Three years ago I was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma periotonei, (PMP) a rare form of appendix cancer that only affects around 1 in a million people - I like to be different!  I had  two major operations, a hysterectomy and then 3 months later 16 hour cytoreductive  surgery with hipec/heated chemotherapy at The Christie, Manchester. This is known as the 'mother of all surgeries' and involved removing lots of my remaining internal organs, including appendix, spleen, gallbladder, omentum, and part of the bowel. I'm in remission, but under yearly scans for the next 10 years. Sadly my treatment doesn't work for everyone, it's a disease which is treatable but not curable, and not enough is known about this rare cancer, more research is needed. 

This year I'm celebrating still being alive and making it to 60 by  running the London  Royal Parks half marathon for  Pseudomyxoma survivor. I've not run more than 10k since cancer so it'll be a challenge! 

Typically I would get cancer during covid  restrictions which made it even harder for everyone. PMP survivor provided lots of support and information, including free  physiotherapy classes and yoga on zoom during lockdown, and a support group on Facebook which has been invaluable. They work closely with the only two hospitals in the UK which treat PMP, the Christie, and Basingstoke, and fund valuable research into this rare disease. 

Pseudomyxoma Survivor is a non-profit organization, run by patients and caregivers. Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare cancer that generally starts in the appendix with mucinous cancer spreading in the abdomen.We have a thriving support community supporting anyone whose life has been touched by PMP as well as appendix cancer and other peritoneal surface malignancies. We’re completely dependent on voluntary donations. Our patron is Sean Hepburn Ferrer. Sean’s mother, Audrey Hepburn, passed away shortly after being diagnosed with PMP.