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.
The top of the paper read “Carcinoma of the Appendix”
After my ruptured appendix was removed, the surgeon said the operation “took a little longer, it was messy in there.” For the follow-up, he called me in earlier to give me the bad news.
I was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei, but it wasn’t
So little is known about this cancer and I’m sharing my story in the hope that I can find someone else with the same diagnosis.
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.
Jennifer tells us about Jim’s diagnosis
Jim's surgeon's secretary (for his appendectomy) called him and told him they needed to make another appointment because they "had found something". Thank G-d I decided to go to that appointment! The surgeon came in and told Jim, "You have appendix cancer and I don't...
My pseudomyxoma peritonei was discovered during a proctocolectomy
My PMP was discovered during a proctocolectomy¹ for what was thought to be an uncontrollable flare-up of Ulcerative Colitis.
I felt uneasy, something was wrong but I couldn’t pin anything down
I had just had blood tests for my quickly approaching 40th but nothing had reared its head. Was I drinking too many coke zeros, at one a day? Time to give them up. Was I lactose intolerant, coeliacs? Nothing like self-diagnosis!
Diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei when I was pregnant
Lauren was diagnosed with PMP following her 20-week prenatal ultrasound.
I felt something wasn’t right in my abdomen
I went to the doctor as I could feel a swelling and, yes, the doctor could feel it too. After taking pregnancy test under the doctor’s instruction, I was sent for an ultrasound.
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.
The radiologist was rather puzzled by ‘a fluid in my stomach’
In the summer of 2008, after having pains in my side, which turned out to be gallstones, and not feeling at all well I went to see my doctor who sent me to Bristol General Hospital to have an ultrasound scan. During the examination, the radiologist was rather puzzled by, as she said ‘a fluid in my stomach’.
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.