Does the term degenerative on a pathology report mean the same thing as necrosis?

Absolutely not: As a pathologist, I am surprised that anyone would even have suggested this to you. Please get with your physician and demand a clear explanation.

No: In fact, "degenerative" is a term often used by pathologists to convey that the changes observed in a specimen are different from necrosis. The exact significance of this term varies depending on where the sample was taken from, so discussion with your doctor is important as mentioned.