This is my story of the challenges I faced with multiple large fibroid tumors. I did not want to get a hysterectomy or have an open surgery. The open surgery presented a challenge because I had multiple injuries after a car wreck that severely limited my range of motion and physical capabilities. I wanted a minimally invasive option so that I could better manage the recovery. Sadly because of the size and number of tumors I had, I was turned down by every doctor I saw and so I had just about given up when I was told about another doctor by a nurse at a clinic I was going to for injuries after an auto wreck. The nurse recommended a doctor who gave her meds to shrink the fibroids she had. I was already taking zoladex and wasn’t sure if it was working shrinking the tumors any but I was open to any new medication that could prevent an open surgery. I scheduled an appointment right away. It was not a big surprise that seeing the new doctor I learned that fibroids were too large to be helped by anything but removal and I was again referred to a surgeon. I took this as an end to my search for an alternative to open surgery. When I visited the next new Dr. I asked if there was any way to get laparoscopic surgery just because I had to ask one last time. My eyes lit up as he told me a new surgeon just started with his group and that he could do the laparoscopic surgery. I could not believe it, I had been hoping for this solution for two years. I asked if I could talk to him and I was able to talk to him the same day. I was almost in tears as I thought “Maybe this will be someone who can perform the surgery I’ve been trying to get, what I’d be comfortable with maybe this time things will work out.” The tumors I had caused so much trouble in addition to having a distended abdomen from the multiple firm tumors, I consistently lost huge amounts of blood during each menstrual cycle. I had become anemic and not only did I have to get multiple iron infusions throughout the year, I had to get blood transfusions as well. I was in constant discomfort and had many difficulties because of them. All of this came to mind as I walked to the office of the surgeon who would ultimately help me, Dr. Chris Kliethermes. I walked into the office with my MRI results and sat down. He walked in with a bright spirit and a kindness about him that I have seen in only a few people. I instantly felt comfortable. He listened to me tell my story and spent almost an hour answering my questions. No other doctor had given me this much time or made me feel this safe by taking the time to truly listen to both my fears and hopes for a minimally invasive surgical solution. I told him I looked into getting the surgery done out of state and he listened to that too. After we talked and talked he assured me he could help. He explained the surgery in detail so I understood exactly what would happen and I just felt a peace of mind I hadn’t felt during the struggle with these tumors. I had finally found someone who could help. I asked how soon could I get the surgery he said maybe this week if the insurance clears quickly. The insurance did not go through right away and so I had to wait two weeks. I was so happy, these masses were finally going to be removed. Two weeks after I met Dr. Kliethermes, I checked into the hospital to have the surgery. The whole staff was incredibly gracious. I learned that there would be multiple people in the room as some students would be observing the surgery as well, I was comfortable with that. In fact I thought it was great. I never would have expected to feel so calm and peaceful before getting a major surgery like this one. I went through the paperwork and prep work before I was rolled in the operating room and put to sleep by the anesthesia. I saw Dr. Kliethermes and smiled and went under. I have never felt so much confidence in a doctor as I did in that moment. I woke up hours later to learn about the surgery. The surgery was long because the tumors were numerous, quite large and clustered together. But I was ok, happy and ready to heal.