Anne-Marie, 47 years old. It all started with stomach pains. Some mornings, I would wake up with a slight ache and end the day with a huge, painful stomach, as if I were pregnant. And the next day, nothing, everything was back to normal. My doctor treated me for over a year with various medications to relieve the stomach pains and bloating.
In January 2014, the attacks became more frequent, so in early February I had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy, which came back normal. I then had a laparoscopy. That’s when gelatin was discovered in my peritoneum.
I was referred to a specialist. I had an appointment on March 31. After reviewing my medical records, I was called back on May 9. That was the day I was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. The doctor immediately told me that it was a rare disease and that major surgery would be required, followed by HIPEC.
I was therefore referred to a specialist center located 150 km from my home.
My first appointment was on June 13 with the surgeon who, after reviewing my medical file, finally diagnosed me with peritoneal pseudomyxoma. A date for the surgery was immediately scheduled: July 8.
Several appointments were then scheduled with a psychologist, a nurse, a physical therapist, followed by an MRI and a final appointment with the surgeon on June 26 before the operation.
I was admitted to the hospital on July 7, and it was only on that day that I truly realized what was happening to me. Until then, I had been in a state of denial about my illness, unable to accept that my body was putting me through such an ordeal. This state of mind helped me to remain in relatively good physical and mental shape.
The operation lasted six hours. I had my appendix and a small part of my colon, gallbladder, omentum, ovaries, and fallopian tubes removed, followed by a HIPEC.
I woke up with four drains, a urinary catheter, and a feeding tube. The feeding tube was the most difficult to tolerate. I was also connected to several machines that administered morphine, medication, and food. I was unable to eat or drink for eight days.
I spent a week in the Continuous Care Unit, surrounded by medical staff who were exceptionally skilled and attentive.
This period was extremely difficult both mentally and physically, but I always kept a strong will to fight and get through it for myself, my husband, my children, and my family.
I then spent a week in the digestive surgery unit and returned home on July 20.
The return home was very difficult. I could hardly move because of the pain. It was impossible to sleep at night. I had to start eating again very gradually, as I couldn’t even swallow a yogurt. I lost 6 kg in a week.
Today, five months after the operation, I am feeling better, despite persistent fatigue, minor pain, disturbed sleep, and daily monitoring of my bowel movements.
My markers are satisfactory. My scan revealed a small lump, and I have to have an MRI in January 2015. My surgeon will then decide what to do based on the results.
I wanted to share my story to tell people suffering from this disease, which is extremely painful mentally, physically, and psychologically, that they must believe in medicine. I was surrounded by an exceptional, experienced, and compassionate surgeon and medical staff.
After this ordeal, I see life and the future differently…