Re: Large 12cm x 13 cm x15 midline pelvic mass

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/23/01 6:48:34 AM Pacific Standard Time,

acro2612@... writes:

> He

> doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> uteruses " (I am a Black-American).

Wanting to hold onto our uteruses has nothing to do with our culture or our

race! If your doctor developed a medical problem with his - say - testicles,

I'll bet he would want to try to save them.

It sounds like you may not be living in the same city in which you had your

myomyectomy in the 1980s. . . I hope you can get a second or even a third

opinion. I don't think female doctors are necessarily more holistic in their

approach than male doctors are. Maybe if you can find a nurse-midwife,

she(he) might be able to refer you to a doctor who will treat you as a whole

person.

I'm not a health care professional, but it seems reasonable that there are

limits, even for the best of surgeons, as to the size of fibroids that can be

removed in a myo.

Take care,

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

As always, Bonnie, thanks for your input. Sounds like you've been through a

lot.

Have a great holiday. . .

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

As always, Bonnie, thanks for your input. Sounds like you've been through a

lot.

Have a great holiday. . .

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

As always, Bonnie, thanks for your input. Sounds like you've been through a

lot.

Have a great holiday. . .

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

Get another opinion of your condition,including another opinion of the MRI.

Your doctor wants you to have a hysterectomy and has no experience with

myomectomy from the sound of

it.

I had an ENORMOUS UTERUS-36 weeks-38 fibroids,they weighed more than a bag of

potatoes and they took

them all out.

There are NO fibroids,no matter size,location etc. that cannot be removed via

myomectomy.Your age is

in your favor in terms of re-growth.

Get another opinion about the MRI and see a good myomectomy surgeon.

Best for the holidays,

Bonnie

acro2612 wrote:

> Group,

> I am devastated at the outcome of a MRI completed a few weeks

> ago. I was diagnosed in 1984 with fibroids. A D & C was done prior to a

> myomectomy in 1985. I was 30-31 years old at the time. A large

> fibroid weighing 350 grams along with approximatelt 15 smaller

> fibroids were removed at that time. Now they've come back and have

> obviously grown bigger. The gynocologist that gave me the results of

> the MRI (Aug, 2001) thinks I should have a hysterectomy. He

> doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> uteruses " (I am a Black-American). He suggested lupron with addback

> therapy (estrogen) for 3-6 months to reduce the side effects of the

> chemical menopause I would be thrown into shrink the fibroids, then

> surgery. But since I'm so resistant to hysterectomy, he is however;

> willing to try a myomectomy with no guarantees that I may be able to

> keep my uterus. Further interpretation of the mri suggests that the

> origin of the mass is questionable. " Although one would favor a

> uterine etiology with leiomyoma or even leiomyomasarcoma. No normal

> uterus is visualized aside from what may represent lower uterine

> segment and/or cervix with an enlarged canal, as well as

> multilocated/multisetated septations off the canal present, in part

> probably representing large nabothian cyst. THere is free fluid

> within the cul-de-sac, which is increased above what is felt to be

> physiologic. The ovaries are not visualized, raising concern " . I am

> 47 and I don't know what to do, now. The gyn says it is unclear

> where the lines of delineation are between the uterus and the tumor.

> They don't seem to be that experienced with fibroids in this xcity

> and especially with the alternative treatments. Help!

> Sorry about the lengthy post but the results of the MRI is mind

> boggling and has caused me to lose control. I live in Dayton, Ohio

> and try to hit this site at least once a day. I appreciate you all.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Get another opinion of your condition,including another opinion of the MRI.

Your doctor wants you to have a hysterectomy and has no experience with

myomectomy from the sound of

it.

I had an ENORMOUS UTERUS-36 weeks-38 fibroids,they weighed more than a bag of

potatoes and they took

them all out.

There are NO fibroids,no matter size,location etc. that cannot be removed via

myomectomy.Your age is

in your favor in terms of re-growth.

Get another opinion about the MRI and see a good myomectomy surgeon.

