Re: MRI/LDH test for fibroid cancer: where?

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I can totally relate to your " cancer scare " and if there are tests that

definiately can differentiate between cancer and fibroids...I haven't been made

aware of them. My understanding is that the only real way to know is to have the

fibroids biopsied.

I started off with one fibroid in Dec. 2001. Every six months I've had an ultra

sound and the one fibroid has turned into two and they've grown. I think they're

now at 10 cm and around 6 cm. I have also been told by 2 " alternative " health

providers that they were concerned about a malignancy. My intuition is telling

me that I have fibroids and not to worry, but still it bothers me that I don't

really know.

I have decided I'm tired of wondering and that deep down inside (literally) ...I

want to be rid of these lumps. I don't have any real trouble with periods,

although I have started to pass small clots and they have gone from 5 to 7 days.

I have low back pain (especially in the morning) and frequent urination. I know

that a myo will cause quite a bit of discomfort and several weeks of rest to

feel better. And I have decided that it will be worth it to know I don't have

cancer and to reach down and feel a fibroid-free abdomen.

I'm going to turn 44 in Sept. If I were a little older, I might have waited it

out, but it seems I'm a long way 'til menopause. The fibroids have actually

allowed me to experience some personal growth. I went on a restricted diet,

cutting out dairy, meat, alcohol, and too much sugar. I lost 20 lbs. I traveled

to California to get a " 2nd opinion " . ...this was a big step as I was afraid to

fly, but somehow managed to board a plane, alone, and fly from Ct. to

California! The fibroids have made me realize that my health takes priority over

anything else, reminding me to slow down, reduce stress and live for today.

I'm scheduled for my myo on August 4th. I'm trying not to " freak out " by just

staying present in this moment and letting time tick by and bring me to the

table. I'm trusting I'm in good hands and that like many, many ladies on this

list, I will indeed survive the surgery and be well again. Like boarding the

plane, I need to trust that the pilot (or surgeon) will bring me to my

destination and I will be happy I made the trip! Thank you Roma for that

analogy

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. I wish you the best with

finding the best treatment and the right tests to carry you through.

Sincerely, in Ct.

[Guest guest]

> A few days ago, I joined this listserve and discovered the

Doctor's message

> #33624 about the the use of MRI and LDH blood tests to

differentiate between

> benign fibroids and leiomyosarcoma.

>

> Does anyone know where this test is performed?

My gynecologist checked into the MRI/LDH blood test and said

procedure can be done. Sometime this week I am supposed to have the

LDH test but need to find out if the MRI will be covered by

insurance. My doctor is not sure since he feels insurance company

may consider it experimental. I am 57 with a huge (large football

size) fibroid which is asymptomatic. I am post-menopause and don't

know if/when this fibroid will shrink. Gyn. is recommending

hysterectomy and frankly I'm terrified of surgery. But the cancer

scare exists...small as it might be so I feel if the MRI/LDH comes

out normal, I may just take a " wait and see " attitude. No one can

give me a good reason for removing the fibroid other than " it's

large and doesn't belong there " .