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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Profile picture for d234 @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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We are on the same time line. Diagnosed February 2024, now on maintenance, Dara and Revlemid. Just cant keep my immunity up. The two BMB I had done at Mayo were great, a short 30 minute nap and it's all over. No pain or discomfort.

Best of luck

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I chose to go the route of having a “local” numbing injection because I wanted to be able to drive home (2 hours) the same day. Well, ah-hmmm…I would not make that choice again. I experienced moderate pain during the procedure. On a positive note, I had only mild discomfort afterwards as I drove home. If I ever need to repeat a BMB, I will bring a “driver” and ask for light sedation. 😉

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Profile picture for mmark @mmark

We are on the same time line. Diagnosed February 2024, now on maintenance, Dara and Revlemid. Just cant keep my immunity up. The two BMB I had done at Mayo were great, a short 30 minute nap and it's all over. No pain or discomfort.

Best of luck

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Have you had a Bone Marrow Transplant? Diagnosed Jan '25 and going for a BMT consultation to see what the whole process entails.

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Had mine this morning, took longer to prep than to do the procedure. Most pain was only a few seconds at a time (numbing shot, aspiration, marrow sample taken). Had some sedation with it but not much, really, just enough to take a bit of the "edge" off. Now some of the toughest part, the waiting.

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Profile picture for 1995victoria @1995victoria

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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I was sedated with fentanyl…..went to sleep, woke up and all done…that was the 2nd time
The first time Being sedated with a local antiseptic and and awake was very painful

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Profile picture for treehouse5437 @treehouse5437

Have you had a Bone Marrow Transplant? Diagnosed Jan '25 and going for a BMT consultation to see what the whole process entails.

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Hi @treehouse5437 If you’re considering a stem cell transplant (SCT) for multiple myeloma, you might be interested in these discussions. You’ll be able read through discussions from other members who have gone through this process.

My Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Journey - Mayo, Phoenix
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-autologous-stem-cell-transplant-journey-mayo-phoenix/
~~~~
MM Stage 6 done, any thoughts--BMT or monthly treatment
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mm-stage-6-done-any-thoughts-bmt-or-monthly-treatment/
For MM, it’s generally an autologous transplant (ASCT) using your own cells. It is different than an allogenic bone marrow transplant where donor cells are used.
You’ll learn more with your upcoming consultation. Do you live near a transplant center?

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Profile picture for Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt

Hi @treehouse5437 If you’re considering a stem cell transplant (SCT) for multiple myeloma, you might be interested in these discussions. You’ll be able read through discussions from other members who have gone through this process.

My Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Journey - Mayo, Phoenix
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-autologous-stem-cell-transplant-journey-mayo-phoenix/
~~~~
MM Stage 6 done, any thoughts--BMT or monthly treatment
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mm-stage-6-done-any-thoughts-bmt-or-monthly-treatment/
For MM, it’s generally an autologous transplant (ASCT) using your own cells. It is different than an allogenic bone marrow transplant where donor cells are used.
You’ll learn more with your upcoming consultation. Do you live near a transplant center?

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Rochester, NY
Strong Memorial Hospital

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Profile picture for tamlyn74 @tamlyn74

How do you cope with the tiredness? I am struggling. Can barely make through the day.

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I’ve had 3 bmb’s. All three were without pain. I asked for an additional sedative each tome as well as the local lidocaine. Don’t be afraid when the drill is used, it doesn’t hurt. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want or don’t want. It’s your body and only you know what you can endure.

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Like all procedures, people react differently. My husband has had four Mayo Clinic bone marrow biopsies. Without anesthesia, that is with only local numbing, his pain was intense. He said never again without being put to sleep. Last week he was put to sleep for the procedure, had no issues, and only slight soreness afterwards. We stayed overnight at a hotel in order to arrive for his 6:00 a.m. prep for what turned out to be a 9:00 a.m. procedure.

If you’re unsure of your pain threshold, my husband says tell them to be put to sleep.

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