Best for the holidays,

Bonnie

acro2612 wrote:

> Group,

> I am devastated at the outcome of a MRI completed a few weeks

> ago. I was diagnosed in 1984 with fibroids. A D & C was done prior to a

> myomectomy in 1985. I was 30-31 years old at the time. A large

> fibroid weighing 350 grams along with approximatelt 15 smaller

> fibroids were removed at that time. Now they've come back and have

> obviously grown bigger. The gynocologist that gave me the results of

> the MRI (Aug, 2001) thinks I should have a hysterectomy. He

> doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> uteruses " (I am a Black-American). He suggested lupron with addback

> therapy (estrogen) for 3-6 months to reduce the side effects of the

> chemical menopause I would be thrown into shrink the fibroids, then

> surgery. But since I'm so resistant to hysterectomy, he is however;

> willing to try a myomectomy with no guarantees that I may be able to

> keep my uterus. Further interpretation of the mri suggests that the

> origin of the mass is questionable. " Although one would favor a

> uterine etiology with leiomyoma or even leiomyomasarcoma. No normal

> uterus is visualized aside from what may represent lower uterine

> segment and/or cervix with an enlarged canal, as well as

> multilocated/multisetated septations off the canal present, in part

> probably representing large nabothian cyst. THere is free fluid

> within the cul-de-sac, which is increased above what is felt to be

> physiologic. The ovaries are not visualized, raising concern " . I am

> 47 and I don't know what to do, now. The gyn says it is unclear

> where the lines of delineation are between the uterus and the tumor.

> They don't seem to be that experienced with fibroids in this xcity

> and especially with the alternative treatments. Help!

> Sorry about the lengthy post but the results of the MRI is mind

> boggling and has caused me to lose control. I live in Dayton, Ohio

> and try to hit this site at least once a day. I appreciate you all.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Get another opinion of your condition,including another opinion of the MRI.

Your doctor wants you to have a hysterectomy and has no experience with

myomectomy from the sound of

it.

I had an ENORMOUS UTERUS-36 weeks-38 fibroids,they weighed more than a bag of

potatoes and they took

them all out.

There are NO fibroids,no matter size,location etc. that cannot be removed via

myomectomy.Your age is

in your favor in terms of re-growth.

Get another opinion about the MRI and see a good myomectomy surgeon.

Best for the holidays,

Bonnie

acro2612 wrote:

> Group,

> I am devastated at the outcome of a MRI completed a few weeks

> ago. I was diagnosed in 1984 with fibroids. A D & C was done prior to a

> myomectomy in 1985. I was 30-31 years old at the time. A large

> fibroid weighing 350 grams along with approximatelt 15 smaller

> fibroids were removed at that time. Now they've come back and have

> obviously grown bigger. The gynocologist that gave me the results of

> the MRI (Aug, 2001) thinks I should have a hysterectomy. He

> doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> uteruses " (I am a Black-American). He suggested lupron with addback

> therapy (estrogen) for 3-6 months to reduce the side effects of the

> chemical menopause I would be thrown into shrink the fibroids, then

> surgery. But since I'm so resistant to hysterectomy, he is however;

> willing to try a myomectomy with no guarantees that I may be able to

> keep my uterus. Further interpretation of the mri suggests that the

> origin of the mass is questionable. " Although one would favor a

> uterine etiology with leiomyoma or even leiomyomasarcoma. No normal

> uterus is visualized aside from what may represent lower uterine

> segment and/or cervix with an enlarged canal, as well as

> multilocated/multisetated septations off the canal present, in part

> probably representing large nabothian cyst. THere is free fluid

> within the cul-de-sac, which is increased above what is felt to be

> physiologic. The ovaries are not visualized, raising concern " . I am

> 47 and I don't know what to do, now. The gyn says it is unclear

> where the lines of delineation are between the uterus and the tumor.

> They don't seem to be that experienced with fibroids in this xcity

> and especially with the alternative treatments. Help!

> Sorry about the lengthy post but the results of the MRI is mind

> boggling and has caused me to lose control. I live in Dayton, Ohio

> and try to hit this site at least once a day. I appreciate you all.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Cheryl,

I'm really sorry but there are not really any limits to the size or quantity of

fibroids that can be

removed via myomectomy.

I have done my homework here Cheryl including opinions from UCLA and Brigham's.

When the surgeon has the technique involved virtually any amount or size of

fibroid can be

removed.Now whether the uterus will still remain operational for childbearing is

another issue.

I had a uni-lateral UAE with serious complications,a previous myo,and as I have

already stated, a

uterine size bigger than this lady and a lot of others at 36 weeks and 38 myomas

weighing more than 5

lbs.This meant a lot of potential for adhesions as well as dealing with necrotic

and huge myomas-more

complicated than the average case.The surgery took 2 hours.I did not need a

transfusion-I lost 3

units of blood,roughly a third of a litre and was discharged 36 hours after.I

have shown my surgical

reports around to a number of " pelvic " surgeons and believe me they are simply

amazed.So to quote my

surgeon " no surgery is the best surgery " and " successful myomectomy is not a

question of who the

patient is-it is a question of who the surgeon is " .

