Very anxious about bone marrow biopsy

Posted by tamlyn74 @tamlyn74, Jun 4 10:14pm

My doctor recently diagnosed me with ET. My platelets on 6/2 were 1189. I have to go back in two weeks for labs and another checkup. He said we will discuss bone marrow biopsy. What can I expect when procedure is being performed?

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@d234

I've had 3: first without sedation and the other two with. Sedation is definitely the way to go. The sedation used isn't like in the old days where it took you the whole day to "wake up". I felt as if I could drive home, but HA. No. Quick procedure -- was in and out of the Mayo in about 3 hours.

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@d234 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It's good to hear that you have had a positive experience with a bone marrow biopsy, and it points out [again] that each person's experience can differ a bit.

If you feel like sharing, what was your team looking for, and what were the results?
Ginger

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@fialalarry49

1’ve had two after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. For me they were not bad at all. They deadened the area where the needle was inserted and all I felt was a little pressure which the doctor said I would. I was awake during the procedure. Area around where the needle went in was a little sore for a couple days. Some people on here make it sound really bad but that was not my experience at all. Good luck

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The first one I had was terribly painful. For the 2nd one I was deeply sedated so went to sleep and woke up and it was done. The only way to go

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I had a bone marrow biopsy this AM at UCLA Health Santa Clarita. Dr Cusamono did the procedure and starting with the staff everyone was top notch. The nurses friendly and caring and the Doctor excellent he is personable, confident and explains completely what he will do. I had mild sedation of versed and fentanyl and when I was still very alert prior to the procedure they administered more so I would be relaxed and comfy. I felt only a tiny pinch with the lidocaine and absolutely nothing else. If I’d known how easy it was going to be I could have had way less stress. It’s several hours later now and still no discomfort. I would not be worried now if I knew I’d require another biopsy. I hope this gives you some peace of mind.

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@gingerw

@d234 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It's good to hear that you have had a positive experience with a bone marrow biopsy, and it points out [again] that each person's experience can differ a bit.

If you feel like sharing, what was your team looking for, and what were the results?
Ginger

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I was diagnosed in 2024 with Multiple Myeloma. First biopsy, to confirm dr's suspicions; second to determine the efficacy of the therapy of weekly Velcade-Darza injections with Dex and to move forward with SCT; lastly to determine results of SCT. I'm on 'maintenance' currently with just the Darza injection monthly, along with the handful of meds.

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@sweetsuzy

I have CLL- what is myeloma? I wish you all the best!

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Myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells.

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@mnhygiene1983

Myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells.

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Wish you all the best

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I had BMB when I was first diagnosed. I had to lie on my stomach, which I didn't like. But for the actual procedure, just pressure, no pain before or after.
Maybe dr can give you some anti-anxiety med to help with your concern. Not that I'd like this procedure every year, but not a big deal for me

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@d234

I was diagnosed in 2024 with Multiple Myeloma. First biopsy, to confirm dr's suspicions; second to determine the efficacy of the therapy of weekly Velcade-Darza injections with Dex and to move forward with SCT; lastly to determine results of SCT. I'm on 'maintenance' currently with just the Darza injection monthly, along with the handful of meds.

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Hope you are doing well- diagnosed MM Jan '25 started treatment end of Feb. Steroids make my sleep crazy for about four days after and tired.

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I have one soon, my first. A lung biopsy found that the spot we thought might be lung cancer was actually a plasmacytoma. So I am just now starting extra labs, bone marrow biopsy, PET scan, etc.,--all to see where we stand in regards to diagnosis/determine course of treatment.

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@treehouse5437

Hope you are doing well- diagnosed MM Jan '25 started treatment end of Feb. Steroids make my sleep crazy for about four days after and tired.

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Oh, the steroids! Yes, there was no sleeping for a couple days unfortunately. Then I could do nothing BUT sleep the 3rd day after. Hang in there, it gets better.

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