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M-Spike, High Kappa and Kappa/Lambda Ratio
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Aug 17 9:46am | Replies (79)Comment receiving replies
So, as I mentioned in another post, on or about March 12th I was scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy to take place on April 2nd. My hematologist/oncologist has not advised me to get bone scans or to undergo a 24-hour urine test - at least not yet. I don't understand why those tests cannot be done in parallel while I'm waiting to have the bone marrow biopsy done. Should I be concerned about this? Should I be more proactive and insistent with my hematologist/oncologist that these tests be done? Maybe there's a reason why he's waiting until after the biopsy to have me undergo these additional tests.
I want to be my own advocate, but I have no medical background and feel that I would be overstepping my bounds if I question the doctor.
Replies to "So, as I mentioned in another post, on or about March 12th I was scheduled for..."
I had 24 hour urine and bone marrow biopsy while being diagnosed. Right before bone marrow biopsy, the MD said she didn’t think it was necessary. I said the more information the better. She did perform BMB that day.
I did switch oncologists after that and he ordered a CAT scan as well.
I am a nurse and I strongly encourage you to advocate for yourself. You are not overstepping since it is your health.
Best of luck❤️
@kappaking that’s odd about the scans. The BMB provides what many hematologist/oncologists consider a definitive diagnosis, but scans to identify bone lesions and other considerations are also telling. I read this and other studies, then had a discussion with my doc before deciding if a bone marrow biopsy was right for me.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41408-020-0319-0
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I think of my relationship with my doctor as a partnership where I ask any questions that arise re: my care. I definitely respect their knowledge and experience - I will never know as much as they do!
But I want to be included in the decision making process and understand why they order tests and/or treatment, what they suspect or are looking for.
I think you have a reasonable question and it’s okay to ask those. It’s not disrespectful and a confident provider welcomes engagement and questions, in my opinion, vs a passive patient.