Geoff’s friend, Richard Hounslow, with his silver Olympic medal
Four years ago, I had to give up my ticket to watch the London Olympics to go to a hospital appointment and be told I had PMP and had only ‘a few months’ if Basingstoke could not offer me CRS and HIPEC. I’d been going to watch my good friend, Richard Hounslow, who went on to win a silver medal!
So one MOAS, six months of chemotherapy and now living with PMP, I’m here in Rio de Janeiro where I finally got to see him win another silver medal in the C2 Men’s Canoe Slalom. I’m just amazed I’m still here to witness this fantastic event.
Finding time out from his celebrations, Richard told me that he “… loved having you guys out here…”. I’d like to say thank you so much to everyone who has been with me on this journey.
– Geoff
In case you missed it...
Marilyn’s Story
When my doctor told me what he had discovered during surgery for a suspected ovarian tumour, I could barely pronounce the words let alone understand what it might mean for me.
My baby and obstetrician saved my life!
I had a caesarean section on July 12th. This took 35 min and I was delivered of a beautiful, healthy, big baby boy, weighing in at 3820 grams/8.6 pounds. During my normal c-section, I had a further operation, an ’emergency appendectomy’. I had two masses removed and further testing showed they were both cancerous tumours and I was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). I was told I would have to have further treatment in the future. The tumours showed two different types of cancer, carcinoid & appendiceal mucinous tumours.
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.
Hi Geoff,
It would be good to know which chemo regimen did you have and did it work for you?
I have had my complete cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC at Basingstoke December 2016, and now am advised to start 6 months of chemo most likely Folfox or Xelox.
Thank you and all the best wishes
Andrea
Hi everyone
My name is Sam I was diagnosed with PMP Just 2 short weeks ago.
I’m having a laparoscopy on Monday to take a biopsy and then I’m expecting my appointment for surgery after that. Been an emotional ride last few month’s. Looking for some positivity that I will make it through this. Thank u Sam
Hi Samantha,
Firstly I am glad you have found this website, it has been a great source of knowledge and comfort for me.I was diagnosed in Dec 2012, I had my first app at Basingstoke in June 2013, I had surgery in April 2014 and for the last 3 years my scans have showed no evidence of disease xx I have led a normal life since surgery and have never looked back. I hope this gives you some small peace of mind xx
Hi Sam,
sorry to hear your diagnosis…we all know how it feels! A treadmill of tests, waiting, vague answers, then finally the un-wanted firm diagnosis.
But….yes, there’s absolutely sunshine on the journey too. I’m not going to pretend that surgery (I’m guessing CRS + HIPEC) isn’t serious, but there are plenty of people about who’ve done it, recovered and carrying on with a full life. My husband has had two of these big surgeries, and is currently 10.5 years from his first diagnosis.
I’d strongly suggest you join the facebook group – it’s got lots of people (patients and carers) who’ve “been there, done that” and very happy to help folks like you who are new to the journey and want to know what’s it all about. No question too small 🙂 and it’s a safe place to let off steam if you are feeling grumpy about the whole situation. (private facebook group = your FB friends can’t see your comments unless they are also members of the private group)
Here…have a hug! Hope things go well.