Patient Stories
Real stories from patients treated by Dr. Fernandez-Miranda at Stanford. These patients came from around the world with complex diagnoses — many after being told their case was inoperable or too high-risk. Their experiences reflect the outcomes that expert skull base and pituitary surgery can achieve.
Dr. Fernandez-Miranda has treated patients from most US states and 56 countries worldwide.
When other surgeons said it couldn't be done, Dr. Fernandez-Miranda found a way. These patients came with complex pituitary tumors — including Cushing's disease and prolactinomas — often after failed prior surgeries.
"I suffered from devastating Cushing's disease for several years. I underwent 2 operations that were unsuccessful, and medical treatment was not effective. I consulted with dozens of pituitary and skull base neurosurgeons around the globe. They offered me little hope of success because they did not even know where the tumor was located. When DrJFM told me my tumor was invading the medial wall of the cavernous sinus and he could remove it completely with high chance for success I could not believe it. Surgery was life-changing. I owe him my new healthy life!"
Ali Daoud (Beirut, Lebanon)
Acromegaly is often diagnosed late and many patients are told complete tumor removal is impossible. Dr. Fernandez-Miranda's pioneering surgical techniques have achieved biochemical remission in patients who had unsuccessful surgery elsewhere.
"A dentist friend of mine diagnosed me with acromegaly as the cause of tooth separation and malocclusion. On my first surgery they could only remove part of the tumor and they told us it was impossible to remove it all. We search for multiple opinions, but none of them offer us confidence in the results. We are so happy we found DrJFM for his expertise in Acromegaly. "
Craig Dettman (Chicago)
Acromegaly is often diagnosed late and many patients are told complete tumor removal is impossible. Dr. Fernandez-Miranda's pioneering surgical techniques have achieved biochemical remission in patients who had unsuccessful surgery elsewhere.
"A dentist friend of mine diagnosed me with acromegaly as the cause of tooth separation and malocclusion. On my first surgery they could only remove part of the tumor and they told us it was impossible to remove it all. We search for multiple opinions, but none of them offer us confidence in the results. We are so happy we found DrJFM for his expertise in Acromegaly. "
Craig Dettman (Chicago)
Craig Dettman (Chicago)
Acromegaly
Acromegaly is often diagnosed late and many patients are told complete tumor removal is impossible. Dr. Fernandez-Miranda's pioneering surgical techniques have achieved biochemical remission in patients who had unsuccessful surgery elsewhere.
"A dentist friend of mine diagnosed me with acromegaly as the cause of tooth separation and malocclusion. On my first surgery they could only remove part of the tumor and they told us it was impossible to remove it all. We search for multiple opinions, but none of them offer us confidence in the results. We are so happy we found DrJFM for his expertise in Acromegaly. "
Craig Dettman (Chicago)
Acromegaly is often diagnosed late and many patients are told complete tumor removal is impossible. Dr. Fernandez-Miranda's pioneering surgical techniques have achieved biochemical remission in patients who had unsuccessful surgery elsewhere.
"I went to him because he was the only surgeon who told me, and I think showed everyone, that you can go inside this area," he said. "You can remove tumors from the cavernous sinus."
"It's life changing, this operation,"
Oren Barkan, Israel
"A dentist friend of mine diagnosed me with acromegaly as the cause of tooth separation and malocclusion. On my first surgery they could only remove part of the tumor and they told us it was impossible to remove it all. We search for multiple opinions, but none of them offer us confidence in the results. We are so happy we found DrJFM for his expertise in Acromegaly. "
Craniopharyngiomas are among the most challenging brain tumors. These patients — including children — came from around the world after being told their case was inoperable.
"I started to lose progressively my peripheral vision. My doctors found I had a rare and large tumor compressing my optic nerves. They told me this was a high risk operation. With the help of my family I was fortunate to find the best surgeon to perform my surgery. My vision went back to normal, tumor was totally removed, and even my pituitary gland function remained intact. I am forever grateful to DrJFM and his team"
Xueli Du (Beijing, China)
Adult Craniopharyngioma
"They told us Ari's case was inoperable. But we looked into all experts in craniopharyngioma treatment and DrJFM and his dreamteam gave us confidence and hope. The results have been almost miraculous."
Ari Ellman (Los Angeles, California)
Pediatric Craniopharyngioma
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Dear DrJFM
"My family and I would like to thank you and your amazing staff at Stanford Hospital from the bottom of our hearts, for your dedicated care of our child Omri. In such a difficult time when everything around us was gloomy, you were the person who showed us the light - professional, patient, reassuring and very optimistic.I have no doubt that by choosing you to take care of our son we have not only saved his life but have also influenced the course and the quality of his life. Thanks to you and your team, our son is embarking on a new path. We will forever be grateful and cherish your care of him."
Omri Cohen (Israel)
Pediatric Craniopharyngioma
Chordoma patients know that finding the right surgeon is the most important decision they will make. Many patients found Dr. Fernandez-Miranda through expert referral networks and dedicated research.
“When I spoke to my father, a retired general surgeon, he recommended I go to someone who had done this surgery hundreds of times, and I’m so grateful I came across Dr. Juan Carlos Fernandez-Miranda at Stanford,”
“I was nervous, but I felt completely at peace that I had chosen the right team for this incredibly complicated surgery. My life was literally in their hands. I had done my part. Now it was their turn.”
Erin Schneider, San Diego (California)
"After an accident, my doctors found a very large mass at the base of my skull — a rare tumor known as clival chordoma. I contacted the Chordoma Foundation and they explained the importance of surgical expertise for optimal outcomes. DrJFM came highly recommended, and from my first interaction with him I knew he was the right surgeon for me. Surgery was an amazing success. The entire tumor is gone, radiation is not needed, and my double vision has completely resolved. I am thrilled!"
Jeremiah Kvas, Kansas
Skull base meningiomas require a surgeon who can navigate the most complex anatomy in the brain. These patients found that expertise when they needed it most.
"My balance was off and I developed worsening headaches and hearing loss. I went to the emergency room, they admitted me, and told me I had a golf ball sized tumor at the base of my skull pressing my brainstem and blocking the fluid cavities in the brain. The neurosurgeons wanted to do surgery but they seemed overwhelmed by the complexity of my case. Fortunately a doctor close friend of mine advised me to leave the hospital and consult with DrJFM, a skull base expert. He attended me right away and a few days later I was having the surgery I needed. I have completely recovered and I now enjoy every moment of life!"
Claude Drugan (Walnut Creek, California)
Skull Base Meningioma
"For months, I dealt with horrible facial pain until I found out there was a tumor in the center of my head compressing the brainstem and the trigeminal nerve. In desperation, I search for the best possible expert for my condition and I was so lucky to find DrJFM. He inspired tremendous confidence and genuine expertise. Surgery was a sound success with complete tumor removal and resolution of symptoms. I cannot be happier today. It all looks like a dream now!"
Michelle Rando (Modesto, California)
Epidermoid Tumor & Trigeminal Neuralgia
"My family and me are deeply thankful for DrJFM and his team. When I arrived to the hospital I was nearly in coma. Surgery was a great success and now I have completely recovered and I am tumor free."
Ermelinda Ornelas (Turlock, California)
Pineal Tumor
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