In August 2023, my life changed forever in many ways when I heard the words, “I’m sorry we found cancer”.
I went into my local hospital for a Laparotomy for an ovarian cyst and walked out of there being told they found cancer in my appendix. This was how I discovered the baffling world of pseudomyxoma peritonei. I was diagnosed with a LAMN (low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm).
My cancer had spread during the five years it had been hiding away in there and I was referred to Basingstoke for my treatment. I had CRS/HIPEC (cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) on November 1st 2023.
My operation took around 11 hours and I lost eight of my organs during this procedure. But I left Basingstoke with no evidence of disease (NED) and am now giving all my time to bring awareness about pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).
I have gone on to raise money for Pseudomyxoma Survivor and it feels amazing to give something back and fight for all who have suffered or been affected by pseudomyxoma peritonei and appendix cancers.
It’s so important to fight cancer with all we have and go out and show it we will never be beaten!
I am due my 1st scan in November this year and I hope I can continue to survive and thrive. I’ve met so many amazing warriors out there who inspire and push me to get through what has been the most horrific time in my life.
~ Faye L
We understand how shocking and overwhelming it must have been to receive the unexpected news about your appendix during what was meant to be a routine procedure for an ovarian cyst.
Discovering the world of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) can indeed feel like entering into a new and uncertain territory. We’re here to offer you, and anyone else in this position, support, guidance and a sense of community as you navigate this journey.
A diagnosis of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) can be a lot to process. Many within our community have faced similar challenges and have found strength in each other’s stories.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
In case you missed it...
Don’t let a cancer diagnosis mean waiting and delaying become habits
Following a major operation in September to remove my left ovary, a cyst, my appendix and litres of mucinous jelly from my abdomen, in November I received the horrible news that I definitely had cancer. We didn’t know which cancer, whether it was mucinous ovarian cancer or pseudomyxoma peritonei (or PMP). I was told we could wait several months for a final diagnosis.
My belly size surprised the doctor more than my hernia
He asked if I drank a lot, thinking it was a liver problem causing accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. He requested an ultrasound, which revealed the presence of intense ascites. There seemed no other abnormalities.
Surviving with pseudomyxoma peritonei
When I was diagnosed in with PMP in 1999, there was no information, no glossy pamphlets, no specialist nurses, no web site, NOTHING.
I too was diagnosed with LAMN at 72 in June of 2024. I had not felt good, tired and no energy for 2 years. My GP said “eat more protein”! I finally found a doc (GYN Oncologist) who would listen to me. After a pelvic, ultrasound & cat scan, she thought I had ovarian cancer but something triggered her to have another surgeon ready. Spleen, appendix and girl parts all came out with everything coated in mucinous. Diagnosed with LAMN T4b. Recovery ok but still scared that something is wrong. Scan in Nov.