So,again,I have to strongly disagree with your final statement.

This lady needs to contact a very experienced myomectomy surgeon.

Best,

Bonnie

SiCanto@... wrote:

> In a message dated 12/23/01 6:48:34 AM Pacific Standard Time,

> acro2612@... writes:

>

> > He

> > doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> > uteruses " (I am a Black-American).

>

> Wanting to hold onto our uteruses has nothing to do with our culture or our

> race! If your doctor developed a medical problem with his - say - testicles,

> I'll bet he would want to try to save them.

>

> It sounds like you may not be living in the same city in which you had your

> myomyectomy in the 1980s. . . I hope you can get a second or even a third

> opinion. I don't think female doctors are necessarily more holistic in their

> approach than male doctors are. Maybe if you can find a nurse-midwife,

> she(he) might be able to refer you to a doctor who will treat you as a whole

> person.

>

> I'm not a health care professional, but it seems reasonable that there are

> limits, even for the best of surgeons, as to the size of fibroids that can be

> removed in a myo.

>

> Take care,

> Cheryl

>

>

[Guest guest]

Cheryl,

I'm really sorry but there are not really any limits to the size or quantity of

fibroids that can be

removed via myomectomy.

I have done my homework here Cheryl including opinions from UCLA and Brigham's.

When the surgeon has the technique involved virtually any amount or size of

fibroid can be

removed.Now whether the uterus will still remain operational for childbearing is

another issue.

I had a uni-lateral UAE with serious complications,a previous myo,and as I have

already stated, a

uterine size bigger than this lady and a lot of others at 36 weeks and 38 myomas

weighing more than 5

lbs.This meant a lot of potential for adhesions as well as dealing with necrotic

and huge myomas-more

complicated than the average case.The surgery took 2 hours.I did not need a

transfusion-I lost 3

units of blood,roughly a third of a litre and was discharged 36 hours after.I

have shown my surgical

reports around to a number of " pelvic " surgeons and believe me they are simply

amazed.So to quote my

surgeon " no surgery is the best surgery " and " successful myomectomy is not a

question of who the

patient is-it is a question of who the surgeon is " .

So,again,I have to strongly disagree with your final statement.

This lady needs to contact a very experienced myomectomy surgeon.

Best,

Bonnie

SiCanto@... wrote:

> In a message dated 12/23/01 6:48:34 AM Pacific Standard Time,

> acro2612@... writes:

>

> > He

> > doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> > uteruses " (I am a Black-American).

>

> Wanting to hold onto our uteruses has nothing to do with our culture or our

> race! If your doctor developed a medical problem with his - say - testicles,

> I'll bet he would want to try to save them.

>

> It sounds like you may not be living in the same city in which you had your

> myomyectomy in the 1980s. . . I hope you can get a second or even a third

> opinion. I don't think female doctors are necessarily more holistic in their

> approach than male doctors are. Maybe if you can find a nurse-midwife,

> she(he) might be able to refer you to a doctor who will treat you as a whole

> person.

>

> I'm not a health care professional, but it seems reasonable that there are

> limits, even for the best of surgeons, as to the size of fibroids that can be

> removed in a myo.

>

> Take care,

> Cheryl

>

>

[Guest guest]

Cheryl,

I'm really sorry but there are not really any limits to the size or quantity of

fibroids that can be

removed via myomectomy.

I have done my homework here Cheryl including opinions from UCLA and Brigham's.

When the surgeon has the technique involved virtually any amount or size of

fibroid can be

removed.Now whether the uterus will still remain operational for childbearing is

another issue.

I had a uni-lateral UAE with serious complications,a previous myo,and as I have

already stated, a

uterine size bigger than this lady and a lot of others at 36 weeks and 38 myomas

weighing more than 5

lbs.This meant a lot of potential for adhesions as well as dealing with necrotic

and huge myomas-more

complicated than the average case.The surgery took 2 hours.I did not need a

transfusion-I lost 3

units of blood,roughly a third of a litre and was discharged 36 hours after.I

have shown my surgical

reports around to a number of " pelvic " surgeons and believe me they are simply

amazed.So to quote my

surgeon " no surgery is the best surgery " and " successful myomectomy is not a

question of who the

patient is-it is a question of who the surgeon is " .

