Only 3 or 4 people per year are diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei
Late in 2020, I went to A&E with stomach pains. I had a CT scan which showed a mass in my pelvic cavity the size of a grapefruit.
Late in 2020, I went to A&E with stomach pains. I had a CT scan which showed a mass in my pelvic cavity the size of a grapefruit.
Oh, there’s an issue with your appendix. We’ll need to get another surgeon across to remove your appendix. There seems to be a tumour-like growth on your appendix and there is mucous leaking around your abdomen.”
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a complex operation with the aim of removing all visible tumours, affected tissue and entire organs. The NICE guidelines recommends the Sugarbaker technique and defines the operation as radical.
My journey started in October 2013 (I was 53 years old), when I had an ultrasound to determine if I had gallstones or an issue with my gallbladder. The results showed a small cyst and mild fluid in my lower right abdomen area. It was decided that we would monitor the cyst and fluid and have an MRI in one year. We thought it was nothing more than an ovarian cyst. I never thought it would lead to a diagnosis of Mucinous Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma.
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.
After being rushed to the hospital with suspected appendicitis, Sandra underwent surgery. However, upon waking up from the procedure, she received the diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).