DR.DEL JUNCO JR.
I JUST TURNED 41 YEARS OLD,HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND HAVE WENT THROUGH 2 MISCARRAGES. WHEN I WENT IN FOR A TUBAL LIGATION I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD FIBROID TUMORS AND THAT WAS POSSIBLY THE CAUSE OF MY 2 MISCARRAGES..I HAVE SUFFERED WITH THE VERY EXTREMELY HEAVY BLEEDING, PASSING OF LARGE CLOTS,
BAD ABDOMINAL CRAMPS. MY DOCTOR HAS HAD ME ON BIRTH CONTROL PILLS TO CONTROL THE BLEEDING BUT THAT HAS NOT WORKED,EVEN TRIED THE DEPO-PROVERA
SHOT AND THAT HAS NOT HELPED..SHE IS GOING TO THE INJECTIONS OF LUPRON TO SHRINK THE TUMORS AND SEE HOW THAT DOES. I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A PROCEDURE TO JUST REMOVE THE FIBROIDS WITHOUT HAVING A HESTORECTOMEY DONE OF DOING THE LUPRON INJECTIONS.

FELECIA D

Dear Felicia-
You have found the place-we remove tumors, reconstruct the uterus and treat other benign diseases in the pelvis, without removing the uterus or ovaries.
I never treat my patients with Lupron-as it is extremely disruptive to the female hormone system. FAS does not require the shrinking of tumors prior to surgery. I would get several opinions before you consent to surgery.

Dr.Junco
I’am 15 yrs old and was diagnosed with endo at 13. Since then I have had 10 lapos done and 1 surgery where the doctor actually cut the endo out.Nothin relieved my pain!! I’ve tried lupron for a year and a half,depo,danocrine,and birth control.Still no relief. Everytime a doctor went in I was full of endo, even if it was as short as a month in between surgerys.I’m currently out of school and are unable to play sports which I love dearly.I’am at mayo clinic where the only option left is a hystrectomy.I know one day I will want kids but right now I will do anytjing to relieve my constant pain.So if there is any way you might be able to help or any new procedures or meds it is greatly needed thank you!!

Dear Tarah-
Your case is truly not the norm!! Ten surgeries by 15 years old is rare!!! It is difficult to advise you over the internet with this extensive type of case.
Your pain is coming from the endo implants currently in your pelvis…by removing your uterus you will prevent future implants from that organ, but a hysterectomy will not solve your problem with pain. As long as you have your ovaries, the pain and spread of the disease will continue. I would strongly advise against removing ovaries from a 15 yo. Your endo needs extensive laser treatment, through an open surgery. Since we are not familiar with what was performed during any of your ten procedures, all we can recommend is finding a skilled laser surgeon, willing to thoroughly treat your endo. Maybe the Mayo Clinic can advise you further, since they have all your records.
Good Luck

Dear Dr. Del Junco Jr.:

I had surgery to remove a fibroid the size of a grapefruit in March. I had 3 miscarriages prior to surgery. I am now trying to get pregnant without success for 3 months.

I realize this is a short time, but had no prior problems conceiving usually within the first or second cycle. Should I be alarmed? My doctor mentioned scarring.

Desperate for child.

Dear Missy-
I would recommend followup with your gynecologist.

For a tumor that large, I would advise my patients to wait much longer than 3 months to try to conceive.
FAS patients must wait 12 months prior to conception due to the thoroughness of the procedure. We want the uterus to completely heal before attempting to carry a child.
Make an appointment to see your doctor.
Good Luck

I am 33 years old and my doctor discovered a cyst near my right ovary around may of this year. It was very small then and not causing me any discomfort. She suggested that I go on the pill to possibly keep it from getting any bigger. Or we could monitor it and then decide. I opted for the later. A month later I started having severe pains during my periods. So I went in for a sonigram and she saw that it was a fybroid about the size of a gum ball. She suggested the pill again but I wanted to wait. We decided again to come back to it in two months. Two months later, no change in size and no pains, see you next year. I was relieved.
In late september(actually off and on throughout the month), I started having lower back pain. I thought it was my kidneys, the pain was so bad at times. I went back in yesterday and we looked at it and the fybroid wasn’t any bigger but a closer look we found a second, silently sleeping behind it. She suggested I consider having them removed. But, I opted for trying bcpills in hopes that the second will get smaller. She also prescribed an antiflammitory. I trust my doctor, the bcpills was my suggestion, which she explained would probably not work but would give it a try, if that’s what I wanted. Now after doing some internet research (including your site) I am really concerned that I should have them removed asap. I’m just terrified of surgery. I don’t like being put to sleep and my paranoia about waking up and finding my uterus gone totally freaks me out. Not that she would do that, but…you know, I’m just scared.

