Can anyone tell me about the Bone Marrow Biopsy

Hello all,

I am new to this board because I just found out my blood work suggests I may have multiple melanoma. The doctor told me today he wants me to have X-Rays and a bone marrow biopsy.

I'm frightened about the bone marrow biopsy. Can anyone tell me if they've had one and what it feels like, pain wise ect?

I really appreciate it!

A bone marrow biopsy is standard for confirmation and staging of MM.  They can be painful but a lot is dependent on the experience of the dr. or tech that is doing the biopsy.  They should at least give you local anesthetic and you should be able to ask for more sedation if you think you need it.  My first one was not bad at all.  The second was.  Just know that it is a fairly quick procedure so if there is some pain it shouldn't last long.

Good luck,

Janet

My husband just had one yesterday as an outpatient.  I would agree, make sure they use loads of local anesthetic...

My husband had his first one while in the hospital....when he was diagnosed.  When he came back to the room, he had started to bruise, and I do believe it is because they did not hold pressure on the site.  However, yesterday he did fine.  The doctor did a great job of deadening the are with the local....and then he did the biopsy. He held pressure on the site for a number of minutes and then had my husband stay on his back in a position that would continue adding pressure to the bone and the site.  He had no oozing from the site and he had no pain from it.

 I do believe that it is the experience of the doctor that can make this tolerable or not.  Our doctor was great....and as I sat and watched the procedure being done, I knew he had much experience in doing it.  He made sure that my husband was fully deadened, and also helped him during the times when there could have been pressure (or pain).  The pressure was felt but there was no pain to speak of.

I had asked if my husband wanted some anti-anxiety meds before we went, but he did totally fine without them.  Me...well, I would have either had a beer or taken the meds, as I am more of a chicken than him.

Best of luck to you on this adventure.  AMW

Good Afternoon Snorkel;

I'm frightened about the bone marrow biopsy.

Much has been written about BMB. You may wish to check the archives for more information. 

Can anyone tell me if they've had one and what it feels like, pain wise etc?

I've had three. The doc numbed the tissue area, but there's no way to numb the bone. It's relatively a fast procedure, start to finish is only approx. 3-4 minutes. It's uncomfortable, but if a sissy like me can handle them you'll do fine.

Ask for the BMB needle. Great to show the grandkids.

Good luck and take care;

Kevin

From Anna,

Hi snorkel46526, Can't answer your question. My Dad has the MM.  Just wanted to say welcome to the group.

Your friend,

Anna

Many thanks to everyone who answered.

I am still leaning toward being totally put out though I know this is more work for everyone

I'm still in the process of getting many tests.Today were the X-Rays. Monday I see the doc again. I have no idea how skilled he is at the bone marrow biopsies. Should I ask for references? HA..just kidding!

Welcome to the world of Myeloma! I am a 9yr. survivor and have had about 4 BMB. The first one I had with a local Oncologist. He did not give me any premeds but did give the local rear-end a shot or 2 but it does not numb the bone- it was very painful!!! I changed docs after that and had my other 3 at Mayo - they put me to sleep each time and they can take what they want! I felt nothing and the later pain was really nothing too! So I agree with the others. It depends?? But do insist on some kind of premed for anxiety because you are worried or you would not be on this site asking! The tests you should be going through are the head to toe xrays, blood, 24 hr urine collection, and biopsy. If they still question if you have myeloma, you should go to one of the larger Myeloma centers/groups. Call  & register w/the  International Myeloma Foundation, they have people you can speak too. Get educated in Myeloma and be pro active. We are all living a lot longer because of it! Join a Myeloma Support group in your area too. Also register /w the MMRF & the LLS as well as the ACS & Cancer Care. They all have great things to offer Myeloma patients. Glad you found this great site too. Good luck, Kathy

My Mom was diagoned with MM about 1 month ago. Each time she goes to the Dr. they test her blood,  Then she had to collect her urine for 24 hours, the next step was a bone scan and last step was the bone marrow biopsy.

Her urine test was good, and the bone scan was good but the bone marrow test did show MM.

They did her bone marrow biopsy in the Doctors office.  Dr. did numb the site really good.  My Mom said it felt like a bad bee sting going in but coming out it was pretty bad.  Even the Dr. told her it would be worse coming out. 

Since being diagnosed she has taken 4 rounds of Chemo twice a week and is taking some kind of meds. for 14 days.

We go this Friday to the Cancer Treatment Center in our Area to discuss a bone marrow transplant. 

 I am really worried about her, but she is a very strong 61 year old.

I wish you the best.

Heh!

I had a BMB at Moffitt over the summer...and honestly it was a piece of cake. I had watched youtube videos of it being done and was totally petrified!! They just gave me a local...and although it was uncomfortable....it's over with before you know it.  Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Hugs,

Amy

Thanks so much to all of you who have written. I have my follow up appt with the oncologist Monday.

I feel like due to anxiety I really need to be "put under" while I have the procedure.

I'm also going to check out the MM foundation website as well.

Blessings,Bobbi