Debt Dumpers - 2016

[Dentam]

How do you go about doing this?

This used to be a popular 'work at home' thing many years ago but with voice recognition software, there hasn't been much need for this nowadays, at least in a medical setting.
When I first started in radiology in 1988, every hospital had huge crews of transcriptionists. Now we have 0. As the doctor dictates a report, the words appear on the screen, they edit as needed, then sign off and the report is finalized.
Back when a transcription was done from their voice recording, they would have to go back and read each preliminary report to check for accuracy before finalizing it.

If you can make $$ at it, I would go for it while you still can!!

I'm a bit skeptical too, given that technology should be able to make this work less needed. I was looking into a company called Rev, but there are some bad reviews online. I will keep looking I guess. I've done freelance writing and would like to do something similar in my spare time.

 

[Eureka]

That is what it was here, back then. Like I said, it was about 13 years ago, but I wound up collecting for a bit over a year while working part time.

There were restrictions on filing deadlines weekly, and a process if one was missed, so do check all the ins and outs.

Yeah, I've already checked in for my first week and have to do it tomorrow. Lots of safeguards in place to make sure you're not taking a dime more than you're allotted. Lol.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I'm a bit skeptical too, given that technology should be able to make this work less needed. I was looking into a company called Rev, but there are some bad reviews online. I will keep looking I guess. I've done freelance writing and would like to do something similar in my spare time.

It can't hurt to hear what they offer. I would think it could work out as long as they don't expect some kind of fee from you up front or expect you to buy a lot of expensive equipment up front.

 

[Gena001]

Hey guys....feeling a bit dumpy. My hubby went to dermatologist a year ago and asked about a spot on his nose. She wasn't worried about it. Fast forward a year, he's back and she removed it. Biopsy did come back as skin cancer so now we are waiting on an appointment with a dermatological plastic surgeon. They will need to go in and dig it all out. He was told to plan on a whole day.

I will be at every appointment with him because this is all I know about the situation. Since they did some analysis, wouldn't they know what type of cancer he has? ...maybe not how bad It is...

Any knowledge you all have is appreciated as well as prayers.

And, June is typically the first month of his plan year for insurance, but for whatever reason they are extending the year by 4 months. Guess, for the first time ever, we'll meet the deductible.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Hey guys....feeling a bit dumpy. My hubby went to dermatologist a year ago and asked about a spot on his nose. She wasn't worried about it. Fast forward a year, he's back and she removed it. Biopsy did come back as skin cancer so now we are waiting on an appointment with a dermatological plastic surgeon. They will need to go in and dig it all out. He was told to plan on a whole day.

I will be at every appointment with him because this is all I know about the situation. Since they did some analysis, wouldn't they know what type of cancer he has? ...maybe not how bad It is...

Any knowledge you all have is appreciated as well as prayers.

And, June is typically the first month of his plan year for insurance, but for whatever reason they are extending the year by 4 months. Guess, for the first time ever, we'll meet the deductible.

First,
The most important question to ask, "Is it melanoma?" Melanoma is a malignancy that can spread to lymph nodes and then other parts of the body.

If it's basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, they are growths that would continue to grow, invade, and if left untreated, could deform normal surrounding tissue but they are generally not going to metastasize. They are removed not to save one's life, but that it would keep growing if not removed.

If it's melanoma, you will want to know what stage is it. This might require more tests to give you an accurate answer.

I've had basal cell carcinoma on my lower leg and a good friend has had melanoma. She was super lucky that she mentioned it to her derm because she said it didn't look like the usual spots shown in brochures. It was discovered sooo early she didn't need any further treatment (chemo or radiation) except surgery.

My derm is one biopsy-lovin' guy. Seriously, I think he does one every other visit but my basal cell was found very early while it was still superficial.
Superficial is not just a visual diagnosis but a microscopic one made by the pathologist. It means it hasn't invaded the deeper layers of the skin. So I am grateful he is so careful. I didn't need the Mohs procedure, but just had to put what he called a "chemo cream" on the scar everyday for I can't remember how long. Several weeks IIRC.
Now I go for skin cancer screenings every 6 months. I feel like I get new freckles every week so sometimes 6 months feels like a long time.

