She initially thought the tumor was just excessive weight gain. Eventually, the pain was so severe she called 911 and ended up at Emory, where doctors agreed to operate.

Dr. Alan Gordon, the surgeon who removed the cystic tumor at Emory University Hospital Midtown, said the growth was attached to several of Lewis' internal organs, including the wall of her stomach.

The growth was filled with so much fluid it ruptured during the procedure. "A total of about 12 to 13 liters, so that would be about 27 to 28 pounds of fluid," Gordon said.

Gordon said the surgery went well. Without the procedure, he said, the tumor would have continued to grow and could have affected Lewis' breathing and digestive system.

Lewis' daughter, Sarina, cried tears of relief immediately after doctors removed the giant fluid-filled growth.

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