Open Or Laparoscopic Myomectomy?

I have very large fibroids, and I've been offered a few options by different doctors. The first surgeon I saw recommended open surgery. The risks associated with major open surgery are serious. The first, and biggest concern, for me is the risk of waking up without a uterus. I'm quite attached to my uterus. My second concern is the amount of time I'd be out of work. I freelance, and my job is very physical. I will not be able to return quickly, and I don't get paid time off.

I was not on any type of insurance when, March, I found out the problems I'm experiencing are due to fibroids, so I went on Medicaid to pay for medications. Several doctors have recommended that I go on Lupron, which is $800 to $1,200 a shot.

Being on Medicaid, I'm fearful that I won't get the same level of treatment post-op. A few nights in a hospital charity wing can be deadly. Let's face it.

I went to get a second opinion from a doctor who referred me to a the head of robotic surgery at the hospital. She told me my fibroids can be removed laparoscopically. I researched the procedure, and the surgeon I was referred to, and I'm on the fence about what I should do. The surgeon would need to break up the fibroid in order to get it out, and when the FDA began discouraging its use she was quoted in an article touting it. "It needs more research." Well, I'm on public assistance. I'm on public assistance and I'm not stupid.

I'm between a rock and a hard place here, because none of my options are good. Morcellation spreads cancer in 1 out of every 350 myomectomies, which is why the machine is being recalled.

Do I take that gamble? Open surgery sounds terrible, and it will set me back for a long time--and that's if everything goes right! So should I risk laparoscopic surgery and hope that I get on with my life safely, or do I get the traditional major surgery? My friends and family are pushing me to get a laparoscopic myomectomy but I have reservations. I've also been exposed to a lot of chemicals, because I'm a painter. I've since been more diligent, if not militant, about safety and protection... but exposure is exposure. I worry about it. Certain types of cancers do run in my family, ovarian, uterine, cervical, etc. not being among them. Other endocrine related cancers do run in my family, along with diabetes and endocrine conditions not related to cancer. My mother had endometriosis, and both my mother and sister would get ovarian cysts. I, however, do not.