It's good that you're going with him to his appointments. Not only so that he's not going through it alone but it's also good to have another set of ears or someone to take notes. Sometimes when you're given a lot of info at once, it's hard to remember everything later.

This might help:
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skinca...squamous-cell-what-is-basal-and-squamous-cell
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skinca...guide/skin-cancer-melanoma-detailed-guide-toc

Hang in there!! You're doing all the right things.
Remember, you can always get a 2nd opinion. It will either reinforce your confidence with his current doctor, or maybe shed a new light on things. Either way, it's a good idea and that's why insurance companies don't mind paying for 2nd opinions.

Good luck to your dh!!

 

[Ngwira]

Hey guys....feeling a bit dumpy. My hubby went to dermatologist a year ago and asked about a spot on his nose. She wasn't worried about it. Fast forward a year, he's back and she removed it. Biopsy did come back as skin cancer so now we are waiting on an appointment with a dermatological plastic surgeon. They will need to go in and dig it all out. He was told to plan on a whole day.

I will be at every appointment with him because this is all I know about the situation. Since they did some analysis, wouldn't they know what type of cancer he has? ...maybe not how bad It is...

Any knowledge you all have is appreciated as well as prayers.

And, June is typically the first month of his plan year for insurance, but for whatever reason they are extending the year by 4 months. Guess, for the first time ever, we'll meet the deductible.

Prayers going up for your family.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Hey guys....feeling a bit dumpy. My hubby went to dermatologist a year ago and asked about a spot on his nose. She wasn't worried about it. Fast forward a year, he's back and she removed it. Biopsy did come back as skin cancer so now we are waiting on an appointment with a dermatological plastic surgeon. They will need to go in and dig it all out. He was told to plan on a whole day.

I will be at every appointment with him because this is all I know about the situation. Since they did some analysis, wouldn't they know what type of cancer he has? ...maybe not how bad It is...

Any knowledge you all have is appreciated as well as prayers.

And, June is typically the first month of his plan year for insurance, but for whatever reason they are extending the year by 4 months. Guess, for the first time ever, we'll meet the deductible.

The information from @ruadisneyfan2 is really good. Melanoma is very serious, so you want to know the type as soon as possible. If your DH's appointment isn't for a few days yet, I would call the Drs. office tomorrow to get an overview of what they told him at his last appointment. As ruadisneyfan2 said, it's hard to remember everything you are told when presented with lots of information. You want to be on the same page and have as much information as you can to proceed forward.

My DH and I are sending all of our good thoughts your way.

 

[Eureka]

Hey guys....feeling a bit dumpy. My hubby went to dermatologist a year ago and asked about a spot on his nose. She wasn't worried about it. Fast forward a year, he's back and she removed it. Biopsy did come back as skin cancer so now we are waiting on an appointment with a dermatological plastic surgeon. They will need to go in and dig it all out. He was told to plan on a whole day.

I will be at every appointment with him because this is all I know about the situation. Since they did some analysis, wouldn't they know what type of cancer he has? ...maybe not how bad It is...

Any knowledge you all have is appreciated as well as prayers.

And, June is typically the first month of his plan year for insurance, but for whatever reason they are extending the year by 4 months. Guess, for the first time ever, we'll meet the deductible.

Thinking of you both. Let us know what you find out.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Thinking of you and your hubby @Gena001 . Hoping you find some answers and a course of treatment at his next visit.

 

[Dentam]

My dad had melanoma on his face when he was in his 30's. They removed it as well as nearby lymph nodes and he has been good since. It's nothing to mess around with though. Hope they've caught the skin cancer early and it will be a simple procedure, @Gena001!

On a separate note, it is 97 here today and I live in a 110 year old house with no AC. Broke down and bought a portable AC unit for $289 today since I haven't been sleeping at night with this weather. It's been 80 and stuffy in my house. Blech! I really didn't want to buy the unit, but the fans I have just aren't cutting it and our forecast is showing more of the same. I'd open all the windows in the morning and have the fans running but could only get it down a couple of degrees and that wouldn't last long once I had to close them. I don't sleep with the windows open at night since I'm on the first floor.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

My dad had melanoma on his face when he was in his 30's. They removed it as well as nearby lymph nodes and he has been good since. It's nothing to mess around with though. Hope they've caught the skin cancer early and it will be a simple procedure, @Gena001!