So,again,I have to strongly disagree with your final statement.

This lady needs to contact a very experienced myomectomy surgeon.

Best,

Bonnie

SiCanto@... wrote:

> In a message dated 12/23/01 6:48:34 AM Pacific Standard Time,

> acro2612@... writes:

>

> > He

> > doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> > uteruses " (I am a Black-American).

>

> Wanting to hold onto our uteruses has nothing to do with our culture or our

> race! If your doctor developed a medical problem with his - say - testicles,

> I'll bet he would want to try to save them.

>

> It sounds like you may not be living in the same city in which you had your

> myomyectomy in the 1980s. . . I hope you can get a second or even a third

> opinion. I don't think female doctors are necessarily more holistic in their

> approach than male doctors are. Maybe if you can find a nurse-midwife,

> she(he) might be able to refer you to a doctor who will treat you as a whole

> person.

>

> I'm not a health care professional, but it seems reasonable that there are

> limits, even for the best of surgeons, as to the size of fibroids that can be

> removed in a myo.

>

> Take care,

> Cheryl

>

>

[Guest guest]

You too-have great holidays.

I went through a lot,but I'm okay today.I also thought Cheryl that there must be

limits to the

fibroid size/number,but as I got deeper into it I found out its just not

so.These guys who do it all

the time develop techniques to control bleeding and to sharply excise the

fibroids that are in a

sorta capsule and usually separate easily.

I wanted to add positively to your comments about these racial remarks this

doctor is giving our

friend.It is a complete turn off and is,I think,a red flag-he is covering is own

inadequacies with

this.He's trying to belittle her.But you know a good come back.....

" HYSTERECTOMY,dear doctor, is a cultural practise,its not a medical one "

Then run to the nearest myomectomist

Love and Peace

Bonnie

SiCanto@... wrote:

> As always, Bonnie, thanks for your input. Sounds like you've been through a

> lot.

> Have a great holiday. . .

> Cheryl

>

>

[Guest guest]

Wow... to be blunt, this doctor sounds like an asshole. Just the mere

comment about why people in " your culture like to hold onto your

uteruses... " That is flat out racist and is as insulting as, " I don't

know why you guys like to hold onto your dicks... " Ok... forgive me,

but I'm really disgusted.

Yes- you may be in trouble. You may need some serious surgery- but

drop this gyn and get another opinion- several opinions. Doctors don't

have to use Lupron with addback estrogen. And besides- from

complaints I've heard on this group alone, Lupron may be more

trouble than it's worth. And if there is a concern for cancer- see a

cancer specialist.

As far as " willing to try a myomectomy with no guarantees of keeping

my uterus " well- it means he is incapable of doing the surgery and

he's just feeding you aline to get you in surgery.

Are you in pain? Are you having bad periods, or any at all?

Damn... I wish you luck and definitely see other doctors. Call them

up, arrange phone consultations. Have copies of the MRI report sent to

them. Have the MRI read by someone else just in case. Examine all

possibilities.

> Group,

> I am devastated at the outcome of a MRI completed a few weeks

> ago. I was diagnosed in 1984 with fibroids. A D & C was done prior to

a

> myomectomy in 1985. I was 30-31 years old at the time. A large

> fibroid weighing 350 grams along with approximatelt 15 smaller

> fibroids were removed at that time. Now they've come back and have

> obviously grown bigger. The gynocologist that gave me the results of

> the MRI (Aug, 2001) thinks I should have a hysterectomy. He

> doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> uteruses " (I am a Black-American). He suggested lupron with addback

> therapy (estrogen) for 3-6 months to reduce the side effects of the

> chemical menopause I would be thrown into shrink the fibroids, then

> surgery. But since I'm so resistant to hysterectomy, he is however;

> willing to try a myomectomy with no guarantees that I may be able to

> keep my uterus. Further interpretation of the mri suggests that the

> origin of the mass is questionable. " Although one would favor a

> uterine etiology with leiomyoma or even leiomyomasarcoma. No normal

> uterus is visualized aside from what may represent lower uterine

> segment and/or cervix with an enlarged canal, as well as

> multilocated/multisetated septations off the canal present, in part

> probably representing large nabothian cyst. THere is free fluid

> within the cul-de-sac, which is increased above what is felt to be

> physiologic. The ovaries are not visualized, raising concern " . I am

> 47 and I don't know what to do, now. The gyn says it is unclear

> where the lines of delineation are between the uterus and the tumor.

