Myomectomy in 6 days, wishing I could have FAS

Dear Dr. del Junco Jr. I am having a myomectamy in 6 short days.I have many tumors, all of which are pushing into my bladder. This has been causing a lot of discomfort for three years now, as I have a constant urge to urinate. I have freguent bladder infections and was told that my bladder is not emptying completely, possibly due to my tumors. My doctor is wonderful, but I wish I could have FAS. I’ve been on Lupron for 4 months now and it’s been horrible. The hot flashes are severe and come almost every 10 minutes. My legs and body are swollen. My knees are swollen and hurt. I am fatigued and tired all the time and I’ve gained about 15 pounds. Was it worth it? Well, I was told that two of my larger tumors shrank significantly. But she may have to leave at least one big one in. This just happens to be the one causing the most problems. She told me that it is connected to the main blood source that is feeding all the other tumors. Now what? After all of this she may have to leave some in? I am 34 years old and don’t have children but may want one later in life. I went through hell trying to get financial assistance for the Lupron, not to mention the side effects, then there’s the surgery with a 6 week recovery, all to find out that they won’t all be coming out. I am very frustrated and wish I would have known about you sooner. Meanwhile, I would like more info about you and your prices or insurance you take. I may need the rest of my tumors taken out in the not too far future. However, I am far away in Philadelphia. How would that work? I wish I would have known about FAS sooner. Skipping the Lupron alone would have been worth it. Please send me more info. Thank you. Dee from Philly.

Dear Dee-
It is good you have found someone to perform a myomectomy, and not an immediate hysterectomy. However, I would not advise having a procedure that will not take care of your problem..leaving tumors behind is not good, and unnecessary; especially if you are considering a future pregnancy.
Our program also does not advocate the use of Lupron.
As you have seen, patients suffer from many untoward symptoms with this drug, and the return to normal hormonal function can be delayed, and at times permanently effected.
I know our FAS program could help you …and we would not knowingly leave tumors behind. Dont feel pressured into having a procedure solely based on time constraints…make the right decision for yourself.