[mom22]

Got bone marrow biopsy results but doctor "too busy"

by mom22 on Wed May 28, 2014 5:23 pm

Just got bone marrow biopsy results and the doctor is "too busy" to discuss them with me. Did get a call from a nurse who said I was "fine", but they needed me to make another appointment. If I'm fine then why an appointment?

I'm just frantic to understand what this means. Can anyone offer some insight??

One marrow, right posterior iliac crest, trephine biopsy normocellular marrow (60%), with trilineage hematopoiesis, with full maturation. A kappa-restricted monotypic plasma cell
infiltrate comprises approximately 10% of overall cellularity by immunoperoxidase stains of the biopsy; plasma cells are 15% of total in aspirate smears (see below). The findings are consistent with a plasma cell neoplasm. No evidence of myelodysplasia. No granulomas. The bony trabeculae are unremarkable.

Lymphocytes
7%; Plasma cells 15%. Myeloid / erythroid ratio = 2.2

Before the test I was diagnosed with MGUS and the doctor said that if I got a number of 10 or more on something in my biopsy, that it might be smoldering myeloma. But I don't know what number that would be on this labwork. Am so desperate to understand! I wonder if it is the plasma cell number he is talking about?

Sorry, I'm a newbie and just really need to sleep tonight and won't be able to until i know.

Would greatly appreciate any insight! I am taking these labs to a reputable cancer clinic next week, but in the meantime, I'd prefer not to lose my mind.

Thank you!

[gardengirl]

Re: Got bone marrow biopsy results but doctor "too busy"

by gardengirl on Wed May 28, 2014 6:15 pm

I just looked at my analysis to see if I can help. Mine was analyzed by a CD 138 immunostain (which I believe highlights plasma cells), so I think that might correspond with "approximately 10% of overall cellularity by immunoperoxidase stains of the biopsy", which means you would be borderline MGUS and smoldering (based solely on BM biopsy).

What confuses me is "plasma cells are 15% of total in aspirate smears" which is consistent with smoldering.

I know this can make us all nuts, but please try to sleep knowing those numbers are still low (that's probably what the nurse meant?) BTW, if my doctor told me he was "too busy" I would find another one! I hope this helps!

This forum is great so I'm sure others will contribute as well.

Best wishes to you.

[mom22]

Re: Got bone marrow biopsy results but doctor "too busy"

by mom22 on Wed May 28, 2014 6:48 pm

Oh thank you SO much garden girl! So nice to "hear" a voice! I actually ended up calling a nurse and she reviewed all my test results with me. It appears it's all consistent with smoldering myeloma. My primary goal now is to find a new doctor. All I need is information and a plan and I'm not going to get it with this one.

Thanks you so much for answering me! This is feeling a little lonely and scary already.