Hi @deedeekay As a mother myself, I can imagine your mind is racing with thoughts of what your son has already gone through with his cancer journey. But I think you can take a deep breath and exhale because having PV (polycythemia vera) is nothing similar to the Ewing’s sarcoma.

Basically, the mutation on the JAK2 gene is a malfunction of the ‘off’ switch, allowing too many red blood cells to be produced. It’s generally a very treatable type of blood disorder with medication. Some hematologists don’t even classify this as a blood cancer, but more of a chronic condition. Anecdotally, even my own hematologist oncologist has said this is a disease patients will pass away with, not from.

Since the bone marrow is the blood manufacturing site in the body, your son’s doctor is being thorough in confirming the diagnosis through the bone marrow biopsy. The samples will give the doctor an overall picture of health of the bone marrow and its ability to produce healthy blood cells.

The doctor or a NP will take samples from the spongy core and liquid parts of the marrow. This is done on the iliac crest near the large dimple area on the butt. Your son will have anesthetic to numb the area, or he may be offered a mild IV sedative similar to what’s used during a colonoscopy. It’s over in a flash! Because there are multiple tests run on the samples, complete results may take up to 10 days to be returned.

I hope you’re able to sleep better this evening…and don’t forget to exhale! ☺️
Will you let me know what you find out, please?