Woman has eight organs removed as part of treatment for rare cancer

A woman who had eight organs removed after being diagnosed with a rare cancer has returned to work.

Faye Louise, from Horsham, West Sussex, began planning her own funeral after doctors discovered a tumor in her appendix in 2023.

But after “the mother of all surgeries”, she said she was cancer-free and able to return to work as a flight dispatcher at Gatwick Airport.

“Being told there was no evidence of illness was the best Christmas present I could have received,” she said.

Ms Louise added that she was not sure she would be able to work again this time last year.

“The work is very physical, but I love aviation and I’m happy to be back in this role,” she said. BBC Radio Sussex.

The former model began experiencing pain in the spring of 2023, which she initially blamed on period problems, before an ultrasound revealed an ovarian cyst.

However, after an operation to correct the problems, she said she “heard the dreaded C-word” and was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei – a rare tumor that causes a gel-like substance to build up in the abdomen.

After the tumor ruptured, spreading cancer cells throughout her body, Ms Louise had to undergo an operation which involved the removal of eight of her organs.

The operation included the removal of the spleen, gallbladder, appendix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, navel, greater and lesser omentum – which connect the stomach and the duodenum to the other abdominal organs – and part of his liver, as well as scraping. of his diaphragm and pelvis.

As a result, she will continue to have annual exams in November.

“For me, waiting for the results is unfortunately going to make or break every Christmas. But you just have to keep moving forward and never give up,” she said.

“Some days I have been in the depths of despair, but more often than not now I experience more positive days.”

She has since returned to work and raised money for Cancer Research UK – including being sprayed with 15 liters of orange gloop in the garden of the Red Lyon pub in Slinfold.

She also took part in the Race for Life at Stanmer Park, Brighton, to raise money for the charity.