Bone Marrow Biopsy Question

[Jeanne]

Hi All,

I have to have a bone marrow biopsy soon and was wondering if anyone here has had one. My cardiologist said I'd be in the hospital for a few days before the procedure with heparin. I haven't talked with the oncolgist yet about it. Any feedback would be appreciated.

I had a St. Jude aortic valve replacement done in November 2000.

Jeanne

 

[Sherry]

Hello, Jeanne,
My husband had a series of bone marrow biopsies ten years ago as he battled aplastic anemia. He never had any sort of sedative when he had them done, but I (and he too) would strongly suggest you ask for one. I'm not trying to scare you, but I just want you to be informed because he certainly wasn't. If you'd like, I could have him communicate his experiences with you via private message or e-mail. Hope all goes well for you.

 

[Johnny Stephens]

I had one back in 1980 for Hodgkin's Disease, so I have to assume there have been some changes. It's not pleasant, but it's over with really quickly.

Please PM me if you want more details.

 

[terryj]

I had a bone biopsy done 2 years ago. I had a shot to deaden the area somewhat. It did not take long to do the test. They did have to take 2 samples though because the first piece they got wasn't large enough to test. Also for some reason my bones are very hard. I had a little bruising and soreness the next day but I went back to work the day after that.

 

[bvdr]

Hi Jeanne, I hope everything turns out OK for you. You never mentioned why the biopsy was ordered. I hope whatever it is is fixable and you soon have this behind you.

 

[Mary]

My mom is battling lymphatic cancer and she has had two bone marrow biopsies in the past six months.
She found them very painful. I wan't aware of it until after the last one; now I wish I had asked the doctor if they couldn't do something more to minimize the amount of pain.
Can you found out before you have the procedure done?

 

[Glenda]

Mary I have had two within the last two years. I have CML (chronic myeloid leukemia) so I'm supposed to have one every year. My oncologist did the first one in his office which was so painful. He went in through my sterumn. I will never let him do that again. The last one was while I have having my AVR in June. Of course I was asleep for that one. This is the best way to go. I'll insist on this way next time. I was also wondering about them going in through the sterunm now. Could they hit a wire by accident? Just wondering. Anyone got an answer?

 

[Jeanne]

Hi,

I will be having the biopsy tomorrow afternoon. Sixteen years ago I had chemo for non-hodgkins lymphoma and I could be having problems from the treatment. They think it might be Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Thank you all for the responses.

Jeanne

 

[Mary]

Jeanne,

Good luck with the biopsy. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Glenda,
I just read your response this morning. I'm so sorry you have to go through that! I think mom's was in her spinal cord, but I'm not positive now that you've said sternum.

Her primary diagnosis is brain carcinoma, but it has been halted once again. It is not a pretty disease.

Anyway, I know you've got incredible shoulders to carry what you carry.
Love,
Mary