Rami

Thank you for your response. I also smashed this thumb in a car door but that was some 30+ years ago. The streak appeared about 3 years ago (basing it on pictures). That’s what caused me to think melanoma because I read that it can be associated with trauma. I have several risk factors which is why I was so stressed about it, fearing that it could be a missed diagnosis since it is so uncommon, especially after reading Juan’s story….

How is your wife doing? 

Thanks for the response Janner….my samples were sent to a general pathologist and not a dermatopathologist which was one reason for my concern, is that a big deal? The other was that my derm did not remove my nail so I question whether she biopsied the right spot. She basically biopsied the matrix under my nail fold. I think it’s more fear, I read jvictorias story, his missed diagnosis and battle with melanoma…..very scary. Wondering how often it is missed….

Thank you so much for your response. I'm perturbed that my doctor assured me I would have them by yesterday and then didn't even bother to check in with me when they didn't come in. Of course she is gone the rest of the week, so who knows what will happen if they come in while she is out.

You responded to another post I had about a general pathologist versus a dermatopathologist and Kaiser. How long did it take for your to receive your results? Have you had good luck with Kaiser and melanoma specialists? Will they refer to universities outside of the system if needed?

Thanks again for your help….

Thank you for the response! How long did it take to get your results? I had my biopsy last Wednesday, derm said I should know by yesterday and still have not heard. Afraid it's not good news….

Thank you for the response Becky…how long did it take to receive your results? My biopsy was last Wednesday, derm said I should get results yesterday (Monday) still nothing. Emailed today and they said they are still in process, now worried that it's bad news because of the delay……

Thanks for the information and the positive attitude. My husband has told me the same thing about my worry, it won’t change a thing so it’s just a waste of energy. I wish my brain would listen. I’m highly anxious anyway and this is so out of my control, my anxiety is in overdrive…..

Thank you! Is it standard to have to wait several weeks just for the biopsy? I’m so anxious and worried at this point, I’ve read where some have a biopsy the same day as the exam? 

Thank you so much for your response and support. I’m so sorry to hear what you are going through now. I’m sending you positive vibes….

Thank you so much for your response and support. I’m so sorry to hear what you are going through now. I’m sending you positive vibes….

Thank you so much for the support! I’m going to look into both of these books.

Thank you so much for your response! Your post is very helpful, I’m prone to anxiety anyway so this definitely does not help. Can you recommend a good book on meditation that you have used? I do have an app on my phone that i try to use when my anxiety is very bad but i think at that point nothing helps.

Im so sorry that you had to wait for so long to get a diagnosis, I can’t imagine waiting that long. Like you said the uncertainty is the worst….

Thank you so much for your response! Your post is very helpful, I’m prone to anxiety anyway so this definitely does not help. Can you recommend a good book on meditation that you have used? I do have an app on my phone that i try to use when my anxiety is very bad but i think at that point nothing helps.

Im so sorry that you had to wait for so long to get a diagnosis, I can’t imagine waiting that long. Like you said the uncertainty is the worst….

You have been such great support and I appreciate it so much. I’m trying to be keep positive but this could be so life altering. Will you give me your thoughts on something? In my original message I posted that this line had been there for about a year. I have gone back and looked through old pictures and it seems I’ve had it much longer than that. I found a picture back in July 2014 where it was visible in the picture. It doesn’t look like it has changed much, so is that a good thing or bad thing? I’m worried that if it’s melanoma it has been growing for over 3 years. Wouldn’t there have been more marked/noticeable change if it had been that long?

Thank you so much for the article. I did have a second opinion appt today and the doctor recommended a biopsy. It’s two weeks from now, hoping I can keep my anxiety under control until then. I really like this doctor, when I asked her if she thought it was cancer she said “my gut says no, but I’ve been humbled before, so let’s do a biopsy.” At least she recognizes that doctors make mistakes and when they do it’s my life that’s affected, not theirs….

Thank you so much for responding, I really appreciate Kate it. I’ve scheduled a second opinion appt but it’s not for another 2 weeks…..trying to remain optimistic and off google in the interim.