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Jak2 positive, biopsy next: Does it mean I have blood cancer?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Jul 23, 2022 | Replies (11)Comment receiving replies
@tkp22, I can understand you're worried. It sounds like your health care team is being thorough. Finding out that your are JAK2 positive is just the first step. You require futher testing to know if you have a bone marrow disorder, like polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, or primary myelofibrosis. These disorders are known as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).
Other testing, like the bone marrow biopsy are needed to determine if you have a MPN and to evaluate its severity.
It's too early to worry about cancer just yet. I'd like to tell you to stay calm and to not worry, but I realize that's easier said than done. Let's focus on the next step before leaping ahead. Do you have any questions about getting a bone marrow biopsy? I'm sure members like @loribmt @stljack @mjpm2406 @rspriggle @stevehurlburt would have tips and experiences to share and what to expect.
What would you like to ask, @tkp22?
Replies to "@tkp22, I can understand you're worried. It sounds like your health care team is being thorough...."
I would be happy to assist in anyway that I can. I am one year into an MPN- Myelofibrosis. I am also currently in a clinical trial. Feel free to reach out at any time. You can also join myMPNteam to get a lot of resources and real patient information. Blessings, Rene’
Not knowing is more stress than dealing with truth & reality.
.I have had two bone marrow biopsies….procedure was not the worst I have experienced. Really not a big deal. The first showed minimal scaring and second a year later confirmed no progression. So I was confirmed as ET. I too have Jak2 Have learned a lot in the 5 years since Diagnosed … study, learn, ask questions….doctors who treat rare cancers often do not have answers…that is the state of Mediciene. Manage side effects and monitor religiously….good luck!
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I was diagnosed with MGUS, a plasma cell neoplasm, in 2017. Earlier this year, my blood and platelet counts became extremely elevated. A blood test done for JAK2 came back positive. A bone marrow biopsy was then done to check my MGUS. It confirmed the JAK2 diagnosis along with additional findings on my PCN. As Colleen indicated, the bone marrow biopsy should define any MPNs and also provide information regarding other possible blood disorders. In itself, the procedure is not anything to be apprehensive about. If it does not show the JAK2 gene presence, your original test may have given a false positive. Good luck!