Needle Biopsy for Bone Cancer

@spooz2 Yes, I would say that a needle biopsy is medically necessary. The bone scan and CT scan show that there is a lesion on the rib and now, the biopsy will show what cells are involved. It will also help the doctor know if these cells came from somewhere else. Chemotherapy is decided on what Type of cells are present and not just that they are present. When are you scheduled for the needle biopsy? Will you keep me informed, please?

Thanks for the info. Needle biopsy scheduled for May 13,2020.

Hello @spooz2,

I can understand that you want some more information on this needle biopsy. I found some information on this procedure on Mayo Clinic's website. Here is the link, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-biopsy/about/pac-20393117.

Here is another link from John Hopkins regarding needle biopsy which gives a little more information on the process and procedure, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bone-biopsy/

Has your doctor given you sufficient information so that you know what to expect when you have this biopsy on 5/13?

@spooz2 How did the needle biopsy go? I certainly everyone was kind and attentive to you especially with all the Covid19. Have you been told anything yet?

The needle biopsy went w/o incident after another postponement. It confirmed that the lesion on my 6th right rib is metastatic. I reviewed the results with my PCP but not yet my oncologist. I plan to consult with my surgeon as well. I need to collect as much information as I can in order to make decisions about my treatment plan going forward. Is my cancer aggressive? What is the prognosis...the time line? I have been advised that my metastatic cancer is incurable. So, what is the goal of immunotherapy, delay of progression? If recommended, how do you balance side effects and quality of life remaining? Until my questions are addressed, I am anxious.

I can certainly understand your anxiety. I am glad to hear that the biopsy went w/out incident @spooz2. The questions you want to be answered are good ones. Many on Connect have had metastatic cancer and have lived effective lives for many years after the diagnosis. One of these Members is @merpreb who is one of our mentors. While her cancer was in a different location I'm sure she can share with you the years since her diagnosis and the quality of life she has experienced.

@spooz2- Hello, it's nice to meet you. I have stage 4 multifocal adenocarcinoma of the lung. It's an NSCLC. If your cancer has metastasized then I think that you need to consider it at least somewhat aggressive. And I don't blame you one bit about hesitating to make decisions based on the few answers to your questions. The goal of your immunotherapy is probably both, to treat your disease and help prolong your life, or help with any pain that you might have. I think that the best way to balance your life with any side effects is to try the therapy. If it works to prolong your life with little or no discomfort then go for it. I would! If the side effects are too much or not doing anything for you then I think that it might be time to seek palliative care, helping with any side effects of your disease like pain.

There is more to palliative care than pain management though. I think that this describes it best:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/palliative-care-and-hospice-care/

This is a very tough time for you. I really don't look forward to hearing those words. Although my time is yet to come from my cancer I have had a lot of time to think about your questions, as I am very sure that everyone who has had cancer probably has. Since your doctor has mentioned that your cancer is terminal your questions should be asked and answered in a very honest and hopefully compassionate way. He might not know your timeline but he needs to give you the best guidance that he can.

Have you discussed any of this latest information with your family and support system?

@spooz2 it’s been awhile and I hope you’ve gotten some answers that you needed. What type of cancer do you have and where did it metastasize from?