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Stories

Meet our inspiring survivors

Courage in the face of cancer and of treatment is a common thread running through all our stories, even though they’re all very different. Read how appendix cancer and pseudomyxoma survivors have fought through stormy times and misdiagnoses, and yet somehow found an inner strength. Overcoming fear and uncertainty to face treatment requires immense courage and perseverance.

You are not alone in this journey. Many others have walked this path before you and found inner resources they never knew they had. By sharing their stories of misdiagnoses, difficult symptoms and times of struggle, these survivors hope to give you hope and empower you with the knowledge that healing is possible. Your own story – of resilience, determination and healing – has the potential to inspire and uplift others just beginning this difficult journey. If you would like to share, to help those newly diagnosed, please click here.

I will support Pseudomyxoma Survivor in any way I can

“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.”

Don’t let a cancer diagnosis mean waiting and delaying become habits

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.

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In sickness and in health

In sickness and in health

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.

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Dead Man to Iron Man

Dead Man to Iron Man

As I came to terms with the news, I understood that it would be important for me to get as fit as I could to face such an invasive operation ominously dubbed the “The Mother of all Surgeries” or MOAS.

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I thought I had a hernia

I thought I had a hernia

John went into hospital for a hernia operation. Afterwards, he was told that it wasn’t a hernia but a ‘small, bloody mass’. The pathology came back as pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).

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I’ve gone from 0km to 10km in just over 6 months!

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

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The patient stories shared on this website are personal accounts of individuals who have been affected by pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), appendix cancer, or related rare peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM). These stories are not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every person’s medical situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. The stories shared on this website should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, and readers should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or questions. The views and opinions expressed in the patient stories are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Pseudomyxoma Survivor or its members.

Are you an appendix cancer or pseudomyxoma peritonei survivor?

We'd love to read your story

Many people find it helps to talk about their experiences. This can be helpful for others who are going through the same. We always respect your privacy — there is no expectation for you to provide a story to fully participate in our support groups or buddy scheme nor to publicly share personal details such as your name or a photograph. We are happy to support however much, or how little, you want to share with others.

If you would like to share your story with us and with other survivors, we’d love you to get in touch with us!