On a separate note, it is 97 here today and I live in a 110 year old house with no AC. Broke down and bought a portable AC unit for $289 today since I haven't been sleeping at night with this weather. It's been 80 and stuffy in my house. Blech! I really didn't want to buy the unit, but the fans I have just aren't cutting it and our forecast is showing more of the same. I'd open all the windows in the morning and have the fans running but could only get it down a couple of degrees and that wouldn't last long once I had to close them. I don't sleep with the windows open at night since I'm on the first floor.

When I was younger, in my 20's, I was more concerned about my electric bill and would only put the AC on if outside was above 90. Now I can't stand heat. Well, really the humidity. I put AC on if it's 75 & muggy.

I would never be able to sleep with windows open either. We have a rancher so I feel like open windows on a dark, wooded lot just screams, "Come on in!" Plus my allergies are awful and everything outside is full of pollen. I'll get a few weeks of break by mid July but then in mid August starts ragweed pollen. ugh!

 

[DisneyMandC]

@Gena001 , thinking of you and your family and hoping for swift and good answers. Please keep us updated as we'll have you in our thoughts!

It was a tough weekend at my house. Yesterday I put down my first pony that my parents bought me when I was 9 years old. I'd owned him for 18 years, and he turned 31 years old last month. I'm thankful that I was with him and that he didn't suffer long as he got sick yesterday morning and it was clearly apparent to us and to my vet that his time had come. He's very missed already, it's always tough saying goodbye to the furbabies. Even my poor vet was crying!

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

@Gena001 , thinking of you and your family and hoping for swift and good answers. Please keep us updated as we'll have you in our thoughts!

It was a tough weekend at my house. Yesterday I put down my first pony that my parents bought me when I was 9 years old. I'd owned him for 18 years, and he turned 31 years old last month. I'm thankful that I was with him and that he didn't suffer long as he got sick yesterday morning and it was clearly apparent to us and to my vet that his time had come. He's very missed already, it's always tough saying goodbye to the furbabies. Even my poor vet was crying!

Very sorry for your loss! It is so very hard to lose a member of the family. Fur or feathers or scales, doesn't matter. Every day with them is such a gift and I hope that your fond memories will help carry you through this difficult time.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

@Gena001 , thinking of you and your family and hoping for swift and good answers. Please keep us updated as we'll have you in our thoughts!

It was a tough weekend at my house. Yesterday I put down my first pony that my parents bought me when I was 9 years old. I'd owned him for 18 years, and he turned 31 years old last month. I'm thankful that I was with him and that he didn't suffer long as he got sick yesterday morning and it was clearly apparent to us and to my vet that his time had come. He's very missed already, it's always tough saying goodbye to the furbabies. Even my poor vet was crying!

So sorry for your loss.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

@Gena001 , thinking of you and your family and hoping for swift and good answers. Please keep us updated as we'll have you in our thoughts!

It was a tough weekend at my house. Yesterday I put down my first pony that my parents bought me when I was 9 years old. I'd owned him for 18 years, and he turned 31 years old last month. I'm thankful that I was with him and that he didn't suffer long as he got sick yesterday morning and it was clearly apparent to us and to my vet that his time had come. He's very missed already, it's always tough saying goodbye to the furbabies. Even my poor vet was crying!

I'm so sorry.
I had to put my cat down years ago and it is so hard.

 

[dayvewc]

@Gena001, know that I'm sending good thoughts your way. Hope it all turns out well.

My dad had melanoma on his face when he was in his 30's. They removed it as well as nearby lymph nodes and he has been good since. It's nothing to mess around with though. Hope they've caught the skin cancer early and it will be a simple procedure, @Gena001!

On a separate note, it is 97 here today and I live in a 110 year old house with no AC. Broke down and bought a portable AC unit for $289 today since I haven't been sleeping at night with this weather. It's been 80 and stuffy in my house. Blech! I really didn't want to buy the unit, but the fans I have just aren't cutting it and our forecast is showing more of the same. I'd open all the windows in the morning and have the fans running but could only get it down a couple of degrees and that wouldn't last long once I had to close them. I don't sleep with the windows open at night since I'm on the first floor.

