Two fibroids, each about 1.5-2 inches led to such heavy bleeding that Lenora had to received 4 units of blood in December. One was at the top of the uterus, the other growing inside the uterus (a potential space, like a collapsed balloon, not an empty cavity), then pushing itself out through the cervix and into the vagina—a prolapsed fibroid. So first we carve out the fibroid, then the uterus, both through the vagina. A tricky procedure since the dilated cervix brings the operative site perilously close to vulnerable ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder—not structures to mess with).
The second case, also a fibroid causing abnormal bleeding, was not as difficult nor will her post-op life be not as dramatically improved, but she will still be very happy with her increased strength as her body recovers from almost constant bleeding. Her husband showed his appreciation the next day with a box of mangos, apparently from a tree near his house, with a letter explaining that he didn't have much to show his gratitude, but what he did have, he wanted to share. One of our Philippine nurses translated for the several staff members who were around when the box arrived.
