A woman who had eight organs removed after suffering from a rare cancer has returned to work.

Faye Lewis, from Horsham, West Sussex, started planning her own funeral in 2023 after doctors found a tumor in her appendix.

But after the “mother of all surgeries”, he said he is cancer free and able to return to work as a flight dispatcher at Gatwick Airport.

He said, “Being told there was no evidence of disease was the greatest Christmas present I could have received.”

Ms Lewis said she was unsure whether she would be able to work again this time last year.

“The work is very physical, but I love aviation and I’m glad to be back in the role,” she said. bbc radio sussex,

The former model began having pain in spring 2023, which she initially thought were menstrual problems, before an ultrasound revealed an ovarian cyst.

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

Because the tumor burst, spreading cancer cells around her body, Ms Lewis required an operation that included the removal of eight of her organs.

The surgery included the removal of her spleen, gall bladder, appendix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, umbilical cord, 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.

As a result, he will continue to have an annual scan every November.

He said, “Unfortunately waiting for the results will make or break every Christmas for me. But you just have to keep going and never give up.”

“Some days I was in the depths of despair, but now I have more positive days most days.”

She has since returned to work, and has raised money for Cancer Research UK – including ingesting 15 liters of orange glop in the garden of the Red Lyon pub in Slinfold.

He has also completed the Race for Life in Stanmer Park, Brighton, to raise money for the charity.

Follow BBC Sussex FacebookBut xand on InstagramSubmit your story ideas here southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk Or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.