ChemistLN

I'm still waiting to hear back about my biopsy that was performed August 5th.  Apparently they weren't able to decide because the moles were on my breast and the skin can look different just from being in a "special region."  She said it was either melanoma or milk line nevi.  

I hate to even ask for more advice when so many people have things much worse.  So, I apologize if my questions or comments seem insincere.  

If it's melanoma, I'm assuming the next step would a wide excision (I'm going based on my dad's case, although he's much worse.)  Does a wide excision always need to be done?  

Also, on an insurance related note.  I know it will come down to my specific insurance and I'll be stuck paying regardless, but does insurance usually cover second opinions for pathology?  I wasn't given any notification about the samples being sent to UCSF until they were already there.  I'm glad they are seeking a second opinion and doing additional tests, just wondering what might be headed my way as far as bills.

Thanks again to everyone who takes time to read these.  My thoughts are with you all.  And thanks for your patience with all the newcomers or people with questions.  It really does mean the world to me.

LNM

I'm still waiting to hear back about my biopsy that was performed August 5th.  Apparently they weren't able to decide because the moles were on my breast and the skin can look different just from being in a "special region."  She said it was either melanoma or milk line nevi.  

I hate to even ask for more advice when so many people have things much worse.  So, I apologize if my questions or comments seem insincere.  

If it's melanoma, I'm assuming the next step would a wide excision (I'm going based on my dad's case, although he's much worse.)  Does a wide excision always need to be done?  

Also, on an insurance related note.  I know it will come down to my specific insurance and I'll be stuck paying regardless, but does insurance usually cover second opinions for pathology?  I wasn't given any notification about the samples being sent to UCSF until they were already there.  I'm glad they are seeking a second opinion and doing additional tests, just wondering what might be headed my way as far as bills.

Thanks again to everyone who takes time to read these.  My thoughts are with you all.  And thanks for your patience with all the newcomers or people with questions.  It really does mean the world to me.

LNM

I'm still waiting to hear back about my biopsy that was performed August 5th.  Apparently they weren't able to decide because the moles were on my breast and the skin can look different just from being in a "special region."  She said it was either melanoma or milk line nevi.  

I hate to even ask for more advice when so many people have things much worse.  So, I apologize if my questions or comments seem insincere.  

If it's melanoma, I'm assuming the next step would a wide excision (I'm going based on my dad's case, although he's much worse.)  Does a wide excision always need to be done?  

Also, on an insurance related note.  I know it will come down to my specific insurance and I'll be stuck paying regardless, but does insurance usually cover second opinions for pathology?  I wasn't given any notification about the samples being sent to UCSF until they were already there.  I'm glad they are seeking a second opinion and doing additional tests, just wondering what might be headed my way as far as bills.

Thanks again to everyone who takes time to read these.  My thoughts are with you all.  And thanks for your patience with all the newcomers or people with questions.  It really does mean the world to me.

LNM

Hi VL,  Thanks so much for your response.  She did tell me UCSF, but I had forgetten where she said by the time we got off the phone, I'm so glad you reminded me.  Their website boasts that they have a definitive diagnosis 100% of the time, which was one of my concerns.  What if they see it and they still don't know, I guess that doesn't happen.

I'm also hopeful to hear back in the same amount of time as you!  

Thank you so much for your reply!

Hi VL,  Thanks so much for your response.  She did tell me UCSF, but I had forgetten where she said by the time we got off the phone, I'm so glad you reminded me.  Their website boasts that they have a definitive diagnosis 100% of the time, which was one of my concerns.  What if they see it and they still don't know, I guess that doesn't happen.

I'm also hopeful to hear back in the same amount of time as you!  

Thank you so much for your reply!

Hi VL,  Thanks so much for your response.  She did tell me UCSF, but I had forgetten where she said by the time we got off the phone, I'm so glad you reminded me.  Their website boasts that they have a definitive diagnosis 100% of the time, which was one of my concerns.  What if they see it and they still don't know, I guess that doesn't happen.

I'm also hopeful to hear back in the same amount of time as you!  

Thank you so much for your reply!

The dermatologist called again today.  She started off my saying that they don't have a diagnosis even after the second opinion (local) and now they want to send it off to California for further testing.  I never know what to say when I'm on the phone with her.  I'm obviously thankful that they are taking the time to make the right diagnosis but she said it could be another 2-3 weeks.  I don't know what to ask or what to say.  

Has anyone heard of this?

Thank you!

LNM

The dermatologist called again today.  She started off my saying that they don't have a diagnosis even after the second opinion (local) and now they want to send it off to California for further testing.  I never know what to say when I'm on the phone with her.  I'm obviously thankful that they are taking the time to make the right diagnosis but she said it could be another 2-3 weeks.  I don't know what to ask or what to say.  

Has anyone heard of this?

Thank you!

LNM

The dermatologist called again today.  She started off my saying that they don't have a diagnosis even after the second opinion (local) and now they want to send it off to California for further testing.  I never know what to say when I'm on the phone with her.  I'm obviously thankful that they are taking the time to make the right diagnosis but she said it could be another 2-3 weeks.  I don't know what to ask or what to say.  

Has anyone heard of this?

Thank you!

LNM

Thank you so much for your help! 

Thank you so much for your help! 

Thank you so much for your help!