THE EVIL CANCER
Appendix Cancer with PMP
Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare cancer that usually starts in the appendix and often grows slowly. Sometimes it starts in the bowel, the bladder or the ovaries but this is rare. Doctors believe Sharon's PMP started in the appendix but this will become fully known during the surgery. It is not known what causes PMP.
The PMP, which has spread into Sharon's abdomen, makes a jelly-like substance called mucin that can attack the other organs it contacts. The mucin also collects in a layer of tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. The peritoneum covers and protects the organs in your abdomen, such as the bowel.
THE HEROIC TREATMENT
CRS with HIPEC
Because of the intensity of this 2-part procedure, it is often referred to as "The Mother of All Surgeries" (MOAS). The good news is that the surgery, which can take 6-8 hours, does have a very high survival rate. Recovery can take some time and varies depending on how many organs were affected.
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) aims to surgically remove all visible cancer nodules and mucin. This can mean removing all or parts of affected organs as well as scraping the mucin from organs.
Immediately after CRS, Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) is performed by delivering very high doses of heated chemo directly into the abdomen. This is designed to treat small cancer nodules or invisible (microscopic) cancer cells that may be left behind after CRS. The heated chemo liquid remains in the abdomen for 100 minutes as medical staff apply external pressure to ensure thorough dispersion throughout the abdomen.