> They don't seem to be that experienced with fibroids in this xcity

> and especially with the alternative treatments. Help!

> Sorry about the lengthy post but the results of the MRI is mind

> boggling and has caused me to lose control. I live in Dayton, Ohio

> and try to hit this site at least once a day. I appreciate you all.

[Guest guest]

Wow... to be blunt, this doctor sounds like an asshole. Just the mere

comment about why people in " your culture like to hold onto your

uteruses... " That is flat out racist and is as insulting as, " I don't

know why you guys like to hold onto your dicks... " Ok... forgive me,

but I'm really disgusted.

Yes- you may be in trouble. You may need some serious surgery- but

drop this gyn and get another opinion- several opinions. Doctors don't

have to use Lupron with addback estrogen. And besides- from

complaints I've heard on this group alone, Lupron may be more

trouble than it's worth. And if there is a concern for cancer- see a

cancer specialist.

As far as " willing to try a myomectomy with no guarantees of keeping

my uterus " well- it means he is incapable of doing the surgery and

he's just feeding you aline to get you in surgery.

Are you in pain? Are you having bad periods, or any at all?

Damn... I wish you luck and definitely see other doctors. Call them

up, arrange phone consultations. Have copies of the MRI report sent to

them. Have the MRI read by someone else just in case. Examine all

possibilities.

> Group,

> I am devastated at the outcome of a MRI completed a few weeks

> ago. I was diagnosed in 1984 with fibroids. A D & C was done prior to

a

> myomectomy in 1985. I was 30-31 years old at the time. A large

> fibroid weighing 350 grams along with approximatelt 15 smaller

> fibroids were removed at that time. Now they've come back and have

> obviously grown bigger. The gynocologist that gave me the results of

> the MRI (Aug, 2001) thinks I should have a hysterectomy. He

> doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> uteruses " (I am a Black-American). He suggested lupron with addback

> therapy (estrogen) for 3-6 months to reduce the side effects of the

> chemical menopause I would be thrown into shrink the fibroids, then

> surgery. But since I'm so resistant to hysterectomy, he is however;

> willing to try a myomectomy with no guarantees that I may be able to

> keep my uterus. Further interpretation of the mri suggests that the

> origin of the mass is questionable. " Although one would favor a

> uterine etiology with leiomyoma or even leiomyomasarcoma. No normal

> uterus is visualized aside from what may represent lower uterine

> segment and/or cervix with an enlarged canal, as well as

> multilocated/multisetated septations off the canal present, in part

> probably representing large nabothian cyst. THere is free fluid

> within the cul-de-sac, which is increased above what is felt to be

> physiologic. The ovaries are not visualized, raising concern " . I am

> 47 and I don't know what to do, now. The gyn says it is unclear

> where the lines of delineation are between the uterus and the tumor.

> They don't seem to be that experienced with fibroids in this xcity

> and especially with the alternative treatments. Help!

> Sorry about the lengthy post but the results of the MRI is mind

> boggling and has caused me to lose control. I live in Dayton, Ohio

> and try to hit this site at least once a day. I appreciate you all.

[Guest guest]

I'm recalling some bizzare thing I saw on television... so there's my

disclaimer. But it was about a woman with a 300pound (that is not a

typo) ovarian cyst. She was afraid to leave the house and didn't do

anything about it for years. Finally her family convinced her to go to

a doctor for help. She did and they removed the 300 pound cyst. There

was no talk of hysterectomy and she lived!

So there!

>

> > In a message dated 12/23/01 6:48:34 AM Pacific Standard Time,

> > acro2612@c... writes:

> >

> > > He

> > > doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> > > uteruses " (I am a Black-American).

> >

> > Wanting to hold onto our uteruses has nothing to do with our

culture or our

> > race! If your doctor developed a medical problem with his - say -

testicles,

> > I'll bet he would want to try to save them.

> >

> > It sounds like you may not be living in the same city in which you

had your

> > myomyectomy in the 1980s. . . I hope you can get a second or even

a third

> > opinion. I don't think female doctors are necessarily more

holistic in their

> > approach than male doctors are. Maybe if you can find a

nurse-midwife,

> > she(he) might be able to refer you to a doctor who will treat you

as a whole

> > person.

> >

> > I'm not a health care professional, but it seems reasonable that

there are

> > limits, even for the best of surgeons, as to the size of fibroids

that can be

> > removed in a myo.

