Horsham: Woman had eight organs removed in rare cancer treatment

The former model began to have pains in spring 2023, which she initially put down to period problems, before an ultrasound revealed an ovarian cyst.

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

As the tumour had ruptured, spreading cancer cells around her body, Ms Louise needed an operation which involved removing eight of her organs.

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

She will continue to have yearly scans every November as a result.

“Waiting for the results will sadly make or break every Christmas for me. But you just have to keep pushing forward and never give up,” she said.

“Some days I have been down to the depths of despair, but more often than not now, I’m having more positive days.”