The question I’m asked most often is, “What is HIPEC?” Either you are a patient, relative or friend of a patient who has been diagnosed with cancer of the appendix which has spread within the abdomen. You have been told that you need surgery and that HIPEC will be a part of the operation. Many small tumors may be spread throughout the abdomen and...

PMP Pals is proud to share that Dr. Lowy and the Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program Team at UCSD have recognized the PMP Pals Network for their work in supporting appendix cancer patients and their caregivers. In their Spring Newsletter, Dr. Lowy’s team explains how PMP Pals complements their comprehensive approach to fighting cancer. The Newsletter notes...

After surgery, get up as soon as your healthcare team recommends and as often as they allow. Generally, your nurses will help you to stand up and walk a few steps the first day after surgery, even while you are still in ICU. You may feel unsteady but this is normal and the nurses will help assist you in movement.   During the days following surgery, set a goal to...

Compassionate Allowance Initiative from Social Security By Shealy McCoy What is the Compassionate Allowance Initiative? The Compassionate Allowance Initiative is a way to expedite the processing of Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Social Security Income disability claims for people whose medical conditions are so severe that their conditions...

Recently several Pals attended the PMP/Appendix Cancer symposium at the University of California at San Diego, where Eric Roeland, M. D. spoke on palliative care during cancer treatment. He stressed that under the new model, palliative care starts early.  Under the old obsolete model, palliative care normally would start after it appeared that other treatment was...

Cancer patients may experience obstructions and blockages prior to, and/or following surgery. Obstructions may affect patients experiencing gastrointestinal disorders/diseases for a variety of reasons; among them: tumors, adhesions, and inappropriate dietary choices. Due to the challenges caused by obstructions, patients should consult with their own physician...