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.
On the 4th May 1974, we married in the beautiful Christchurch Priory which was then Hampshire and is now Dorset, to have and to hold from this day forward. I didn’t realise how important the words in our vows “in sickness and in health” were at the time.
In 2021, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, I had cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC at the Basingstoke and North Hampshire hospital.
Two and a half years ago, neither Annie or Jim had heard of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). In November 2017, Jim was diagnosed with a high-grade appendix tumour that was the first stage of the disease.
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
Take your time, there’s no rush, go at your own pace and don’t feel pressured to be at a certain stage, just because someone else is. You’ll get there, in your own time, be happy still to be breathing and above ground……..
I was really positive about my recovery after the major operation for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). I took things really slowly and took good care of myself.
Just over 18 months ago, I had a full hysterectomy because they thought I had ovarian cancer….
Fertility treatment, ovarian cysts, miracles, hernias and crossed fingers.
I was 35 and had only just embarked on what should have been the most exciting chapter of my life so far. I was living in Australia with my girlfriend Laura, and whilst working on making the most of the hospitality and weather.
My 10-year-old son has recently been to pioneer week where he goes to his new secondary school for a week to experience life there. He was asked to write about someone who inspires them.
On March 1st 2016, I was admitted to hospital with abdominal pain and operated on the next day. The surgeon found a tumour in my appendix and mucin throughout my abdomen. My story is about what happened next, my surgery, coping with the stress and the positives that came out of it.