I hear ya on the heat. It was 105 the other day according to the gauge on my car. One of the advantages to living where I do, I don't worry about leaving the windows open at night. Besides, if anyone tried to break in, I have two guard dogs that would tackle and lick the invader to death.

@Gena001 , thinking of you and your family and hoping for swift and good answers. Please keep us updated as we'll have you in our thoughts!

It was a tough weekend at my house. Yesterday I put down my first pony that my parents bought me when I was 9 years old. I'd owned him for 18 years, and he turned 31 years old last month. I'm thankful that I was with him and that he didn't suffer long as he got sick yesterday morning and it was clearly apparent to us and to my vet that his time had come. He's very missed already, it's always tough saying goodbye to the furbabies. Even my poor vet was crying!

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I hear ya on the heat. It was 105 the other day according to the gauge on my car. One of the advantages to living where I do, I don't worry about leaving the windows open at night. Besides, if anyone tried to break in, I have two guard dogs that would tackle and lick the invader to death.

When we were kids our windows and doors were always open. Now, I don't know if crime rates are actually going up or if it's due to "news overload" but I feel like it's not worth the risk.

 

[dayvewc]

When we were kids our windows and doors were always open. Now, I don't know if crime rates are actually going up or if it's due to "news overload" but I feel like it's not worth the risk.

I don't advocate for other people to leave their windows open, but .... I live in a small town. And I mean town that has a population of about 2000 people. It is almost stereotypical "Mayberry" for everyone knowing everyone else. There are times when I appreciate it (like now when I can have open windows at night), but there are also times when it drives me up the wall and I start planning my next vacation to get away. ;-)


On a totally unrelated note, I posted an update to my TR. Finally heard back from Guest Services if anyone is interested.

 

[bcwife76]

@Gena001 sending you all big hugs and prayers!

 

[Gena001]

First,
The most important question to ask, "Is it melanoma?" Melanoma is a malignancy that can spread to lymph nodes and then other parts of the body.

If it's basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, they are growths that would continue to grow, invade, and if left untreated, could deform normal surrounding tissue but they are generally not going to metastasize. They are removed not to save one's life, but that it would keep growing if not removed.

If it's melanoma, you will want to know what stage is it. This might require more tests to give you an accurate answer.

I've had basal cell carcinoma on my lower leg and a good friend has had melanoma. She was super lucky that she mentioned it to her derm because she said it didn't look like the usual spots shown in brochures. It was discovered sooo early she didn't need any further treatment (chemo or radiation) except surgery.

My derm is one biopsy-lovin' guy. Seriously, I think he does one every other visit but my basal cell was found very early while it was still superficial.
Superficial is not just a visual diagnosis but a microscopic one made by the pathologist. It means it hasn't invaded the deeper layers of the skin. So I am grateful he is so careful. I didn't need the Mohs procedure, but just had to put what he called a "chemo cream" on the scar everyday for I can't remember how long. Several weeks IIRC.
Now I go for skin cancer screenings every 6 months. I feel like I get new freckles every week so sometimes 6 months feels like a long time.

It's good that you're going with him to his appointments. Not only so that he's not going through it alone but it's also good to have another set of ears or someone to take notes. Sometimes when you're given a lot of info at once, it's hard to remember everything later.

This might help:
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skinca...squamous-cell-what-is-basal-and-squamous-cell
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skinca...guide/skin-cancer-melanoma-detailed-guide-toc

Hang in there!! You're doing all the right things.
Remember, you can always get a 2nd opinion. It will either reinforce your confidence with his current doctor, or maybe shed a new light on things. Either way, it's a good idea and that's why insurance companies don't mind paying for 2nd opinions.

Good luck to your dh!!

Thanks for the wonderful info. I really didn't know where to start. His mom is freaking out, understandably, but since we don't know what kind. ..

The new doctor office called yesterday, but he was in a meeting. When he called back they put him on hold and he hung up after 10 minutes. So we'll see.

Thanks to EVERYONE for the hugs. It's it bad to say that I'm thankful it's "only" skin cancer?