Mother, 44, With a 28-Pound Tumor on Her Uterus Working To Restore Her Self-Esteem Since Its Removal – What To Know About Uterine Fibroids

The mother of three said she knew something was amiss when she started experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding.

“After bleeding for 32 days straight, I knew something wasn’t right. I’d never had a seizure; it was terrifying,” she said.

Haslman went to see her doctor for relief. She underwent a series of tests that discovered a possible cause. She had uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths on her uterus. Her tumor continued to grow while she dealt with heavy menstrual bleeding, even using a coil.

“I was in constant pain, and I looked pregnant. I had to explain to people that I was carrying a tumor, not a baby,” Haslam said.

The tumor grew to be so large it weighed roughly 28 pounds. Doctors performed a six-hour hysterectomy to remove the tumor a year and a half after being discovered in a life-saving operation. The procedure left Haslam with a physical and emotional scar.

“I was left with a scar like Frankenstein. My self-esteem is completely destroyed. My friends say that I’ve changed; I’ve lost all my confidence. It’s a huge knock to my self-esteem,” Haslam said.

Over time, Haslam recovered physically, but emotionally, she still copes with the impact her ordeal has had on her body image.

“Research has found that when looking in the mirror, we are more likely to focus on the parts of our body we are dissatisfied with, which causes us to have a negative self-view and lower self-esteem. Therefore, I would like for you to first spend time gazing at the parts of your body you love, give them time, honor them, and then thank them,” psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin tells SurvivorNet.

Dr. Strongin suggests people coping with body changes following treatment look at the part or parts of their body impacted. She then recommends creating a regular practice of accepting your body image because it helps you accept your journey to recovery emotionally and physically.

“As you allow yourself to spend more time looking at all of you, you will begin having a new relationship with your body. It may not happen immediately, but with time, you can begin honoring and thanking your new body.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

“Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that are extremely common, with up to 80% of women having a fibroid in their lifetime,” Dr. Kelly N. Wright, a specialist in the Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Center at Cedars-Sinai explains to SurvivorNet.

Dr. Wright adds that many fibroids are small and cause no symptoms.

“We expect fibroids to shrink by about 30% at the time of menopause, and after menopause, they shouldn’t grow any further or cause new symptoms,” Dr. Wright said.

However, fibroids sometimes cause symptoms that can interfere with a woman’s quality of life.

“When fibroids do cause symptoms, it can be either with a woman’s period (heavier or irregular bleeding or both) or by causing ‘bulk’ symptoms, which are symptoms caused by the compression of the fibroid onto other organs,” Dr. Wright explained.

“Bulk symptoms can include a protrusion in the belly, urinating frequently, or sometimes pelvic pain.

“If a fibroid is causing these symptoms, then it should be evaluated by a physician, and a treatment plan should be created. Fibroids that interfere with one’s quality of life should not be ignored.”

“Women who have new fibroid tumors grow after menopause, take tamoxifen (a medication for breast cancer), or have a history of kidney cancer may be at a higher risk for leiomyosarcoma.

“Any concern for cancer in a fibroid should be fully evaluated and may require a hysterectomy for treatment.”

It’s important to note that uterine fibroids do not increase the risk for uterine cancer and do not have a known cause.

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