Dear Nick-
The birth control pills will only treat your symptoms and delay surgical removal of the disease. You need to have your fibroids removed. You still have 20 years to menopause and as long as you have your tumors, they will continue to grow. The larger they become the more difficult the removal.
Many patients are fearful of surgery and its outcome. This is why we have our FAS program. Our procedure is done under epidural anesthesia and patients can remain awake. We also do not consent patients for hysterectomy and do not remove the uterus. We have taken over 100 tumors from a single patient and removed tumors the size of a full term baby and have not removed the uterus. I know we can help you. Please give my office a call.

Dear Dr.Del Junco JR.

I have been diagnose with a fibroid on my uterus, due to heavey periods & being aniema my doctor recommend that I have my uterus removed or they could do a percedure which stops the blood flow but it would not entirely get rid of the fibroid. She suggested at my age 47, that it would be better since, I’m not planning on having any children. I’m apprenhsive about either procedure.
First of all I had three c-section and my tubes tied. My last c-section was very painful and they explained to me that the lining of my stomach was very thin. I informed the doctor that I’D rather have the tumor removed. The doctor informed me that I had begun permenopause and that we should wait to see if it would go away. However, it has increase and my blood count was 26. I’m taking slowfe iron pills three times a day. My question is are there any doctors in the connecticut or New york area that perform these same type surgey in which you do. Due not being financially unable to travel to your state. I’ve decide to cancel my surgey for December12,2001,until I can find a doctor who’s willing to do your type of procedure.

Dear VictoryG-
We are the only practice in the country offering FAS-with a laser tumor removal and reconstruction of the uterus. If you want to keep your uterus-I would search for a doctor who is willing to try to remove your tumors without removing your uterus. This may be difficult because many doctors rely on hysterectomy as the primary form of treatment for fibroids. Call some of the major medical centers near you and ask them for an alternative. Good Luck

I have very large fibroid tumors (my uterus is the
size of a 6 month pregnant woman). My doctor (female) is suggesting a hysterectomy. I’m 34,
with no children and desperately want to have
children. I either want to go ahead and try
pregnancy or have a myomectomy, which would
be my second. The first myomectomy the doctor
removed 15 tumors. I would like to know if there is a good chance for pregnancy now and/or after a myomectomy. I’m refusing to believe a hysterectomy is mandatory.

Dear Tina-
Many women carry pregnancies full term with fibroid tumors, however your chances are minimal due to the size of your uterus.
Unfortunately, although your first myomectomy removed 15 tumors, the procedure did not get ALL the tumors in your uterus at the time. That is the advantage to FAS over traditional myomectomy-we remove ALL palpable tumors and have a less than 2% regrowth rate, regardless of size, number or location in the uterus.
If you have surgery to remove your tumors, it will require waiting before a pregnancy is safe, however I would recommend removing the tumors before the pregnancy to give you the best possible opportunity to carry full term without complication.

I’m 31 and I have a fibroid tumor at least 5 cm in diameter (tangerine-orange). My nurse practioner (who I saw in an emergency) said I could start birth control pills, consider surgery, or do nothing (which she recommended against). I started the pills only to find out that they were estrogen based and that feeds tumor growth. I am off the pills, have not stopped bleeding for two weeks and feel that the tumor is growing rapidly. I feel constipated and my stomach boats up daily. I take Alieve and rub natural progestrone cream on my belly. I am avoiding soy (which is hard because I am a vegetarian) to limit estrogen influence and stop the growth. I don’t know if that is working. I am afraid of surgery and want children some day. Can I continue with progestrone treatment? Do I need surgery? Are there excellent doctors in Atlanta, Georgia who you would recommend?

Dear Cattnipp-
We do not recommend the “wait and see” philosophy for women who want to have children. The longer you wait the larger the fibroid(s) will become, and the more difficult a pregnancy.
We believe surgery is the best option….
Progesterone cream will help to balance your estrogen but may not significantly reduce the growth of the fibroids.
I know our FAS procedure can help you…but we are located in Los Angeles. We are not familiar with medical practices outside our immediate area.
I would recommend surgery but do not allow them to take your uterus. Good Luck

It has been 21 months since FAS for me and I just had an exam by a new Ob/gyn that my Internist referred me to. His exact words were, “you have outstanding results from your surgery. If you had not told me you had tumors the size of a 7 month pregnancy almost 2 years ago,I never would’ve believed it” He went on to say that my uterus was normal size and there was no reason that he could see as to why I couldnt have a baby. this is the news after just 21 months ago receiving the news that I would NEVER be able to have a child with tumors the size that mine were. Thanks again Patty and Dr. Deljunco for all of your support. Two years have gone by quickly and I just have faith that soon I’ll be writing about my new little baby. I’ve only been married 90 days now and we’re going to wait another year before we try to conceive but I just wanted to write an update and tell everyone out there who is reluctant to believe all that Dr. Deljunco’s office has to offer….My advice is to get help and never lose faith. There is a surgeon out there who believes in preserving your uterus and he cares. Take care everyone at Dr. Deljunco’s office and Dr. DJ too!

