How often do you think a bone marrow biopsy is required?

I have had one only @ diagnosis. I have smoldering multiple myeloma. Since my bloodwork is stable my Doctor won't preform another one until I would have to start treatment.

Interesting conversation. I had no idea what a BMB was until my very low blood numbers, and my new hematologist wanted a closer view of the blood cell engine in my body. Until July of 2021 and a diagnosis of breast cancer, I seldom was ever sick. I was not really bothered by the BMB test and do like the idea that a blood test is being developed that can provide the same results. Having MDS and a few genetic mutations, I had i believe 4 if not 5 as i had a bone marrow transplant. Crazy how i do not remember. Living in today!!

@cetzler I’m 73. To clarify, the dosage I mentioned above is weekly. I just take them in the morning after getting up so pre-breakfast (if I have any) and I’ve had no side effects. I was originally told to avoid aspirin but, if necessary, take ibuprofen but I’ve never had a need for it. I was given the option to start HU but, as best I remember, within a year of diagnosis I started and the dosage was tweaked until platelets came down within normal range. Keep in mind, when I was first diagnosed, my platelets were at 1.3 M. For many years I was on 500 mg daily. Recently my dosage was adjusted a bit, adding an additional 500 mg three days per week (T, Th, S). On those days, I just take the 2 capsules together in the morning with no issues. HU has had no negative impact on me but others have mentioned various issues here. I wish you well 💕

@hsminc
Same. I don’t agree to anything invasive unless I can be given compelling reason.

@janrossi thanks for responding. I am so glad you are having no issues. I went to a different hematologist/oncologist yesterday for a second opinion and this doc is agreeable to monitoring my platelet counts every 3 months. If they stay in the 500s I probably will just stick with taking baby aspirin only

I have had 2 that I can remember. One to confirm the JAK-2 and the other several years later because of leg pain which my oncologist thought it might have morphed into myelofibrosis. It was negative and it turned out that back surgery helped correct the pain in my legs.
I say, only when warranted as in something else suspected. They are not that hard to endure but no need to have any more invasive procedures if not necessary.
EsperanzaM Sandy

@cetzler I wish I could stay in the 500's but only with the Hydrea will mine stay in the 500's. Without th Hydroxyurea they creep up into the 7,8 and 900's. Initially when diagnosed they were 1,250,000. My present oncologist feels I am doing good to maintain 500,000.
Sandy

❤️

@esperanzam my diagnosis is brand new so we shall see if they stay in the 500s!