> >

> > Take care,

> > Cheryl

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I'm recalling some bizzare thing I saw on television... so there's my

disclaimer. But it was about a woman with a 300pound (that is not a

typo) ovarian cyst. She was afraid to leave the house and didn't do

anything about it for years. Finally her family convinced her to go to

a doctor for help. She did and they removed the 300 pound cyst. There

was no talk of hysterectomy and she lived!

So there!

>

> > In a message dated 12/23/01 6:48:34 AM Pacific Standard Time,

> > acro2612@c... writes:

> >

> > > He

> > > doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> > > uteruses " (I am a Black-American).

> >

> > Wanting to hold onto our uteruses has nothing to do with our

culture or our

> > race! If your doctor developed a medical problem with his - say -

testicles,

> > I'll bet he would want to try to save them.

> >

> > It sounds like you may not be living in the same city in which you

had your

> > myomyectomy in the 1980s. . . I hope you can get a second or even

a third

> > opinion. I don't think female doctors are necessarily more

holistic in their

> > approach than male doctors are. Maybe if you can find a

nurse-midwife,

> > she(he) might be able to refer you to a doctor who will treat you

as a whole

> > person.

> >

> > I'm not a health care professional, but it seems reasonable that

there are

> > limits, even for the best of surgeons, as to the size of fibroids

that can be

> > removed in a myo.

> >

> > Take care,

> > Cheryl

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I live in New York City but Dayton, OH is my dad's home town. I am

sorry the docs there are letting you down. I too am a black American

woman who is very much attached to the idea of keeping her uterus.

In any case, I agree with Carla. The " I'll try to keep your uterus "

line just doesn't cut it. It is like people who say " I'll try to make

it. " They never show up, do they?

You may have to travel away from Dayton. Have you checked the

archives to see if any other Ohioans have found a good doctor who is

skilled in myomectomy? What are the very best hospitals in the state?

Have you checked Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati or

the Cleveland Clinic? I know it is hard to contemplate having to

travel to see a good doctor but don't give up.

I know someone suggested contacting Dr. Stanley West to see if he

could make a recommendation. His web site is www.repmed.com. Send him

an e-mail and ask him. I hear that he does respond to queries. Good

luck and feel free to e-mail me directly if you like.

> Group,

> I am devastated at the outcome of a MRI completed a few weeks

> ago. I was diagnosed in 1984 with fibroids. A D & C was done prior to

a

> myomectomy in 1985. I was 30-31 years old at the time. A large

> fibroid weighing 350 grams along with approximatelt 15 smaller

> fibroids were removed at that time. Now they've come back and have

> obviously grown bigger. The gynocologist that gave me the results

of

> the MRI (Aug, 2001) thinks I should have a hysterectomy. He

> doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> uteruses " (I am a Black-American). He suggested lupron with addback

> therapy (estrogen) for 3-6 months to reduce the side effects of the

> chemical menopause I would be thrown into shrink the fibroids, then

> surgery. But since I'm so resistant to hysterectomy, he is however;

> willing to try a myomectomy with no guarantees that I may be able

to

> keep my uterus. Further interpretation of the mri suggests that the

> origin of the mass is questionable. " Although one would favor a

> uterine etiology with leiomyoma or even leiomyomasarcoma. No normal

> uterus is visualized aside from what may represent lower uterine

> segment and/or cervix with an enlarged canal, as well as

> multilocated/multisetated septations off the canal present, in part

> probably representing large nabothian cyst. THere is free fluid

> within the cul-de-sac, which is increased above what is felt to be

> physiologic. The ovaries are not visualized, raising concern " . I am

> 47 and I don't know what to do, now. The gyn says it is unclear

> where the lines of delineation are between the uterus and the

tumor.

> They don't seem to be that experienced with fibroids in this xcity

> and especially with the alternative treatments. Help!

> Sorry about the lengthy post but the results of the MRI is

mind

> boggling and has caused me to lose control. I live in Dayton, Ohio

> and try to hit this site at least once a day. I appreciate you all.

[Guest guest]

I live in New York City but Dayton, OH is my dad's home town. I am

sorry the docs there are letting you down. I too am a black American

woman who is very much attached to the idea of keeping her uterus.

In any case, I agree with Carla. The " I'll try to keep your uterus "

line just doesn't cut it. It is like people who say " I'll try to make

it. " They never show up, do they?