Love,
Cledra

Dear Cledra,

I am sooo happy for you — we are all anxious to hear baby stories soon!!

Here is to another happy end!

Mica

P.S. Faith is a funny thing, Cledra, but you and I know – it has a way with those who trust it. There is no substitute – here is something I wrote and recite to myself every time I feel like it. Most obviously, I am an eternal optimist.

LIVING ON FAITH

When you ask how to believe
Grace is given free,
Trust your senses, then receive
The great gift to be;

When you ask how long to wait
For a promised vow,
Trust your eyes, then give a hand
Where needs allow;

When you ask how much to bear
Sorrows of lost hopes,
Trust your heart, then smile and wear
Softest molding clothes;

When you ask how fast to fly
Towards cloudless skies,
Trust your wings, then leave behind
Doubts or masks alike;

When you ask yourself no more
Questions of lost grace,
It’s because your trust’s beyond
And you live on faith.

I just turned 51 last month and have been bothered with 3 fibroids over the past 4 years. I have tried natural approaches hoping they would reduce, the symptoms go away – but to no avail. I have had extremely heavy bleeding for 3 days straight each month for 10 months in a row and this left me anemic. Now, over the last 3 months there has been a real growth surge in the fibroids and one especially has really grown and is very painful and feels huge. In addition to the already extreme bleeding, for the last 2 months I have had heavy mid-cycle bleeding – – a new huge period all over again! I can’t take this any longer. I saw my doctor yesterday and she wants to do a catscan next week.
I am afraid to keep waiting since I have been feeling the increased rate of growth of these and the size scares me!
I have 2 immediate question:

1. How soon can I get in to see you for this procedure (I live in Texas). I am really feeling an urgency to take care of this this month. I am afraid of waiting any longer and having any more periods like I have been experiencing.

2. Is the catscan sufficient material to bring with me, or do I need a current ultrasound as well? I had an ultrasound done a year ago, if this would be okay. My doctor saw a more urgent need for catscan and ruled out ultrasound.

Thank you,
Ruth

Dear Ruth-
Unfortunately, you should have had these tumors removed quite awhile ago. Many patients try “alternative, natural methods”-they will treat the symptoms for a temporary time, but do not effect the growth of the tumors. Eventually, they need to be surgically removed. You probably only delayed the inevitable.
I do not keep my own schedule, you will need to call my office and check with my staff about an appointment.Your CTScan report will be fine..no need for any other tests.
Hope to meet you soon.

Hello, I’m 42 I have a large fibroid 10.4×9.2×11.5cm off the fundal region of the uterus (subserosal fibroid) there is no fluid in the cul-de-sac. there are no adnexal masses. The endometrial stripe measures 16mm. the right ovary is 3.1×2.6×2.7 left is 1.9×2.1×2.1cm I have had no problem with bleeding ever. And all blood work looks good. Would you treat me with out it being a hysterectomy? Looking for another option ! oh by the way what I just typed I really don’t know what it means. thanks waiting for reply PS I have a ppo insurance but I’m in New Jersey Maybe in Calf for vacation…………. Wishfull

Dear Jan-
We never recommend hysterectomy for fibroid tumors.
The reason you are not having bleeding problems is due to the location of your tumor. Your case should be relatively straight forward. If you would like us to check out your insurance, please contact me office directly.

Dear Dr. DelJuno,
I was diagnosed with multiple fibroids growing in and out of the uterus area 2yrs ago.They told me last year my uterus was the size of a 4 or 5mos prg. They have since grown and am now having symptoms, break through bleeding, bloating and constipation(which I would have never associated with the tumors because I have gone to the doctor for this and they have in turn never associated these symptoms with the tumors)I can feel a large tumor with my hand it feels like the size of an orange. I go in for a new sonogram next week and get the results in 3weeks.I also get occasional soreness in my stomach area. I DO NOT WANT A HYSTERECTOMY!!! I would rather just suffer with this as opposed to that. Three questions: Do you accept Kaiser insurance? Also I am still on a low dose contraceptive, should I get off the pill now? I am 45yrs of age,oterwise good health. I thought birth control pills helped the fibroids not to grow?

