Bone marrow biopsy

frankie402
frankie402 Member Posts: 31
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1

 Hi all, I had my bone marrow biopsy yesterday and I am on the waiting train.  I was knocked out and was thankful because he couldn't get it on one side so had to go to the other.  I didn't get to talk to him but in my waking up state I asked the nurse why and she said something about it being dry and another said he couldn't get it. Has anyone had that happen to them?  

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Comments

  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #2
    Dry...

    Hi Frankie,

     Yes...when I had my BMB my doctor had to try 3 times in 3 different areas of my left hip before she finally got enough. The first 2 attemps she could not get anything and said it was dry. Finally on the 3rd attempt, higher up on my hip,she was able to get enough of a sample for pathology. I didn't understand what the heck she was talking about because I was in so much pain. Unlike you, I was NOT under sedation and the procedure hurt, really bad. My results showed no cancer involvement. I'll neverhave another BMB done without sedation. When your doctor went to the other hip did he get enough for pathology? Let us know what you find out. Hope it comes back clean. Take care...Sue

    (FNHL-grd2-stg3-typA-Dx 6/10-age 62)

  • NANCYL1
    NANCYL1 Member Posts: 289
    #3
    BONE MARROW BIOPSY

    I had a bone marrow biopsy last year as the final test before my diagnosis of lymphoma.   If there is another in my future, I would opt for anesthesia.    I had oxycodone.  Not too good.   Your experience I did not have. 

  • udlt361
    udlt361 Member Posts: 2
    #4
    allmost60 said:

    Dry...

    Hi Frankie,

     Yes...when I had my BMB my doctor had to try 3 times in 3 different areas of my left hip before she finally got enough. The first 2 attemps she could not get anything and said it was dry. Finally on the 3rd attempt, higher up on my hip,she was able to get enough of a sample for pathology. I didn't understand what the heck she was talking about because I was in so much pain. Unlike you, I was NOT under sedation and the procedure hurt, really bad. My results showed no cancer involvement. I'll neverhave another BMB done without sedation. When your doctor went to the other hip did he get enough for pathology? Let us know what you find out. Hope it comes back clean. Take care...Sue

    (FNHL-grd2-stg3-typA-Dx 6/10-age 62)

    several questions

    I have had slightly elevated wbc for 4 years, went to the oncologist for about a year in the beginning, was watched closely  and the wbc went down.  Was released from his care.  Now the wbc is slightly elevated once again and I am back at the Cancer Center with a different doctor is is more aggressive about checking things out.  I am glad that she is.  Anyway, she told me she suspected CLL and ran some blood tests.  She said the tests came back inconclusive and has set up a pet scan and bone marrow test.  She said it could be cll or low grade lymphoma.  By the way I sill be put under for the bone marrow test.  Anyway, I am hoping you or someone can share if they have encountered this type of situation. 

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #5
    Hi Frankie

    I had a dual biopsy and they had to do the left side twice but they used the same puncture through the skin.  The PA who did it kept saying "You have strong bones" and had to use a stool to get more of her body weight to get through the bone.  I guess that's what I get for drinking so much milk over the years ;).

  • MChantal
    MChantal Member Posts: 107
    #6
    allmost60 said:

    Dry...

    Hi Frankie,

     Yes...when I had my BMB my doctor had to try 3 times in 3 different areas of my left hip before she finally got enough. The first 2 attemps she could not get anything and said it was dry. Finally on the 3rd attempt, higher up on my hip,she was able to get enough of a sample for pathology. I didn't understand what the heck she was talking about because I was in so much pain. Unlike you, I was NOT under sedation and the procedure hurt, really bad. My results showed no cancer involvement. I'll neverhave another BMB done without sedation. When your doctor went to the other hip did he get enough for pathology? Let us know what you find out. Hope it comes back clean. Take care...Sue

    (FNHL-grd2-stg3-typA-Dx 6/10-age 62)

    Ouch!

    Oh Sue, that sounds so terrible! I am sorry you had to undergo that. Initally, Kyle had his 1st BMB without sedation as well and I was there holding his hand while watching. Although, I do not know what that feels like. The fear and anguish in his eyes definitely told me how painful and excruitating BMB are. I can only imagine what you had to do. Strong woman! :)

     

    Frankie, I do not know what that means as well. However, I hope and pray that everything comes out clean/clear as possible! Sending positive thoughts your way.

     

    Michelle

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #7
    jimwins said:

    Hi Frankie

    I had a dual biopsy and they had to do the left side twice but they used the same puncture through the skin.  The PA who did it kept saying "You have strong bones" and had to use a stool to get more of her body weight to get through the bone.  I guess that's what I get for drinking so much milk over the years ;).

    Bone Marrow Biopsy

    The worst of the worst. Jim, my doctor was tall enough and strong enough to get through my bone, in one attempt, thank God. But my husband said he was straining, shaking, sweating, and turning red with the effort. Local anesthesia only. Like Sue, they won't do that to me again without sedation.

    Frankie, I hope your bone marrow is lymphoma free. . .

