Hi, on Tues I'm having a bone marrow aspiration because my M spike went from 1 to 1.5. Not anemic, no lytic lesions (34 x-rays), low WBC, and no kidney issues (24-hr urine coll). The oncologist wants to see if I have MGUS, smoldering myeloma, or multiple myeloma. I understand the CRAB criteria.
How long does it take for results? I realize the results could come back with multiple myeloma, but can it also predict the severity or type of multiple myeloma? I don't feel any different and continue to exercise. Keep wondering if I should do anything different such as get a flu shot or avoid sick people. Cannot remember the last time I was sick, but when I read about MGUS, SM, and multiple myeloma, most articles specify patients are at a greater risk of obtaining infections/viruses due to the impaired immune system. Thanks, Diane
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Re: Bone Marrow Aspiration
Hi Diane,
I've had 4 bmb's over the last 14 mths. and it has taken 7 to 10 days for the results from my lab.
This test provides just about all the info. It will show whether you have multiple myeloma, the type, and stage. If your white blood count is below the normal range I would watch being around people with colds and flu as all people should. I wouldn't get a flu shot at this time as if your wbc are compromised it could possibly bring on the flu, but the doc's may say something different. Hope this helps and good luck to ya.
I've had 4 bmb's over the last 14 mths. and it has taken 7 to 10 days for the results from my lab.
This test provides just about all the info. It will show whether you have multiple myeloma, the type, and stage. If your white blood count is below the normal range I would watch being around people with colds and flu as all people should. I wouldn't get a flu shot at this time as if your wbc are compromised it could possibly bring on the flu, but the doc's may say something different. Hope this helps and good luck to ya.
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Ritz - Name: Ritz
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Oct 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 62
Re: Bone Marrow Aspiration
Thanks Ritz: Yes, nervous about the bone marrow aspiration. Wow, I thought once you had one that would be it. Are there any restrictions following the aspiration? My doctor said that my WBC has always been low and didn't seem that alarmed.
Speaking of MGUS, SM, and multiple myeloma, I wondering where are the 3% of people over 40 who are supposed to have MGUS. My mom comes from a large family and I know lots of people in my age range (56) and NO ONE has heard of MGUS. Certainly most people over 40 get routine blood tests. Even my son's doctor (age 60) said he had never heard of MGUS, but knew about multiple myeloma. Diane
Speaking of MGUS, SM, and multiple myeloma, I wondering where are the 3% of people over 40 who are supposed to have MGUS. My mom comes from a large family and I know lots of people in my age range (56) and NO ONE has heard of MGUS. Certainly most people over 40 get routine blood tests. Even my son's doctor (age 60) said he had never heard of MGUS, but knew about multiple myeloma. Diane
Re: Bone Marrow Aspiration
Diane,
I've never had any restrictions after the bmb, in and out in app. an hour or less. Hopefully 1 bmb will be all you need . The reason I've had so many bmb's is that after each type of chemo they would check my bone marrow for the plasma cell cancer count. Finally hit a chemo that reduced the count enough to do a stem cell transplant. Today is day 53 after the sct and I'm doing very well.
Regarding your comment about mgus, multiple myeloma is rare so most people have never heard of it and /or know little or nothing about it and even fewer have any knowledge of mgus
or sm.
I've never had any restrictions after the bmb, in and out in app. an hour or less. Hopefully 1 bmb will be all you need . The reason I've had so many bmb's is that after each type of chemo they would check my bone marrow for the plasma cell cancer count. Finally hit a chemo that reduced the count enough to do a stem cell transplant. Today is day 53 after the sct and I'm doing very well.
Regarding your comment about mgus, multiple myeloma is rare so most people have never heard of it and /or know little or nothing about it and even fewer have any knowledge of mgus
or sm.
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Ritz - Name: Ritz
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Oct 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 62
Re: Bone Marrow Aspiration
The general recommendation is that all of us get the flu vaccine annually and the pneumonia vaccine. Both of these are made with dead viruses, so won't be a problem for us. You do want to avoid the nasal spray flu vaccine because that is a live vaccine as is the shingles vaccine. You need to talk with your oncologist about what vaccines are ok for you to get, what ones are recommended, etc.
Good luck with your BMB. I've only had one. My oncologist tracks my disease solely through blood tests, x-rays, MRI's and CT/PET scans.
Good luck with your BMB. I've only had one. My oncologist tracks my disease solely through blood tests, x-rays, MRI's and CT/PET scans.
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: Bone Marrow Aspiration
Hi Everyone! About the vaccines...if you have had a stem cell transplant, there is a protocol about getting your vaccines again. After one year, you may receive the non-live vaccines, and after two years, the live vaccines....if you are approved by the oncologists involved in your care. I am just getting the live vaccines this month...measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) and varicella (chicken pox/shingles). For the past two years, have been taking 'Valcyclovir', a prescription anti-viral drug used to treat shingles. This is to suppress my own immune system from causing the disease.
Am now back to taking the 'flu' shot annually, and did get the pneumoccal vaccine last year. It protects against over 20 strains of pneumonia!!
Am now back to taking the 'flu' shot annually, and did get the pneumoccal vaccine last year. It protects against over 20 strains of pneumonia!!
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: Bone Marrow Aspiration
Hi NancyS!
Just wondering....sounds great that pneumonia vaccine protects against 20 strains of pneumonia...but are those 20 strains the ones which most frequently cause pneumonia in the elderly and/or immunocompromised?
Just wondering....sounds great that pneumonia vaccine protects against 20 strains of pneumonia...but are those 20 strains the ones which most frequently cause pneumonia in the elderly and/or immunocompromised?
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suzierose - Name: suzierose
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2 sept 2011
Re: Bone Marrow Aspiration
Hi Suzierose...have been reading your posts with interest and admire your inquiring mind! I don't know the answer to your question about the strains of pneumonia...I do know that here in Alberta the Public Health clinic will vaccinate anyone over the age of 65 with this shot...it is recommended for seniors. I have been getting vaccines that are meant for older people (am 'only' 60) due to my position as a post transplant patient. There are public health nurses dedicated to patients like us! Am grateful for all the help I have received to recover from multiple myeloma. hAPPY nEW year and i really aspire to better health for all of us patients!
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: Bone Marrow Aspiration
Hi - thanks for the responses. Just had the bone marrow aspiration and was not prepared for the pain even with adavan and demoral. Dr said results will be ready in two weeks. During the procedure I asked general questions about MGUS, SM, and multiple myeloma and was told to discuss more positive topics so I wouldn't be anxious. I haven't been sleeping very well since told about the M spike and am wondering if my PCP can prescribe adavan to help sleep.
I visit the Mayo Hematology-Oncology campus on Jan 25 with Dr. Bergsagel regardless of the outcome. Diane
I visit the Mayo Hematology-Oncology campus on Jan 25 with Dr. Bergsagel regardless of the outcome. Diane
Re: Bone Marrow Aspiration
Diane,
If you ever have another born marrow biopsy, tell them that you want to be sedated. There is no reason to have to feel pain for this procedure.
You will be glad that you went to Mayo. It is so organized and professional that it really inspires confidence.
If you ever have another born marrow biopsy, tell them that you want to be sedated. There is no reason to have to feel pain for this procedure.
You will be glad that you went to Mayo. It is so organized and professional that it really inspires confidence.
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rumnting - Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 4/9/11
- Age at diagnosis: 54
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