A UK woman has shared how food poisoning from a Christmas meal led to her having 13 organs removed following a tragic diagnosis.
Rebecca Hind, 39, contracted food poisoning back in 2018, but whereas most cases pass within a few days, she found herself still struggling with symptoms a few months later.
After several visits to her GP and the hospital, a scan revealed masses in her abdomen, which was tragically later revealed to be a one-in-a-million cancer.
Hind was extremely unfortunate in that the rare cancer, known as pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), had already fused to the surface of several abdominal organs, forming solid tumours.
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The masses that had fused to her organs limited their ability to function and she had two surgeries to remove 13 organs and body parts including her ovaries, bowel and uterus. This left her needing 60 tablets a day, just to ensure that her body could continue functioning.
She said: "After our Christmas 2018 work meal, a few of us were unwell - but whilst others recovered quickly, I remained ill eight weeks later. The GP had given me several rounds of antibiotics but nothing worked.
"But after a CT scan and biopsies, I learned I had pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) - and that it was widespread. They surgically removed some diseased organs, and administered eight rounds of chemotherapy, but some disease remained.
"Then I had a second surgery so I was dealing with the life-changing effects of the surgery, and then I learned the cancer had returned and was incurable. It was heartbreaking. But I've just got to try to get on with life, and deal with whatever comes my way."
Despite the surgeries, tests later showed that the cancer was a high-grade and more aggressive form of PMP and Hind went through eight rounds of chemotherapy.
She added: "I went through a surgical menopause aged 35 - it was an assault on the body.
"As part of the surgery I had a heated liquid form of chemotherapy - known as HIPEC - to target any remaining cancer cells and they formed an ileostomy. I was in hospital recovering on and off for months after."
However, this treatment didn't prove enough to effectively shrink the cancer, and after one final clinical trial in 2022 made her too unwell, she was tragically told that her illness was incurable.
Now, the former outdoor education instructor is trying to enjoy her life, as she does not know how long she has left, while also raising awareness of PMP.
She said: "I'm trying to do things to have a 'normal' life - but with modifications. I turn 40 this year and I want to say yes to everything - I've been surfing, in a hot air balloon and dog sledding so far.
"My latest challenge is Chris Hoy’s ‘Tour de 4’ 90km cycle to raise money for Pseudomyxoma Survivor, a specific PMP charity, the patron of which is Audrey Hepburn's son. The message I want to get across is when you have a stoma or an incurable diagnosis, things will be incredibly difficult.
"My daily life is a rollercoaster - but with the right attitude, you can still achieve a lot. And more importantly, enjoy whatever time you have."
James Moorhouse