You may have to travel away from Dayton. Have you checked the

archives to see if any other Ohioans have found a good doctor who is

skilled in myomectomy? What are the very best hospitals in the state?

Have you checked Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati or

the Cleveland Clinic? I know it is hard to contemplate having to

travel to see a good doctor but don't give up.

I know someone suggested contacting Dr. Stanley West to see if he

could make a recommendation. His web site is www.repmed.com. Send him

an e-mail and ask him. I hear that he does respond to queries. Good

luck and feel free to e-mail me directly if you like.

> Group,

> I am devastated at the outcome of a MRI completed a few weeks

> ago. I was diagnosed in 1984 with fibroids. A D & C was done prior to

a

> myomectomy in 1985. I was 30-31 years old at the time. A large

> fibroid weighing 350 grams along with approximatelt 15 smaller

> fibroids were removed at that time. Now they've come back and have

> obviously grown bigger. The gynocologist that gave me the results

of

> the MRI (Aug, 2001) thinks I should have a hysterectomy. He

> doesn't " know why women of 'my' culture like to hold onto their

> uteruses " (I am a Black-American). He suggested lupron with addback

> therapy (estrogen) for 3-6 months to reduce the side effects of the

> chemical menopause I would be thrown into shrink the fibroids, then

> surgery. But since I'm so resistant to hysterectomy, he is however;

> willing to try a myomectomy with no guarantees that I may be able

to

> keep my uterus. Further interpretation of the mri suggests that the

> origin of the mass is questionable. " Although one would favor a

> uterine etiology with leiomyoma or even leiomyomasarcoma. No normal

> uterus is visualized aside from what may represent lower uterine

> segment and/or cervix with an enlarged canal, as well as

> multilocated/multisetated septations off the canal present, in part

> probably representing large nabothian cyst. THere is free fluid

> within the cul-de-sac, which is increased above what is felt to be

> physiologic. The ovaries are not visualized, raising concern " . I am

> 47 and I don't know what to do, now. The gyn says it is unclear

> where the lines of delineation are between the uterus and the

tumor.

> They don't seem to be that experienced with fibroids in this xcity

> and especially with the alternative treatments. Help!

> Sorry about the lengthy post but the results of the MRI is

mind

> boggling and has caused me to lose control. I live in Dayton, Ohio

> and try to hit this site at least once a day. I appreciate you all.

[Guest guest]

I have to question why a Doctor would assume that you will need myo

after embo. Your fibroid will continue to decrease in size for up to a

year after embo (sometimes even longer that that).

Also, if you are interested in having children, there are not many docs

out there who will do embo. There is a chance of ovarian failure after

UAE. This usually occurs in women over 45 (5% of women over 45) but it

could occur in younger women also. Of course, there have been a number

of women who have gone on to have children after UAE.

Carol

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I have to question why a Doctor would assume that you will need myo

after embo. Your fibroid will continue to decrease in size for up to a

year after embo (sometimes even longer that that).

Also, if you are interested in having children, there are not many docs

out there who will do embo. There is a chance of ovarian failure after

UAE. This usually occurs in women over 45 (5% of women over 45) but it

could occur in younger women also. Of course, there have been a number

of women who have gone on to have children after UAE.

Carol

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

<<So to quote my surgeon " no surgery is the best surgery " and " successful

myomectomy is not a

question of who the patient is-it is a question of who the surgeon is " . This

lady needs to

contact a very experienced myomectomy surgeon.>>

Bonnie,

I am also considering a myo, so how many myos does a surgeon need to do before

he's considered

a very experienced one?

Thanks!

Kathy

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[Guest guest]

<<So to quote my surgeon " no surgery is the best surgery " and " successful

myomectomy is not a

question of who the patient is-it is a question of who the surgeon is " . This

lady needs to

contact a very experienced myomectomy surgeon.>>

Bonnie,

I am also considering a myo, so how many myos does a surgeon need to do before

he's considered

a very experienced one?

Thanks!

Kathy

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[Guest guest]

Kathy,

Some of the surgeons I consulted had done thousands.I also looked at outcomes in

as much as I could

and at the degree of confidence the surgeon appeared to have.I also checked with

the State Medical

liscensing boards to see if any complaints or malpractise existed .I asked a lot

of questions about

complications during and after surgery.How many myomectomies turned into

hysters,how many were

required blood transfusions,was Lupron necessary,how long the surgery would

take,would everything get

removed in his opinion.I went back with a second round of questions after the

first visit and I

considered the answers but also what kind of rapport was being built-the way in

which the second

round of questions was being answered-hesitation,saying something different from

the first time,his

general attitude at being questioned so closely-whether he seemed to like that

or be turned off by

that.In my case,because of previous surgery and UAE complications adhesions were

a big issue and how

he planned to handle that was an important factor.Its a process Kathy that

relies both on the type of

questions you ask and your own instincts.