Dear Lola-
Many traditional gynecologists will prescribe BCP’s for fibroids, in hopes of slowing down the growth of the tumors. BCP’s will minimize the estrogen changes during your monthly cycle and therefore hopefully prevent rapid growth spurts during the month, however they are still a source of estrogen and will not stop the growth.
You need to have the tumors removed…especially if they are getting that large.
Unfortunately, we cannot take Kaiser..it is an HMO and you are required to stay in the Kaiser network for any medical treatment. Good Luck

Dear Lola,

You remind me of my situation more than four years ago, when I was at the end of my wits trying to find answers where my previous gynecologists failed to come through with a decent solution for my fibroids. I don’t know what state you live in, but regardless of your location, you need to identify an insurance broker who can find a private health insurance package of the PPO type, with in and out-of-network coverages. I work in this industry and I find that several companies offer this possibility. But by all means do not let your Kaiser lapse, because your current condition will be considered pre-existing by design. It will take some research, but that’s what good brokers do.
I am just trying to offer you some suggestions as to how to be creative in dealing with your circumstances. If you do a search on my name on this website Bulletin Board, you will find an entire history, in case you are curious. You are welcome to email me privately if you feel you need to.

If I were you, I wouldn’t give up my dream just yet!

Good Luck,

Mica

Dear Dr. Del Juno,
I just registered for your seminar on 2/21/02. I found information on your website that really helps me understand what to expect.
I have had two Ultrasounds, 9/01 14.4 cm, 2/02 16.9. My insurance is also, Kaiser. My Doctor is recommending Myomectomy or Hysterectomy. I’m 38, not married and have no children. Do I want children? I’ve always thought I would one day marry and have them, yes.
After seeing the photo’s regarding the myomectomy for the removal of the fiborids, it scares me. I really just want to hear that I have a good chance with a myomectomy. Right now I’m thinking hysterectomy.
I’m going to go for another Ultrasound in 3 months and see what happens, I’m sure nothing will change and I’m still going to need surgery. As a single woman I just don’t know how to make this decision. I find myself needing more and more information, I just can’t get enough. I’m hoping that you will cover, when there is no choice but myomectomy or hysterectomy in your seminar, so that those of us who have no other option understand what we face.

See you on Thursday,
Linda

Dear Linda-
I am sorry I did not get to this email before the seminar….we had a busy week leading up to the presentation. I think you probably know the answer to your questions since you did attend on Thursday night…we never recommend hysterectomy for fibroids-Kaiser will probably offer you nothing more than that option. Hopefully you can find a way to get FAS…if your insurance changes give my office a call.
Good luck to you and thank you for attending….The more women we can educate the more the word will spread.

Dear Dr. del Junco,
I think the work you are doing is truly commendable. I wish others in the medical profession shared your views on treating tumors and such in women. Will you facilitate any seminars on the East coast in the future?

I, too, am having significant “female problems” and have been since 1985. I am 40 years old, married (2 1/2 years) and have no children. I would like to conceive, but have not been blessed yet.

I had both fallopian tubes unblocked in 1985. In 1990 I had surgery to correct my left ovary from being adhered to the back of my uterus and I had a tumor removed from the right ovary. 1994 I had a cyst removed from the right ovary. 1997 I had a tumor(from the right ovary) removed along with the right ovary. Now I’m experiencing severe abdominal pain and bleeding for a month now. I’m not bleeding heavy, just spotting. All my blood tests came back o.k. (liver, kidney, thyroid). The doctor recommended that I take birth control pills, but I had adverse reactions to them in the past.

Unfortunately, I am enrolled in an HMO and was forced to fight for a ultrasound, which is scheduled for next week. I am currently getting paperwork in order to enroll with Cigna Insurance plan. Do you accept this insurance? I reside in Georgia, but I am willing to do whatever is necessary in order to get the best treatment.

I do not have a diagnosis of what my problem could be. I can only speculate (maybe adhesions from a previous surgery, a cyst, fibroid…)
I will apprise you as soon as I have the ultrasound.
Thank you so much for your time and keep up the good work!
Your prayers are appreciated!

Dear Michelle-
Thanks for the compliments….we have just started a seminar series beginning in Los Angeles….locations and schedules are being determined..we plan to eventually post them on the site. The East coast is being considered. Please look for this in the next six months.
As for your condition…some of your pain maybe associated with adhesions from previous surgery…however bleeding problems would not be effected by that. Please let us know…what they find.
We do accept any private insurance plan….but patients are responsible for any unpaid balance not covered. Cigna has been very favorable with our surgery.

