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...
Jamie’s Gift Lists – Hospital
I came up with a series of lists because I realized that a lot of people are unsure of what to give or do for a cancer patient but they really want to find a way to help. Some gifts may not feel like gifts but really are very useful. I always appreciate useful.
What things do you wish you were told when you were diagnosed?
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I just re-found an article and while it isn’t specifically about pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) or appendix cancer, it is very relevant to everyone diagnosed with any cancer and I remember reading it and that it helped me with where my diagnosis (and two recurrences) put me and those around me.
Cancer 52 meeting
Did you know that the percentage of patients diagnosed with a rarer or less common cancer in the UK is now 53%? No, I didn’t either until I went to the latest Cancer 52 meeting at the House of Lords.
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.