[pamallyn]

Does it matter where a bone marrow biopsy is done?

by pamallyn on Thu Oct 27, 2016 4:25 pm

Hello all.

I have had MGUS for about 10 years and at this point it is high risk and apparently progressing. My free light chain ratio has gone from 7 to 40 in a little over a year, I have immunoparesis and a rising protein spike, etc. My local hematologist-oncologist told me today that I will very likely need treatment within a year, and she'd like me to have a bone marrow biopsy (my last was 2 years ago) before my next appointment in two months.

I live in Medford, Oregon, a small city not especially known for medical care. No one specializes in myeloma here. I consulted a doctor at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (they have myeloma specialists) a couple of years ago when there was some question about what my status was.

I plan to go back to Seattle for a consult as soon as any of my labs indicate probable need for treatment. I'll have the treatment done here locally, unless it's a bone marrow transplant, in which case back to Seattle.

Meanwhile, should I let them do the bone marrow biopsy here in Medford? I've had one that was no big deal, and one that was really painful, done by two different docs in other towns. Is a more experienced person going to provide less pain? Also, does the way in which it is done affect the results in any way? That is, would a Seattle myeloma doctor get any more indicative a result than a local generalist?

[kerrirunnergirl]

Re: Does it matter where a bone marrow biopsy is done?

by kerrirunnergirl on Thu Oct 27, 2016 9:01 pm

Hi Pamalynn,

I believe it is more important the skill level of the practitioner then the actual facility where the bone marrow is being done.

You want to ask the doctor performing the test how many bone marrows they have done along with the amount of marrow that was extracted. For example have they been successful obtaining enough tissue for cytogenetic evaluation.

My husband's last bone marrow biopsy was done in interventional radiology under conscious sedation at a local hospital. There was no pain and the sample was sufficient.

I am a conscious sedation nurse and I believe there is no need to have this procedure under a local only.. We have amazing medications that are very effective and provide much comfort during invasive procedures.

Don't be afraid to ask questions regarding the doctors experience and expertise. If they are offended they are not the doctor for you.

I have found people do more extensive research when buying a car than finding a doctor.

Good luck to you.
Kerri

[pamallyn]

Re: Does it matter where a bone marrow biopsy is done?

by pamallyn on Sun Oct 30, 2016 2:28 am

Thank you Kerri. I have decided to pursue diagnostic tests in Seattle.

[Tahiti02]

Re: Does it matter where a bone marrow biopsy is done?

by Tahiti02 on Mon Oct 31, 2016 1:38 am

I have had 4 bone marrow biopsies at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. I felt a little pressure but never any pain. They are very experienced and efficient.,Good luck!