Connect
should I do more testing?
I have had high light chains 39.9 for 4 or five years, Also high ratio 1.93and high Immunoglobulin A
597 mg/dL . It was suggested I have a bone marrow test two or three years ago. Everything seems to stay at the numbers above, How horrible is a bone marrow test and should I do it to get answers?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.
Connect
The oncologist said other than my kappa/lambda ramping up all my other numbers are good, So I'm on the 6 mo bloodwork plan. He said my CRAB numbers are good and that is the focus; calcium is normal so no de-ossification, renal function good, no anemia, and bone density is fine. Other things they look for are RBC, WBC, and other markers that you bone marrow is cranking out enough red, white, and other immune cells to keep your immune system cranking.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI see the oncologist on Tuesday. So will see what he wants to do. my white count is on the higher side and my red blood cell are 5.37 so elevated. thank you for responding.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@veronica1955
Fingers crossed for “good numbers!” Will you let me know how it goes Tuesday?
Veronica,
I can agree with those who have expressed the overall ease of their experiences with BMB.
If your physician still recommends the testing and you have access to it, I would probably follow through if I were in your shoes.
There are more definitive tests that can be done with these samples, including special staining of cells, that provides very accurate information.
I have had BMB done with sedation and without.
Both situations were quite simple, quick, and very tolerable. There were no complications and the pokes healed well.
If you have any anxiety about going into this diagnostic procedure, your referring physician might prescribe an Ativan tablet or something similar for you to take prior.
The information gained will be helpful as a tool for specific diagnosis now as well as by providing a baseline for the future.
Beat wishes!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI had one back in 1999 because they doctor thought I had bone or blood cancer. I was feeling really crapy and worked 60 hours a week. The family doctor started looking around after I showed her two blood tests I had done from health fairs at work. Both showed non-normal levels in a few areas. I had a bone marrow test performed in the afternoon at the hematologist. They had me lay on my left side with my pants off and drilled a hole through the hip bone and took a sample of marrow. It came back without any issues. Warning, the test did hurt but the pain was short lived. Eventually my blood work and some biopsies showed I needed a liver transplant in 2000. Since then I have had to have 2 liver transplants over the past 24 years.