Being diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei (or PMP) came as a huge shock. It was discovered accidentally as my usual yearly bloods showed abnormalities.
I was shocked by my pseudomyxoma peritonei diagnosis
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A grant from Pseudomyxoma Survivor helped me
I am so grateful for the grant from Pseudomyxoma Survivor which I received. It has helped me financially during such a difficult time.
The top of the paper read “Carcinoma of the Appendix”
After my ruptured appendix was removed, the surgeon said the operation “took a little longer, it was messy in there.” For the follow-up, he called me in earlier to give me the bad news.
My baby and obstetrician saved my life!
I had a caesarean section on July 12th. This took 35 min and I was delivered of a beautiful, healthy, big baby boy, weighing in at 3820 grams/8.6 pounds. During my normal c-section, I had a further operation, an ’emergency appendectomy’. I had two masses removed and further testing showed they were both cancerous tumours and I was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). I was told I would have to have further treatment in the future. The tumours showed two different types of cancer, carcinoid & appendiceal mucinous tumours.
Marilyn’s Story
When my doctor told me what he had discovered during surgery for a suspected ovarian tumour, I could barely pronounce the words let alone understand what it might mean for me.
An ultrasound showed cystic masses in both ovaries
My initial symptom was a tiny pain (feel like pins and needles) from my lower abdomen, it only last a couple of seconds, it came and went. I was a healthy, active mum filled with energy and a busy lifestyle.
Sent for ultrasound for possible hernia
For well over a year, I noticed my belly steadily getting bigger though I didn’t seem to be eating any more than normal. I of course tried dieting a few times but when I didn’t lose weight I gave up pretty quickly!
The Waiting is Almost Over!
It’s just two days until my operation but how did I get to this point?
The call came out of the blue. When my gynae consultant’s secretary called, I thought she wanted to say the appointment I had changed was inconvenient. But no, she wanted to ask me to come back in! Even then I wasn’t particularly worried, didn’t really have a clue why…
I had no outward sign that this mass was inside my abdomen
Following an abnormal smear, I was referred to my local gynaecological oncology centre where an ultrasound scan revealed a complex mass believed to be ovarian in nature.
Helping Children Cope with a Parent’s PMP Diagnosis Part 2
When discussing PMP with your kids, keep it simple and age-appropriate. Focus on reassurance, love, and answering their questions honestly.