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.
In case you missed it...
Misdiagnosed with ovarian cancer
On November 30, 2009 Megan went to Northside Hospital, Cherokee, with severe abdominal pain. After hours of testing and exams, she was admitted to do further testing. Megan’s abdomen was swollen to the point that the doctors, had they already not tested for pregnancy, said that she looked to be about five to six months pregnant.
Why you should see a PMP specialist
I can’t say it enough… are you dealing with a PMP specialist? If not, I would say you must.
They are the ones that have seen this stuff and the weird things it does. They can give better ideas as to what to do.
In my case, waiting seemed the best option at the time but with the specialist’s input, I chose to go ahead and now, even with the debt, the new body norms and everything, I am sooooo glad I followed his advice! He would have told me to watch and wait if in his experience there was a low risk. And I would have done it.
We thought it was nothing more than an ovarian cyst
My journey started in October 2013 (I was 53 years old), when I had an ultrasound to determine if I had gallstones or an issue with my gallbladder. The results showed a small cyst and mild fluid in my lower right abdomen area. It was decided that we would monitor the cyst and fluid and have an MRI in one year. We thought it was nothing more than an ovarian cyst. I never thought it would lead to a diagnosis of Mucinous Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma.