPEC in Basingstoke. I joined the Pseudomyxoma Survivor group on Facebook and have found the information and support through this group so useful.
Because of my uncertain prognosis, I am keen to make lots of memories with my children, but now have limited income due to my inability to work as many hours as I used to. I applied for a grant, and was amazed to receive some money to help me to make some special memories with the kids. I can’t thank them enough.
This organisation is also fantastic as they put money towards groundbreaking research which aims to find a cure for PMP, so I will support this organisation in any way I can in order to pay back the support they have given to me.
– alyclaire
| *This post first appeared on our Great Nonprofits page. |
We understand, this makes a lot of sense. Having an uncertain health situation and wanting to make the most of the time you have with your kids, but also facing financial challenges due to reduced hours or inability to work – that creates a really tough set of pressures.
On the one hand, you’re absolutely right that making memories and really cherishing the time you have together is so important. Even simple things like extra family dinners, weekend trips, or creating a photo scrapbook or slideshow could become little treasures in years to come.
But on the other hand, losing significant income and having limited means puts so many restrictions on the experiences you’re able to share. Every penny probably feels crucial when health issues are also looming, so you have to balance essential expenses with trying to create experiences.
It’s not an easy road to walk by any means and we’re privileged to be able to help.
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My waist kept expanding over a period of seven months
I was working as a daybaker and would come home and fall asleep on the sofa soon after I got home. I was exhausted and, despite exercising regularly and when my mother asked me if I was pregnant I began to feel unsettled. I also experienced some back pain that felt like my muscles were torn apart (like Velcro).
You have to do research to find the right medical team that is experienced in treating PMP
I didn’t have any related symptoms before my diagnosis. I went to the urologist for some UTI treatment. The doctor (my hero) ordered a CT scan. That was the beginning of my journey. PMP is so rare and the right treatment is so important. You have to do research just to find the right medical team that is experienced in treating PMP. My wife and family, of course, were there for me.
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.