Hi Turbo. I have peritoneal carcinomatosis, have had it for five years...first started out with breast cancer 10 years ago. I am BRCA 1 positive mutation. My cancer journey is triple negative breast cancer 10 years ago, thyroid cancer 8 years ago, peritoneal cancer 5 years ago, first recurrent peritoneal cancer 3 years ago and now metastasis to lymph nodes from what they think is probably peritoneal cancer. Mine is basically due to the BRCA1 gene. This gene is like quality control...my gene has a mutation so I have no quality control to get rid of the cells that are not growing correctly, hence they grow into cancer. I have the most amazing cancer team at the MCHS Eau Claire site and they have been by my side the whole way. I actually had my first chemo yesterday for the mets to lymph nodes. It was so nice seeing everyone again and catching up on their lives. I have had multiple surgeries due to the cancer over the years. I do have a port, but with my history I have kept it now for 5 years.

For my peritoneal cancer I had debulking surgery at Mayo Clinic Rochester and they basically opened, removed the big tumors and closed me back up again because there was just too much like "sandpaper" on the peritoneum and some was wrapped around organs and not able to be resected. Chemo took care of it!!! the chemo regimen was not bad, Carbo/taxol. some bone pain, fatigue....but watch out for that steroid premed they give you to help with nausea/vomiting and reactions....it loves to cause a burning pain for about 20 seconds in not so fun areas!! but it is short lived and does its job.

My oncologist in Eau Claire and in Rochester both said. I will not die from Peritoneal Cancer, but will die with it. Something that doesn't necessarily stay away for some people. But I have a good cancer marker with CA125 that if that spikes at all I know something is growing. For some people this is not a good marker, but for me it has shown to be 100% accurate. Once it spikes I have a PET scan and find out where the hot spots are, do a biopsy to confirm that it is cancer and then start chemo....get it before it attacks too many places.

I really feel that attitude is our #1 treatment or way to beat this disease. I have been through so much the past 10 years, but I still work fulltime, enjoy every minute with my husband, children and grandchildren that I can and stay positive for them. If they see me upset, it scares them. Yes, I do have my days where I am pissed, sad, depressed, hopeless and I allow myself that time, but then I look at my life (I am 57) see what I have to live for and put my big girl panties on. I look at all the other disease out there that have no treatment, no way to catch it early...I feel fortunate that I am able to monitor this disease and fight when needed. I am a very stern advocate for myself and my caregivers respect that.

Please feel free to ask me any questions you have about peritoneal cancer. No question is stupid or uncomfortable. This is your life and you want answers wherever you can get them. Good luck to you on your journey and keep a positive attitude!!!

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