Dear Dr. del Junco,
I suffer from endometriosis, fibroids and also
have an ovarian cyst. (I already had an ovarian
cyst removed back in 1991). I was so relieved and
excited to discover that there are options to
having a hysterectomy or other surgeries that do
not appeal to me.

Unfortunately, I have been having a hard time
obtaining health insurance as I have these
pre-existing conditions. I’m presently seeking
employment that offers health benefits as my
present job does not.

In the meantime, my questions are these:
Do you know of a health insurance plan that does
accept people with pre-exisiting conditions?
If I am unfortunate enough to remain uninsured,
are all costs to be paid up front or do you have a
payment plan available?

I also want to say thanks for giving women hope
regarding alternative treatment for fibroids and
endometriosis.

Thanks

Dear Aurora-
There are many other women in your same shoes…insurance is getting harder and harder to work with and get decent coverage..even with a pre-exisiting condition. I am unable to advise you regarding the name or type of insurance available..your best bet is to seek employment where coverage is offered. They cannot deny you once you become employed.
All our cash paying patients must bring the entire amount when the surgical procedure is performed..we no longer have payment plans available.
Good luck to you.

Dear Aurora,

As a former fibroid/ovarian cyst/polyp/endo patient, and as a current insurance broker I can tell you your best bet is to get into a group for health coverage. The most the pre-existing condition can be excluded is 12 months, unless you had some previous coverage in which case the respective amount of time will be deducted from the 12 months. Not knowing which state you reside in leaves a lot of specific questions unanswered, but generically speaking a PPO-type with out-of- network coverage or a traditional package of 80/20 will get you the coverage, even delayed due to the pre-existing condition (a more detailed discussion on “how to” document it is appropriate only when more info is available from you).
Individual health packages can be purchased, but usually the pre-existing condition is more scrutinized during the underwriting process, as compared to a typical group policy.
And finally, there are a few foreign companies specializing in worldwide medical coverage, temporary or permanent, which are more costly, but allow you maximum flexibility. By this I mean even coverage for high-risk sports/racing/diving/high-limit disability which by design is being rejected by domestic carriers.

Hope this gives you a mini view of the large picture. Good luck with your search!

Mica

Hi Doctor,
thanks for your help. Please help me with one more query.
As you know I am very young(only 24) to have this diease, doesn’t that make recurrence of diease much more likely in my case.Evenif, all the present tumors are treated, new can always occur as they occur at the first place.
I am having a kind of fear that I will go on suffering from this problem entire my life and can never enjoy normal life.
Please also tell me,Does having this diease indicate that I can suffer from many more reproductive diseases, even breast cancer and cancer of uterus??
This diease has come to me as a surprise.I have a big family with three real sisters, 15 cousin sisters, and none has ever suffered from this type of a problem.Then, how come it occurred to me, and that too so early in my life???
Please help…
Thanks again..
Mandy.

Dear Mandy-
Having fibroid tumors does not mean you will suffer from other female disorders…they are independent of each other.
There is always the chance that more fibroids will grow…this is why it is imperative that your surgeon be as thorough as possible when performing your surgery. If any tumors are purposely left behind, either due to location or size, your disease will progress even more.Our FAS procedure is very thorough..and will not intentionally leave any tumors..we have taken out 138 tumors from one patient in order to help her save her uterus. Her tumors were smaller than a pea!!
Especially at your young age…it is critical to remove the fibroids. The longer you wait the more the disease will grow and spread.

I AM A 34 YEAR OLD FEMALE WITH 3 FIBROID TUMORS,I’VE DEALT WITH THESE TUMORS FOR ABOUT 12 YEARS EVERY DR THAT I HAVE SEEN HAS TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD LEAVE THEM(TUMORS)IF THEY ARE NOT BOTHERING ME. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ANOTHER BABY BUT I AM AFRAID OF WHAT MAY HAPPEN. CAN YOU PLEASE CLEAR THESE UP FOR ME AND LET ME KNOW IF I SHOULD CONSIDER HAVING THESE TUMORS REMOVED?

Dear Sheila-
We completely disagree with your doctors opinion….the longer you allow fibroids to remain in the body, the larger they become and the more they spread. Eventually most women that follow that “wait and see” philosophy end up with a hysterectomy.
We recommend fibroids be removed, and the sooner the better.
Many women carry children to term with fibroids…the ability to get pregnant and maintain the pregnancy will be dependent on the size and location of your tumors.