teenagermom

Just wanted to throw out another option….I know Cobra can be so expensive.  With Taylor we chose to use our state's high risk pool insurance coverage.  In NC, it is called Inclusive Health.  Melanoma is a qualifying diagnosis, but we had to apply and be turned down for other insurance before they would accept him.  This coverage was pretty good and his doctors participated.  It is half the cost of Cobra.  We paid $500 a month for Cobra for him when he aged out of the plan (prior to the new law) and got the Inclusive Health for $250 a month.  There are several levels of coverage you can pick from.

Not sure what state you are in, but it would be worth seeing if they offer this type of coverage. 

Just wanted to throw out another option….I know Cobra can be so expensive.  With Taylor we chose to use our state's high risk pool insurance coverage.  In NC, it is called Inclusive Health.  Melanoma is a qualifying diagnosis, but we had to apply and be turned down for other insurance before they would accept him.  This coverage was pretty good and his doctors participated.  It is half the cost of Cobra.  We paid $500 a month for Cobra for him when he aged out of the plan (prior to the new law) and got the Inclusive Health for $250 a month.  There are several levels of coverage you can pick from.

Not sure what state you are in, but it would be worth seeing if they offer this type of coverage. 

Hi Elizabeth,

I do not post much, but I do still come here most days just to stay abreast of things.  My son, Taylor, was diagnosed in 2006 at the age of 15 1/2.  His primary was located on his temple area.  His derm was also shocked that Taylor's small mole turned out to be mel.  He wanted to refer him to a local onc (we are in NC).  But luckily, I found this site and learned that I needed to get him ASAP to a mel specialist.  That is when I became an advocate for my son, I mean really an advocate (not just a mom!).  I learned about Dr. Richard White at Blumenthal Cancer Center in Charlotte NC.  He has been wonderful with Taylor.  He had to re-do the WLE (that we let the derm do originally) and also did an SNB (which was clear).

Taylor is now 20, working 2 jobs and getting ready to start college (he is a late bloomer!).  The one thing I can tell you, is make sure your son is being treated by a melanoma specialist, not just a regular oncologist.  It does make a difference!  There are other parents of child/teen mel survivors here, hopefully some others will chime in soon.  Just know you have found a safe place and there is alot of knowledge that can be found here.  It can be overwhelming, but we are here for support all you have to do is ask!

Kristin

Hi Elizabeth,

I do not post much, but I do still come here most days just to stay abreast of things.  My son, Taylor, was diagnosed in 2006 at the age of 15 1/2.  His primary was located on his temple area.  His derm was also shocked that Taylor's small mole turned out to be mel.  He wanted to refer him to a local onc (we are in NC).  But luckily, I found this site and learned that I needed to get him ASAP to a mel specialist.  That is when I became an advocate for my son, I mean really an advocate (not just a mom!).  I learned about Dr. Richard White at Blumenthal Cancer Center in Charlotte NC.  He has been wonderful with Taylor.  He had to re-do the WLE (that we let the derm do originally) and also did an SNB (which was clear).

Taylor is now 20, working 2 jobs and getting ready to start college (he is a late bloomer!).  The one thing I can tell you, is make sure your son is being treated by a melanoma specialist, not just a regular oncologist.  It does make a difference!  There are other parents of child/teen mel survivors here, hopefully some others will chime in soon.  Just know you have found a safe place and there is alot of knowledge that can be found here.  It can be overwhelming, but we are here for support all you have to do is ask!

Kristin

Hi, just wanted to stop in and let you know that there are many caring people here that will be along to offer advice and support.  My son is the one with mm and I have learned that each person's story is different.  One thing I can tell you is that you need to make sure you are seeing a physician that specializes in melanoma.  We live in NC and found a wonderful doctor in Charlotte.  It is a bit of a drive, but well worth it. 

If you are not seeing a specialist, just post your general location and I am sure some of the members here will be happy to offer suggestions.  Please be sure to hang around and just read.  There is alot to learn, but you are in the right place.

Hi, just wanted to stop in and let you know that there are many caring people here that will be along to offer advice and support.  My son is the one with mm and I have learned that each person's story is different.  One thing I can tell you is that you need to make sure you are seeing a physician that specializes in melanoma.  We live in NC and found a wonderful doctor in Charlotte.  It is a bit of a drive, but well worth it. 

If you are not seeing a specialist, just post your general location and I am sure some of the members here will be happy to offer suggestions.  Please be sure to hang around and just read.  There is alot to learn, but you are in the right place.