Best of luck

Bonnie

Kathy & Chet Mozingo wrote:

> <<So to quote my surgeon " no surgery is the best surgery " and " successful

myomectomy is not a

> question of who the patient is-it is a question of who the surgeon is " . This

lady needs to

> contact a very experienced myomectomy surgeon.>>

>

> Bonnie,

> I am also considering a myo, so how many myos does a surgeon need to do before

he's considered

> a very experienced one?

> Thanks!

> Kathy

>

> ---

> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

> Version: 6.0.310 / Virus Database: 171 - Release Date: 12/19/2001

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kathy,

Some of the surgeons I consulted had done thousands.I also looked at outcomes in

as much as I could

and at the degree of confidence the surgeon appeared to have.I also checked with

the State Medical

liscensing boards to see if any complaints or malpractise existed .I asked a lot

of questions about

complications during and after surgery.How many myomectomies turned into

hysters,how many were

required blood transfusions,was Lupron necessary,how long the surgery would

take,would everything get

removed in his opinion.I went back with a second round of questions after the

first visit and I

considered the answers but also what kind of rapport was being built-the way in

which the second

round of questions was being answered-hesitation,saying something different from

the first time,his

general attitude at being questioned so closely-whether he seemed to like that

or be turned off by

that.In my case,because of previous surgery and UAE complications adhesions were

a big issue and how

he planned to handle that was an important factor.Its a process Kathy that

relies both on the type of

questions you ask and your own instincts.

Best of luck

Bonnie

Kathy & Chet Mozingo wrote:

> <<So to quote my surgeon " no surgery is the best surgery " and " successful

myomectomy is not a

> question of who the patient is-it is a question of who the surgeon is " . This

lady needs to

> contact a very experienced myomectomy surgeon.>>

>

> Bonnie,

> I am also considering a myo, so how many myos does a surgeon need to do before

he's considered

> a very experienced one?

> Thanks!

> Kathy

>

> ---

> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

> Version: 6.0.310 / Virus Database: 171 - Release Date: 12/19/2001

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I don't think she has her licensee in California anymore.I think she works out

of Mexico.You should

check the archives for this and other info.

Best,

Bonnie

campbell-addison7 wrote:

> Kathy, there is a terrific book called " No More Hysterectomies " by Dr Vicki

> Hufnagel. She practices in California, and I have often joked with the

> girls in the office to send me there for an op.

>

> Kind regards

> Highland

> Scotland

>

> Re: Large 12cm x 13 cm x15 midline pelvic

> mass

>

> <<So to quote my surgeon " no surgery is the best surgery " and " successful

> myomectomy is not a

> question of who the patient is-it is a question of who the surgeon is " .

> This lady needs to

> contact a very experienced myomectomy surgeon.>>

>

> Bonnie,

> I am also considering a myo, so how many myos does a surgeon need to do

> before he's considered

> a very experienced one?

> Thanks!

> Kathy

>

> ---

> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

> Version: 6.0.310 / Virus Database: 171 - Release Date: 12/19/2001

>

>

[Guest guest]

A better book by a better doctor is The Hysterectomy Hoax by

Dr. Stanley West.

>

> Kathy, there is a terrific book called " No More Hysterectomies " by

Dr Vicki

> Hufnagel. She practices in California, and I have often joked

with the

> girls in the office to send me there for an op.

>

> Kind regards

> Highland

> Scotland

>

> Re: Large 12cm x 13 cm x15 midline pelvic

> mass

>

>

> <<So to quote my surgeon " no surgery is the best surgery "

and " successful

> myomectomy is not a

> question of who the patient is-it is a question of who the surgeon

is " .

> This lady needs to

> contact a very experienced myomectomy surgeon.>>

>

>

> Bonnie,

> I am also considering a myo, so how many myos does a surgeon need

to do

> before he's considered

> a very experienced one?

> Thanks!

> Kathy

>

>

> ---

> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

> Version: 6.0.310 / Virus Database: 171 - Release Date: 12/19/2001

>

>

>

>