In early 2023, Pam Molyneux developed severe pain in her lower abdomen. After a colonoscopy, she was diagnosed with a large tumour in her sigmoid colon. Pam was told she would need chemotherapy to shrink the tumour before surgery could be possible, as it had spread into her bowel and her abdomen.
But after just one cycle of the chemotherapy, Pam needed emergency surgery for a blocked bowel and urethra. She spent 6 weeks recovering from this, as well as sepsis and C. diff infections, before leaving hospital with a colostomy and nephrostomy. She then restarted chemotherapy 2 months later.
After 12 months of chemotherapy, Pam’s doctors told her that unfortunately the treatment wasn’t shrinking her tumour. They told her that staying on the chemotherapy might be able to give her a few more years of life but that surgery would be unlikely because of how complex her cancer was.
Pam pushed for a second opinion and was referred to the Colorectal and Peritoneal Oncology Centre (CPOC) at The Christie. CPOC has an international reputation for treating advanced and early colorectal cancer, appendix tumours, peritoneal tumours, anal cancer and tumours within the pelvis.
Mr Hamish Clouston, Consultant Colorectal, General and Peritoneal Surgeon, saw Pam, along with clinical nurse Rachel Connolly. Mr Clouston explained the extent of the surgery needed and the many disciplines involved. Pam said that the risks and complexity of her particular surgery were clearly explained as her tumour had spread to several parts of her body. She said she had no hesitation whatsoever though, as she felt she was in extremely safe hands.
Pam’s surgery was a complete success. She said that both Mr Clouston and Rachel visited her several times to monitor her progress, and she couldn’t have felt better cared for. She also said that her recovery was really positive, as she was feeling well after just 3 months.
“I had many biopsies taken during the operation, none of which evidenced any cancer, and recent scans have confirmed that I am now cancer free! This is a result that I’d believed was impossible to achieve given my original diagnosis; Hamish and his team have quite literally saved my life. No words can ever be enough to thank them.