Bone Marrow Test Nothing To Fear

This is in reply to the 69 year old who fears the cancer will spread. I'm 48 and have had 5 biopsy's since 96. The procedure for me was mostly inoffice and done in 15 minutes. You are numb all the way to the bone and a needle in inserted in your bone which can't be numbed but it feels no worse than a dental visit to me when you need a little more novacain. It's ok. I have went through it with out any nerve meds or anethesia completely awake. I'd prefer it that way then I can drive home and I feel no different when I get home. I have it done in the back of my pelvic bone and its covered with a bandaid. It's over before you know it and my cancer is still in the bone cells. But I've had no treatment for 10 years and the most treatment I've had is thalidimide for 3 months lately . My hemoglobin is 1400 . People have no idea I have cancer because they can't tell by the way I act. I'm tired and have a lot of edema in my legs but I take lasix and potassium for now. I'm beginning Revlilmid in a week or so. My platelets are 40,000 so I take decadron sometimes and Zometa infusions. The neulasta shot doesn't last more than 3 weeks so we are stopping that now. It gave be a lot of bone pain and headaches . THe zometa doesn't seem to do any painfull thing. THe talidimide made by shaky like parkenson. I still shake when I hold a glass 4 months since I stopped. I couldn't tolerate the thalidimide. My legs swole up to my pelvic and wouldn't go down. THe doctor said I heard a bad reaction to it. Don't fear the test. It needs to be done to see how you are progressing. Don't fear.

HI, my name is Viv and I have myelofibrosis, I was scared to death to have my bone marrow biopsy done. I researched on the internet about it and the things you read on here go from one extreme to the other. My experience was not bad at all. I was given numbing shots in my back at the top of the pelvic bone and as my Doc started he asked me numerous times if I could feel anything. You lay on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest and all you can feel is pressure from the doctor pushing. Afterwards I couldnt believe I had made such a big deal about such a small procedure, I am ashamed to say I even cried from fear . Afterwards all I needed was a couple of tylenol when the numbing started to go away and that was that.

I have metastatic breast cancer with mets to the bone. My oncologist thinks its now in my bone marrow. I am on Zometa infusion once a month and Xeloda just starting my sixth cycle. It seems to be working. My onc said he may want to do a bone marrow test and just the thought was really scary. Hopefully he will not see the need but your post and the other reply made me realize i can get through it if its necesary and its nothing to fear.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Phil 4:13

Nancy

I've taken zometa for a few years and there are a lot of studies
strarting to show jaw problems from the zometa. Please look into
it and be very careful about any dental work you may be pursuing.

Good Luck,
John

I've gone back to aredia. You might consider it.

Hi. I read you have myelofibrosis. I think my husband may have it, but he is not being forthcoming with me or is in denial. One of the MRI places told him that is what he has but the regular doctor didn't confirm (so says my hubby). BUT he is seeing a blood specialist doctor and they keep ordering more and more MRIs and CT scans and blood tests. My husband said a couple of months ago that the doctors said he may have a tumor growing inside his spine. I am so confused. His pain, in his back and hip, come and go and he's tired all the time but he tells me his bloodwork came back alright. He said they saw spots on his pelvic area in one MRI.  Is there anything you can tell me to help sort this out? Thanks.

hello im new to this site.

  my parent has undergone breast surgery 10yrs ago..n now recently she is being treated with zometa..now ther is a little part of her bone in the chest area is being projected out..the doctor has told its nothing to worry about as she doesnt hav any pain or disturbance.. but im worried..that what if it might get affected when exposed to xrays n also are ther any treatment for this and are ther any ways to cover the bone which has being projected our from the skin??pls help