[Beacon Staff]

Weekly Poll - Number Of Bone Marrow Biopsies - 2012

by Beacon Staff on Wed Oct 17, 2012 11:33 am

This week's poll is about how many bone marrow biopsies / aspirations you have had.

A few clarifications:

First, feel free to count biopsies or aspirations, but if you had both done during the same procedure, only count that as one. In other words, how many times have you gone to the doctor's office for a bone marrow biopsy and/or aspiration.

Second, if you are a caregiver or family member of a myeloma patient, feel free to answer on their behalf.

As always, feel free to post comments, thoughts, or feedback in the space below. They can be very useful to other readers.

Also, feel free to check out a few of our previous related weekly polls:

On a scale of 0 to 10, how painful would you rate your last bone marrow biopsy?
https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/weekly-poll-bone-marrow-biopsies-and-pain-t944.html

What approach was used during your last bone marrow biopsy to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the procedure?
https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/weekly-poll-pain-management-for-bone-marrow-biopsies-t933.html

[rmbill]

Re: Weekly Poll - Number Of Bone Marrow Biopsies

by rmbill on Wed Oct 17, 2012 10:16 pm

Unfortunately I have had to go through 2 BMB's. The first BMB was a total disaster and was bungled by the local Oncologist. It also was one of the most horrible and painful things I have ever had to go through. He then misdiagnosed me as Stage 3 multiple myeloma and forgot to review the bone x-rays and other blood tests that he had ordered when he diagnosed me. By this time, my husband (Billy1) had become very versed about multiple myeloma and the Oncologist backed off especially when he heard that we had an appointment for the 2nd opinion at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance the following week. I then had to under go a 2nd BMB (sedated and no pain) which when properly performed resulted in a diagnosis of Smoldering multiple myeloma. It has been over a 1 1/2 years now and monthly serum tests continue to show stability and low counts with M-Spike and Freelite tests. Feeling fine and pain free..........RitaB

[Francine]

Re: Weekly Poll - Number Of Bone Marrow Biopsies

by Francine on Thu Oct 18, 2012 9:20 am

Wow, Rita. So glad you went for a second opinion at a top cancer center! Sorry you had to go through a horrible experience with your local onc first. May you have many more years of remaining smoldering.

[Stan W.]

Re: Weekly Poll - Number Of Bone Marrow Biopsies

by Stan W. on Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:05 am

I've had 3 BMBs. First at my oncologist to confirm his diagnosis of smoldering multiple myeloma.
2nd was done at Mt. Sinai with Dr. Jagannath's team before considering taking part in the BHQ880 clinical trial. The 3rd was done a week later at the NIH. This was a bi-lateral(left & right hip). I went down there for the Natural History Study but, was considered a candidate for the SMM trial with carfilzomib, which I declined.

[T E]

Re: Weekly Poll - Number Of Bone Marrow Biopsies

by T E on Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:15 pm

20+, if you count gene arrays, bone marrow biopsies / aspirations. Going on 10 years. Two ibuprofen approx. 45 min beforehand works well for me. Pain: 2, or less, out of 10 is the norm for me.
UAMS/MIRT Class of 2003.
I'm just glad to be here! Today...is a Good Day! Regards!