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.
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I was admitted to hospital with abdominal pain and operated on the next day
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.
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.”
You have to do research to find the right medical team that is experienced in treating PMP
I didn’t have any related symptoms before my diagnosis. I went to the urologist for some UTI treatment. The doctor (my hero) ordered a CT scan. That was the beginning of my journey. PMP is so rare and the right treatment is so important. You have to do research just to find the right medical team that is experienced in treating PMP. My wife and family, of course, were there for me.
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.