My initial symptom involved a tiny pain – like pins and needles – from my lower abdomen. It only lasted a couple of seconds, and it came and went. I was a healthy, active mum full of energy and enjoyed a busy lifestyle.
Miranda shares her pseudomyxoma peritonei story
This discomfort did not stop me from doing my favourite things, including playing badminton regularly. I ignored this tiny pain and didn’t think it was a sign of a disease until one year later during my long Christmas break. I was planning to spend some lovely time with my kids, and pampering at the same time so I decided to have it checked out.
The ultrasound picked up some abnormality from my abdomen – showing cystic masses in both ovaries. The blood test results showed three out of the four tumour markers were elevated. The diagnosis was treated as ovarian cancer. I had debulking surgery where it was found that I had stage three Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).
I then had further cytoreductive surgery. I was so fortunate that the surgery was performed by Professor David Morris – an internationally recognised surgical oncologist and a leader in major liver cancer and peritoneal surface malignancy surgeries – based at St George Hospital in Kogarah NSW (Australia). I was given HIPEC¹ during the operation and EPIC² for one week after the operation. Unfortunately, I had post surgery complications from a chyle fistula. I was treated with octreotide and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for five and a half weeks in hospital. The operation left me with a stoma which I had a reversal after five months.
I was very emotional every time I thought about my children, particularly my son who is autistic and relied on my constant care every day. For support, I turned to my family, colleagues from work and community nurses. Most importantly, I found Kay and she introduced me to the PMP support group. This group has given me strength, hope, encouragement and perseverance during my darkest times.
Fast forward to today, my health is fantastic now, I’ve returned to my normal life surrounded by family and friends. I resumed playing badminton regularly and I went back to work just four weeks after my stoma reversal operation.
I would like to personally express my immense gratitude and appreciation for everything Professor David Morris has done for me. I am so thankful that I was place under his care and expertise, and I trust Professor Morris with all things related to my health and recovery. My life has changed for the better because of him.
If there are three things that I would share with fellow patients, they are:
- Be strong and confident, think of your closest loved ones and stay strong for them.
- Talk to the PMP support group, they will give you hope and emotional support so you don’t have to face this alone.
- Be happy and stay healthy
HIPEC
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Heated chemotherapy, delivered directly into the abdomen, after complete cytoreduction. If the surgeons are able to remove the all the tumours, you may be given HIPEC.
Hyperthermic means that the chemotherapy solution used during the procedure is heated to a higher-than-normal temperature, typically around 41-43°C (105.8-109.4°F). This is usually Mitomycin C. This is put directly in your abdomen while you are in theatre. This elevated temperature is maintained throughout the duration of the procedure, usually around 90 minutes, to enhance the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drugs and to target cancer cells in the abdominal cavity. HIPEC will penetrate tumour nodules up to 2.5mm in size. The combination of chemotherapy drugs and hyperthermia can help to destroy cancer cells (increased cytotoxicity) while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Chemotherapy given into the abdomen during surgery is called intraoperative chemotherapy.
EPIC
EPIC – early post-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy given directly into the abdomen after surgery.
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Hi
It’s Miranda here I posted my story back in 2013. Reading it now I found I need to correct my English in my story. Can send you a new revision to replace the old one?
I have sent it to you via email Miranda. Susan xx