    Rocquie

     

     

  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    #8
    Rocquie said:

    Bone Marrow Biopsy

    The worst of the worst. Jim, my doctor was tall enough and strong enough to get through my bone, in one attempt, thank God. But my husband said he was straining, shaking, sweating, and turning red with the effort. Local anesthesia only. Like Sue, they won't do that to me again without sedation.

    Frankie, I hope your bone marrow is lymphoma free. . .

    Rocquie

     

     

    BMB !!!!

    Yes siree !!! The BMB was really painful. I believe both my shoes and socks flew off my feet and bounced off the wall. Never again without some sedation.

     Then for the longest time I had an aching in my left hip ( like so many others). Of course they said it had nothing to do with the BMB.

  • anliperez915
    anliperez915 Member Posts: 770
    #9
    Hi Frankie

    Hi Frankie,

    Like most of my buddies here, I have nothing good to say about BMB's! They hurt like hell and if you can get the option of getting sedated do it!!! I've had two already and made the mistake of not getting sedated...just the hip area got numbed but could still feel the pain :'(

    In my opinion they plain suck..(there I've said it)!!! ^_^

    take care

    Sincerely,

    Liz

  • frankie402
    frankie402 Member Posts: 31
    #10
    Bone marrow

    Oh Sue, I opted for sedation not knowing they could or would have to do it twice!  I was so glad when I found out that I didn't have to endure it!!  I am so sorry you did!  I don't know why they don't put everyone under?? I am a pretty tough girl but I watched the youtube video and thought ummmm NO can do!  udlt361 So glad you are getting sedated and good luck to you.  Haha Jim at least you don't have to worry about brittle bones, one less thing to worry about!!  Thank you Liz and Rocquie and Cobra I could tell the side that he tried to get it because it was a lot more sore than the other.  So I guess I am probably not going to hear anything until next week unless they surprise me tomorrow but I doubt it.  So glad to hear yours was clean Sue becaue I wondered about that. Thank you all for responding and God bless you all!! I hope I didn't forget anyone, they don't let you see the post when you reply. If I did, thank you so much!

  • NANCYL1
    NANCYL1 Member Posts: 289
    #11
    frankie402 said:

    Bone marrow

    Oh Sue, I opted for sedation not knowing they could or would have to do it twice!  I was so glad when I found out that I didn't have to endure it!!  I am so sorry you did!  I don't know why they don't put everyone under?? I am a pretty tough girl but I watched the youtube video and thought ummmm NO can do!  udlt361 So glad you are getting sedated and good luck to you.  Haha Jim at least you don't have to worry about brittle bones, one less thing to worry about!!  Thank you Liz and Rocquie and Cobra I could tell the side that he tried to get it because it was a lot more sore than the other.  So I guess I am probably not going to hear anything until next week unless they surprise me tomorrow but I doubt it.  So glad to hear yours was clean Sue becaue I wondered about that. Thank you all for responding and God bless you all!! I hope I didn't forget anyone, they don't let you see the post when you reply. If I did, thank you so much!

    BONE MARROW BIOPSY

    Frankie:

    I was told, after the bone marrow biopsy, that if I wanted to have it done under anesthesia, it must be done in a hospital.  I was in a cancer center, connected to a hospital not far away.Frown

    Nancy

     

  • frankie402
    frankie402 Member Posts: 31
    #12
    NANCYL1 said:

    BONE MARROW BIOPSY

    Frankie:

    I was told, after the bone marrow biopsy, that if I wanted to have it done under anesthesia, it must be done in a hospital.  I was in a cancer center, connected to a hospital not far away.Frown

    Nancy

     

    Bone marrow biopsy

    Nancy, my oncs office is connected to the hospital. I thought it was going to be in the operating room but it wasn't, it was in the room where they do endoscopies.  I wonder if doctors tell people they have a choice.  Some people don't read so they would have no way of knowing if it was offered or not.  Anyway it looks painful to me!  Hope you are doing well!!  Thanks for the reply, Frankie

  • NANCYL1
    NANCYL1 Member Posts: 289
    #13
    frankie402 said:

    Bone marrow biopsy

    Nancy, my oncs office is connected to the hospital. I thought it was going to be in the operating room but it wasn't, it was in the room where they do endoscopies.  I wonder if doctors tell people they have a choice.  Some people don't read so they would have no way of knowing if it was offered or not.  Anyway it looks painful to me!  Hope you are doing well!!  Thanks for the reply, Frankie

    BONE MARROW BIOPSY

    My oncology doctor did a good job, but I was not presented with a choice of anesthesia or oxycodone.  Ouch.

  • frankie402
    frankie402 Member Posts: 31
    #14
    udlt361 said:

    several questions

    I have had slightly elevated wbc for 4 years, went to the oncologist for about a year in the beginning, was watched closely  and the wbc went down.  Was released from his care.  Now the wbc is slightly elevated once again and I am back at the Cancer Center with a different doctor is is more aggressive about checking things out.  I am glad that she is.  Anyway, she told me she suspected CLL and ran some blood tests.  She said the tests came back inconclusive and has set up a pet scan and bone marrow test.  She said it could be cll or low grade lymphoma.  By the way I sill be put under for the bone marrow test.  Anyway, I am hoping you or someone can share if they have encountered this type of situation. 

    udlt361

    Have you had your bone marrow biopsy yet?  If so I hope it all went well for you.  I will be waiting the long weekend for my results, hate the waiting!!  Hope it all goes well for you!  P.S.  My bloodwork has always been normal.  

