CancerCompass message board discussion started by Baja123 on 5/23/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,5446,0.htm Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ About a month and a half ago, I went to my doctor for a sinus infection and happened to ask him about the mole on my foot. It's very dark (almost black, about the size of a pencil erasur), and has been there as long as I can remember. The second he saw it, he stated that he was concerned that it could be melanoma and that it should be taken off asap and biopsied. To make a long story short, it took over a month for me to purchase health insurance (I didn't want to start this process without it in case a positive diagnosis would prevent me from getting care). Yesterday I was supposed to have him remove it, but he was concerned that it has actually changed since the last time he saw it and said I need to go to a dermatologist. Now I'm waiting to get into my PCP (He wasn't covered under my insurance, another long story), and then hopefully I will get my referral and be able to get into a dermatologist asap. I have a history of skin cancer in my family, and since my Mom just recovered from Breast Cancer, the subject is very scary for me. At this point I'm not sure how worried I should be because I've done a lot of research and know how serious the prognosis for advanced stage melanoma is. I'm also concerned about the time frame. Becaue of being uninsured and now having to jump through hoops for the insurance company, I feel like my life is on hold untill I get the biopsy and find out the results, and I'm concerned that if this is melanoma, it will be advancing while I sit and wait for an opening to see the doctor. It's so hard to sort through information and know exactly what the situation is while I wait, and although I know I should remain positive for my health and well-being, it can be tough without knowing what the future may hold. Baja123 Tue, 23 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT Leah, I hope by now that you've received good news. The time when you don't know what's going on is a very scary time. Possibly the worst part of the whole experience. I wish the best for you. Just stay strong and focused. Joe Defjoeb Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT