@mariabrat Hi Maria, Congratulations on getting the vaccine. It’s a step in the right direction for sure. I’m also immunocompromised but it was still highly recommended by my transplant team to get the vaccine. Even limited protection is better than none. It will prime our immune systems to recognize the virus if we are exposed.

I’m all too familiar with bone marrow biopsies. I’ve had over 10 in the last 2 years. A full bone marrow exam takes several days and up to 2 weeks with genetic testing. There are an incredible amount of tests run on the core sample and peripheral blood collected during the biopsy so it can take quite a bit of time to process everything, interpret the results and then return the results to your physician. Then your doctor will have to review the findings before sitting down with you at your appointment. I know all of this takes time and is so frustrating.

The biopsy of your actual bone marrow will allow the lab technicians to examine the cells in great detail and do the genetic testing. In my case, I have/had Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML~in remission now after a bone marrow transplant) There was no doubt before my bone marrow biopsy exam (BMBX) that I had leukemia. My initial BMX was to see if I had any genetic mutations which would complicate the treatment for my AML. My subsequent biopsies during my cancer treatments checked the progress to show there was remission. After Transplant, biopsies are done to make sure the leukemia is gone and to make sure my DNA still is 100% my donor and 0% my DNA with a chimera test. So you can see, there are many reasons for a bone marrow biopsy.

In your case, your symptoms and tests so far haven’t been able to pinpoint a cause for your low lymphocyte count. So the BMX is being done to investigate at the source of blood cell production...the bone marrow. With low white counts, it can be as simple as your body reacting to something it feels is invading, such as a virus. But when there is no direct answer, the BMX is the best place to begin a more in-depth look-see. We’ll be optimist for the best possible outcome.

What are you doing in the meantime to occupy yourself? It’s finally spring here, so it’s been so wonderful to hear all the birds, see people out in their yards working again and walking around the neighborhood to say hi after being in hibernation all winter. LOL. My husband and I go out walking twice a day for several miles but usually we see no one. So it’s fun to have some interaction again with friends and neighbors. Still at a distance, however. I hope you’re having a great day! Lori.