The laprotomy is a bigger surgery, and does require a hospital stay. But the advantage is that the doc can see everything in there, and correct any problems like endo, adhesions, or fibriods. I was about 5 min away from going from laproscopic to laparotomy while in surgery, but she was able to do what she wanted by making another small incision on the other side and getting in that way. My gyn actually called my mother (who was in the waiting room) from the surgery suite to tell her that she may have to do a laprotomy and I might be in surgery longer. Luckily that didn't happen, and she called Mom again to tell her what she was able to do and that I'd be out of sx in a few minutes. As it is, I'll probably require another surgery in a few years to remove more endo, and likely it will end up being a laprotomy due to the previous surgery and findings.
So, although you will be sorer longer, and in the hospital a few days, it may solve everything all at once. Plus, if you're not self-employed, then you can go on short-term disability (same as with pregnancy), and get 80% of your paycheck for the 6 weeks you're out of work. That was a big plus for me to find that out when the gyn told me that there was a 50-50 chance that I'd need the bigger sx. That made it easier to bear, and relieved alot of worries about how I was going to pay bills and live after having this.
*fingers crossed for you*
Keep in touch, and remember that we're all here for you if you need us!
~Marianne

I am hoping for smaller.  If not then out it goes.  But he is talking laporotomy.  That is just so major.  It is not like a laproscopy. Anyone have a laporotomy?  He said two days in hospital is that right?

Getting smaller is a good thing!  Makes the surgery easier, plus I don't think cancerous cysts usually shrink.  If it continues to shrink on the next ultrasound maybe you could wait on surgery, but 8cm is still pretty big.  I wouldn't blame you if you erred on the side of caution and took it out, that's probably what I would do.

Good luck!