What is doc looking for with a Bone Marrow Biopsy?

Because blood cells are made in the bone marrow, a bone marrow biopsy is a way of going straight to the source in order to get the highest possible quality of diagnostic information. I would expect that the sample will be examined by a pathologist using a microscope. DNA will be extracted from certain cells and analyzed.

Getting a bone marrow biopsy is not something you would want to do as a hobby, but it is doable. They use a lot of lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and they probably will offer you other medications too to make it easier for you. I have had a half dozen or so. Afterwards, it makes a good story you can use to impress your friends.

You’re in the thick of things now! That testing week is a crazy, isn’t it? I remember looking at my patient portal and wondering how I would get through all those tests! LOL. You’re certainly having some experiences this week…keep your sense of humor. It helps!!
Hopefully all your tests come out great.

A bone marrow biopsy may be ordered to investigate abnormal bone marrow or blood conditions, cancers, infections of unknown origin, and, in very rare cases, a genetic condition resulting in the buildup of iron in the blood. Are you seeing a hematologist or a hematologist/oncologist; what has he or she told you is under investigation? Please, ask them, you should be privy to this information. Good luck. I've had them, they're not too bad.

I am not sure what question, I should be asking however has anyone ever had to have two bone marrow biopsies done? My daughter is at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville as we speak and they are telling her they didn't get further enough to get the bone marrow biopsies I'm confused why would you have taken one if you don't get enough bone marrow, and my daughter is skin to bone there is no fat in her body since this leukemia and cancer diagnosis

Welcome to Connect, @tperez3333 I’m so sorry to hear your daughter has leukemia. As a mom it’s not an easy thing to witness, seeing your daughter facing chemo and the challenges of cancer. I went through my own ordeal with leukemia 5 years ago and empathize with you and your family.
Unfortunately bone marrow biopsies and aspirates are an integral part of the diagnosis and treatment process of leukemia. Getting analysis of a core sample of marrow and the aspirate of liquid in the bone marrow can give the doctor a clearer picture of how well treatment is working, how well the marrow is functioning in being able to make healthy blood products, level of disease, etc.. On occasion, there can be ‘failures’ or I think they’re called dry taps where not enough of a sample of aspirate is gathered to analyze. From my understanding, sometimes there needs to be a repeat. I’m wondering if this is what you mean?

What type of leukemia does your daughter have? Is she being recommended for a bone marrow transplant?

Lori,
I talked with my Dr today and we are at a go ahead. All tests came out well. Luminary, Stress, EKG, CT and Echo. Blood panels too. I have about 4 nodules in my lungs. Two from 2021. They did not say serious, I will ask about those. Oddly, I remembered having a couple nodules and bad bronchitis years ago. I was told they could cause things like that. I have a few gallstones. CT scans are crazy. I will have to read the results again later. My Bone marrow biopsy but was not worse. My platelets though keep going down.
I also met with my new medical oncologist. She was called by my hematologist, and they talked. She actually knew my case and backed off the Zometa for my bones after learning about my transplant.
Sense of humor....I too believe it has saved me again and again. Truth, honesty and one day at a time.

Good morning! Well, you’re now at the point where I told my doctor, “Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!” You’ve made it through the challenging week of pretesting and have the clearance to go ahead…you’ve also moved mountains to get all your caregivers lined up to make this transplant happen! Though I’m sure you’re nervous and excited, this is an opportunity to have a second chance with a healthy future ahead. ☺️

Do you have any questions about what to pack for the long hospital stay? In case you need ideas, there are quite a few contributions for what to take along in this discussion link:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/703859/
There are more comments in the entire discussion…

My bone marrow transplant story, will you share yours?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-bone-marrow-transplant-bmt-story-will-you-share-yours/
Two things which I found helpful was to take along a small extension cord to the hospital so I could charge my phone and IPad. There’s always plenty of outlets but few near the bed if you need it!

Also, I went on USPS.com and signed up for my mail preview. That way, when the mail was held or forwarded, I could actually see what was being scanned so that I didn’t miss important mail notifications. You might want to do that.

Take a deep, calming breath and then exhale…you’ve got this!! ☺️

Lori, I really am so grateful to have found the Mayo Clinic. Your sharings have eased my journey. Knowing the COH and Mayo follow nearly the same guidelines is wonderful.
I met with my new MO yesterday and was happy my transplant Dr called her to discuss my care. The NP I spoke with had worked in the transplant area of COH. She has only met me twice, but after talking with me her thoughts and words were hopefully. Attitude is vital. There will be ups and downs, but staff is there right with you.
I will check your list over. Both the NP and Dr said COH is a national leader. One of a number of top transplant hospitals.
I got a list, but it is an old typed up
one copied over and over. Funny.
At what point shall I share my journey?

Please feel free to share your journey any time!! You’re sharing it now, actually. ☺️ As you get into the process, there may be some days when, frankly, you’re just too tired to give a hoot about talking to anyone. But when you’re ready, you can share whatever you’d like.

I started a discussion a couple years ago just for BMT/SCT stories so if you’d like to post in there, that would be a perfect spot! I’ll give you the link again.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-bone-marrow-transplant-bmt-story-will-you-share-yours/
I’ve said this before to others but its rings true for all of us going through a bone marrow transplant. Our transplant teams become our new family. They are so compassionate, patient and caring. Learn to trust your doctors and your team. They are your people! They’ve seen it all and nothing is new for them. So don’t be afraid to ask questions, tell them of any concerns you have. They want you to be as comfortable as possible and will do their upmost to make sure you feel secure and at ease.

And I’m here for you anytime to answer questions or to give you some moral support. You’ve got this! 😉

I was asked to participate in a study. Taing Itacitinib as a way to help with the graft vs host disease. There are 20 patients in this study. One is for 60 days and one for 90. I looked it up and found info on National library of medicine. It is late, so i will read it tomorrow. This hospital lives to do research like this. My only question will be if this drug affects my blood for the long term. Once time has passed, I want to donate blood or platelets again. If all heals well, I could.
He was talking about this is my call with him. I would have preferred a video visit, bit my blood draw took too long. He spoke of a drug that is to work to make the GVHD less likely to be a problem.