Home and Away's Sarah Roberts undergoes surgery to remove golf ball-sized fibroid
Home and Away alum Sarah Roberts had her fibroid, nicknamed "Felicia", removed last week.
Home and Away's Sarah Roberts has undergone surgery to remove a golf ball-sized fibroid.
The 41-year-old actress, who played Willow Harris on the Australian soap from 2017 until 2021, suffered such severe pain during her period that she was repeatedly rushed to emergency and struggled to carry out everyday tasks.
However, Sarah breathed a sigh of relief after undergoing a myomectomy last week to remove the fibroid, which is a non-cancerous growth made of muscle and fibrous tissue that develops in or on the wall of the uterus.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday (22.10.26), the entertainer shared a series of photos of herself in hospital and recovering at home, with the caption: "This time last week, I would’ve been in the theatre, or just coming out. Not the type of theatre I usually go to!
"I had a myomectomy to remove a fibroid I’ve now nicknamed 'Felicia', so I can aptly say, 'Bye Felicia!' and wince in pain as I laugh at my own joke!
"She’d grown to the size of a golf ball, sending me to emergency whenever my period came and making it impossible to do anything without looking like I’d stepped off the set of Kill Bill! Time for her to leave the building!
"My anaesthetist told me they’d operated on a girl with one the size of a BEACH BALL the week before. WTAF?! (sic)"
The surgery has left Sarah needing to rest and recover, something the entertainer is struggling with.
She explained: "Today felt weird for two reasons. Firstly, I’m usually on a work couch talking to people about how they 'crack on with life'. But I realised sometimes you can’t crack on with life. You just have to sit on your own ass crack and DO NOTHING (doctor’s orders!).
"Secondly, I guess we’re not machines? We’re souls who need music, connection, hand-holding, laughter and little pockets of joy. Kit-Kats, friends, family, dumplings, potato crisp deliveries, sunflowers and an amazing future husband who actually looks after you. (sic)"
Sarah revealed that her boyfriend, Jake Iesu, "flew back from Vancouver just to help me walk" during the recovery, and recalled a fellow patient came to her aid after hearing her cry because she "couldn’t reach for my toast", getting out of her own bed to butter it and add honey for the star.
Friends have been doing their best to lift her spirits during recovery, revealing they have sent " funny photos wearing penis hats", plus "surprise nighties from Canada, and messages from Barcelona".
Sarah went on to express her gratitude for the outpouring of love and kindness she received during her recovery.
She wrote: "I was blown away by the kindness of strangers, nurses, surgeons and everyone who showed up for me.
I couldn’t believe my goals in hospital had become so beautifully simple: shower, mobilise and caffeinate! Walk slower. Hug longer. Laugh louder (if it doesn’t hurt!).
The clock may be ticking, but your presence is timeless. I felt all the love from around the world. Thank you!!! (sic)"
The experience has made Sarah realise the importance of listening to her body and to prioritise rest over work.
She concluded: "Maybe this is my reminder that constant productivity doesn’t equal worth. We need wonder, connection and rest, too. Life isn’t a to-do list. It’s a gift.
"Hopefully, I won’t get another visit from Felicia for not listening to my body. (sic)"
The post's comments section was filled with love and well wishes.
Home and Away's Bonnie Sveen (Ricky Sharpe) penned: "Beautifully written! Bye Felicia! See you never! Wishing you a speedy recovery lovely. May the worst be over. X (sic)"
The Block winner Chantelle Ford typed: "Darling girl!!! My goodness, how do you keep such a smile on your face in such agony?! BYE, FELICIA!!! (sic)"
And one fan wrote: "Take your time and heal well. Thinking of you."
