In 2021, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, I had cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC at the Basingstoke and North Hampshire hospital. Because of the pandemic, visiting was strictly limited to one visitor for an hour a day for the duration of your stay (and it had to be the same person each time).
After a long drive to Basingstoke, my youngest daughter staying in Basingstoke hospital car park whilst my dear wife, Linda, could spend an hour with me as my designated visitor during lockdown. This was the only visit I had in three weeks. I feel so lucky for family love and care during a long recovery. Those vows “…in sickness and in health…” seem very prescient.
In case you missed it...
When you’re faced with life and death, you choose life
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.
Being sick
The last year and a half has been a profound and unmooring experience, and one I turn over in my mind with gratitude, disbelief, and amazement.
I was convinced I had gallstones but it wasn’t gallstones
After an elderly relative was admitted to hospital with gallstones and, after researching her symptoms online, I was convinced I had the same problem. I pestered my GP to refer me for an ultrasound which eventually showed I had no gallstones, but “a fair amount” of fluid around my liver.
It is great to have the support of loved ones when facing a medical condition like pseudomyxoma peritonei. Having a strong network of family and friends can provide emotional and practical support, helping you to cope with the challenges of PMP and the treatments. Having people to talk to and lean on during this difficult time can make a big difference in your well-being. It is important to remember that it is okay to ask for help and that you don’t have to go through this alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, healthcare providers and Pseudomyxoma Survivor (!) for support.
Can anyone tell me if LAMN is always treated with cytroreductive therapy & HIPEC? Are there any patients with LAMN on long term watch & wait? Does the PMP always come back with LAMN? I had open abdominal surgery several weeks ago. The PMP was removed along with one ovary and my appendix. I am due a colonoscopy and CAT scan soon. The surgeon cannot say whether I will need more surgery or not. They say the cells are just sitting in my abdomen for now. I am being treated by a specialist unit for colorectol and appendix cancers.