Faye Louise, 40, from Horsham, West Sussex, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as pseudomyxoma peritonei. She has since had eight organs removed, but is now back at work
A woman who had eight organs removed in a gruelling 11-hour operation following a battle with stage three cancer has opened up about her ordeal. Faye Louise, 40, underwent the mammoth surgery after being diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare form of cancer.
Now back at work as a flight dispatcher at Gatwick airport, Faye said: “I love aviation, I love liaising with the flight deck. It’s where I feel at home. I’m very glad to have part of my old life back.”
During the 2023 operation, Faye had her spleen, appendix, gallbladder, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and parts of her small bowel and liver removed. She also lost her belly button and membranes that connect the stomach to her abdominal organs.
Despite the drastic nature of the operation, Faye, from Horsham in West Sussex, said it was worth it as a preventative measure. She revealed her surgeon “had a shopping list of organs, anywhere where the cancer might reoccur”.
She admitted the recovery had been “brutal”, but cried tears of joy when no evidence of the disease was found in her body before Christmas. Despite Faye’s improved health, she will need regular scans over the next 20 years to ensure the cancer hasn’t returned, The Times reported.
After being given the all clear and returning to work, Faye’s journey took a shocking turn, as the fit and healthy young woman started experiencing bloating and stomach pains in the spring of 2023. Initially attributing the discomfort to potential period-related issues, Faye’s situation quickly escalated when an ultrasound revealed a cyst.
She was then diagnosed with cancer—a diagnosis that would forever alter her life path. However, Faye remains determined and resilient about her future.
She opened up about her outlook on life, saying: “It’s made me passionate about spreading the word about the signs and symptoms of this type of cancer and cancer in younger people.”
Now, Faye is actively fundraising for Cancer Research UK and plans to participate in Brighton’s Race for Life later in the year.