My life with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei(PMP)

I went to my doctor just before xmas 2006 because i could feel a swelling in my abdomen, and yes the doctor could feel it too. I was sent for an ultrasound where they found a huge cyst on an ovary. My next appointment was for a ca-125 blood test and to see a gyneacologist. 23rd Jan 07 I got a telephone call from the gynea saying my ca-125 test came back elevated and i would be admitted to hospital on sunday 28th Jan ready for surgery on 29th.

Monday came and i was ready for my op, 3 hours later back i came expecting to be told " your op went well we have removed the cyst and maybe 1 ovary" No this was not the case, i had a hysterectomy and my appendix removed because there was something else wrong. " you have mucus in your abdomen, but dont worry its not cancer but we will send you to christies in Manchester where they deal with this type of thing"

I was discharged from hospital on 02/02/07 knowing there was something inside me but not what. Thinking i hadn't got cancer and a Macmillan nurse visiting me did make me think but who am i to question.

A week after a letter came from Christies saying i needed to have a CT scan before they can see me, in the letter was the information i needed, a diagnosis, Pseudomyxoma Peritonei(PMP). At last a name i could look it up on the internet. Well the first thing i found out was that it is cancer and a very rare one too, only one in a million people get it.

I have had my CT scan and the reslts were at Christies, they had a meeting on 19th March to discuss me then i went there on 26th to find out the outcome.

Well after many tests i finally had an operation on 10th september 2007. The op went very well, they removed my spleen, gallbladder, omentum, a small amount of colon and all the mucin. They also did a hot chemo wash to make sure they got every last bit. After 2 weeks in hospital i am now at home recovering well. I will be having followup ct scans and they will keep a close eye on me. for now though the outlook is good.

I made it to see another birthday. My 1st scan and bloods are clear and life is looking great.