  • frankie402
    frankie402 Member Posts: 31
    #15
    NANCYL1 said:

    BONE MARROW BIOPSY

    My oncology doctor did a good job, but I was not presented with a choice of anesthesia or oxycodone.  Ouch.

    bone marrow biopsy

    Nancy, if you don't mind me asking, did you have treatment?  What stage were you? My onc said that if it is in my marrow we probably will still not treat.  I have symptoms but have other conditions so it's hard to know what symptom is from what condition.  Hope all is well!

  • NANCYL1
    NANCYL1 Member Posts: 289
    #16
    frankie402 said:

    bone marrow biopsy

    Nancy, if you don't mind me asking, did you have treatment?  What stage were you? My onc said that if it is in my marrow we probably will still not treat.  I have symptoms but have other conditions so it's hard to know what symptom is from what condition.  Hope all is well!

    Bone Marrow Biopsy

    Hi Frankie:

    My lymphoma was in my bone marrow and my lymphoma turned out to be stage 4.  It is also in other areas.    It has been treated with Rituxan infusions every six months.  My results have been very good.(Had a scare last week and had a PT-CAN, but it turned out ok.) Have the 4th set of Rituxan infusions the end of this year and if all goes well I wil be checked every six months.  No Rituxan.

    I hope all goes well with you, too.

    Nancy

     

  • udlt361
    udlt361 Member Posts: 2
    #17
    bone marrow test

    I haven't have the bone marrow test done yet but they did a cat scan yesterday.  I knew the bmt would be painful so I asked my doctor and she gave me a choice.  Of course I wanted to be sedated.  I don't understand why doctors don't just advise the patient to be sedated. 

  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #18
    udlt361 said:

    bone marrow test

    I haven't have the bone marrow test done yet but they did a cat scan yesterday.  I knew the bmt would be painful so I asked my doctor and she gave me a choice.  Of course I wanted to be sedated.  I don't understand why doctors don't just advise the patient to be sedated. 

    udlt361

    Hi, and welcome to the group,

     In my case, the clinic does not do BMB's with sedation, only at the hospital. But...this was never told to me, if I'd known, I would have demanded the procedure to be done at the hospital with sedation. My doctor and the attending nurse both told me all I would feel is a "little pressure". I've often wondered how they can say that when they have never experienced it themselves. Maybe more people feel pressure, rather than pain...all I know is I felt pain WITH pressure and the combination was dredful! Surprised Please share back your scan and BMB results. I'll be thinking good thoughts for both. Best wishes...Sue

    (Follicular NHL-stg3-grd2-typA-Dx 6/10-age 62) In remission

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 Member Posts: 3,819 Member
    #19
    NANCYL1 said:

    BONE MARROW BIOPSY

    My oncology doctor did a good job, but I was not presented with a choice of anesthesia or oxycodone.  Ouch.

    My version....

    I went to a consultation visit with my oncologist prior to treatment, and after my wife and I went in, he told us I was getting a BM biopsy after he finished speaking with us.  I thought nothing of it, and had zero "prep" -- perhaps a good thing.  The practice has N.P.s normally do the draw in the office.   They gave me a bit of local, and did it.  A short proceedure; it does not seem we were there more than 15 minutes, max.  It was a bit primitive, but I do not recall it being severe, or lasting too long.  They did have to "rack" me around a bit to "break through."   I did not "look" (I am very squeemish by nature regarding medical proceedures anyway), but my wife describled it to me later.

    They never mentioned sedation, and I do not think that sedation is routine at all in their practice (28 onclogists).  It was much less painful or involved than a jaw tooth extraction, I would say.  I do not recall it involving any discomfort later, but it was four years ago, and I had so many proceedures and tests happening that much of it is just a blur today.  Thankfully, it was negative, leaving me at a late stage III-A

    max

    .

  • frankie402
    frankie402 Member Posts: 31
    #20
    Bone marrow biopsy

    I guess my way of thinking was, it's bad enough dealing with this diagnosis so why go through pain if I don't need to.  I also have heard that some doctors are better than others at doing this procedure.  I just didn't want to deal.  I also had just a little soreness afterwards.  Now i'm wondering if insurance covers sedationUndecided  Does anyone know?  

  • NANCYL1
    NANCYL1 Member Posts: 289
    #21
    frankie402 said:

    Bone marrow biopsy

    I guess my way of thinking was, it's bad enough dealing with this diagnosis so why go through pain if I don't need to.  I also have heard that some doctors are better than others at doing this procedure.  I just didn't want to deal.  I also had just a little soreness afterwards.  Now i'm wondering if insurance covers sedationUndecided  Does anyone know?  

    BONE MARROW

    I was covered for Oxycodone, which, as I said did not help much.    Do you mean anesthesia?   I don't know why that would not be covered.

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