When Zdravka emigrated from Bulgaria to the United States, she pursued PhD studies in genetics, followed by a job in research. She and her husband eventually planned to have a family. “Just when we were ready to move ahead, my husband, then in his 50s, was...

After learning she was pregnant with her first baby, Kelly, age 30, received startling news. A Pap smear performed by her obstetrician revealed high-grade precancerous cervical cancer cells. “It was a shock,” she said. “What’s going to happen to me and my...

Within minutes of giving birth to a healthy baby boy, Nancy is pale, vomiting and experiencing postpartum bleeding. Her obstetrician, Michael Greene, MD, chief of obstetrics in Mass General’s Vincent Department of OB/GYN, moves her to an operating room...

Mersene was 38 and desperate for answers. This mother of two young children was suffering from debilitating headaches, fatigue and depression. Adding to the challenge, her husband’s job with an international company had led to life in Far Eastern...

At age 61, Serafina’s life was dictated by a leaky bladder. “I couldn’t laugh, walk, play with the grandkids, or go on a plane without seeking a bathroom every 30 minutes.” After carting along pads and extra clothes for months, she concluded, “This won’t do.” Her...

Tasha, age 35, couldn’t bend over to pull up her socks. With multiple uterine fibroids, together about the size of a 20-week pregnancy, she was experiencing heavy bleeding. Several doctors advised open abdominal surgery, but a large scar would interfere with her...

At age 48, Diana had sharp pains in her lower abdomen. Referred to David M. Boruta, MD, a gynecologic oncologist in the Vincent Department of OB/GYN, she presented with a 7-inch pelvic mass. Treatment Within days, Diana had surgery, performed by Dr. Boruta with a...