Venting my frustration... awaiting excisional biopsy!

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Sanduchi
Sanduchi Member Posts: 21
edited August 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

Hey all,

This isn't necessarily a question as it is a general rant. I got my 2nd opinion on my breast lump with Flat Epithelial Atypia and the breast surgeon recommended excisional biopsy. Yay, I will finally be done with this.

Then, the visit is run through my terrible-why-do-I-even-have-insurance plan, and the visit alone cost me WAAAY more than I was expecting.

Now I'm facing a horrible dilemma (although I think I will go ahead with the surgery anyway). Do I drain my bank account to take out this small little 2.5cm lump that is causing horrible doubt and uncertainty, or do I go about my life and trust that I have no cancer and it is all ok?

I know I need it out, I just cannot believe how expensive it all is, just for one little (most likely benign) lump. Sigh. Thanks for the venting session all.

Has anyone had something that appeared totally benign, only to find out it actually was malignant later?

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Comments

  • ml143333
    ml143333 Member Posts: 658
    edited August 2015

    I can't speak to a benign finding that was actually malignant because I was malignant from the get to.  What I do have experience with is making payment arrangements with every healthcare establishment I have come into contact with since my diagnosis.  My experience is that if you are up front with them about making a payment arrangement, they will do that.  Some places even have charity care for those that make below a certain threshold.

    If it were me, I would have it removed and move toward a payment plan, but that's just me.

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  • labelle
    labelle Member Posts: 721
    edited August 2015

    Since cost is a concern and your insurance sucks, can't they determine if this is benign or cancerous with a core needle biopsy? That would certainly be a less expensive procedure (no general anesthesia, no hospital surgical suite, etc. ). Of course it would not remove your lump, but if it were shown to be benign, would it matter so much to you? I don't think doing nothing is an option due to the mental distress it is causing you. The not knowing would be too much for me too.

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  • Sanduchi
    Sanduchi Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2015

    Hey ladies,

    Thanks for your replies. I actually already had a core needle biopsy nearly a year ago that came back as "Fibrocystic Changes with Flat Epithelial Atypia". My BS said that she thinks it is benign but since I have the atypia and it is around a lump (she said that usually doesn't cause a lump), she wants to remove it.

    She will end up doing what she calls an "excisional biopsy/lumpectomy" because she will remove the lump, but she will need to remove a bit of tissue around the lump just to make sure there isn't anything sinister lurking in the shadows.

    I know I need to have it done. I am not worried about the procedure, I'm worried about the bills to follow! I guess I need to get this little sucker out so I can stop worrying and stop paying! He he.

    So glad you all listen to my whining...

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  • labelle
    labelle Member Posts: 721
    edited August 2015

    Funny how we tend to think we have good insurance until we actually need it! I know I did and mine did cover regular/routine care quite nicely. Never really needed it in a major way until my BC diagnosis and then, what a shocker! I'm definitely paying! Good luck, hope all goes well with your surgery and then you can try to find better insurance. I'm looking for sure!

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  • Sassa
    Sassa Member Posts: 1,588
    edited August 2015

    All my tests (mammogram, compression mammogram, ultrasound) said area was probably benign and to come back in six months.

    Thank goodness my primary care MD wouldn't accept that statement and sent me to a surgeon for a biopsy. He thought the area was also benign but asked my permission to do an excisional biopsy. I said yes.

    Embedded in the lump removed was a tiny extremely aggressive IDC tumor. It was so aggressive that in six months times, I most likely would have been diagnosed at Stage IV instead of Stage 1.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited August 2015

    Check if your hospital has a "bridge" program for people who have some insurance and money, but not enough.

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