@kimmy5. Oh my gosh, Kim, so much has just been tossed at you out of the blue. It’s very normal to feel terrified of the unknown. You came to the perfect place to find information to help grasp what’s going on and what you might expect from your new diagnosis.

We have several members in our forum who have CML
(chronic myelogenous leukemia). You may already have read some of the replies by @suzie71 @pam62 @bobmon @pam62 @dmmurph in this discussion. I know that they’re very willing to speak with you about their experiences and give you some hope so that you’re not feeling alone.

I can shed some light on your bone marrow biopsy. It sounds worse than it is in reality, especially since you’ll be having it done with sedation. This makes it super easy and it’s over in 10 minutes from the time you drift off.
The biopsy is an important tool for your doctor. It takes samples from heart of your blood manufacturing site, the marrow. It will give your doctor vital information about your marrow’s ability to supply you with healthy blood products, define your diagnosis and help create an appropriate treatment plan.

The sedation is given through a little IV that’s in your hand or arm. Very small needle and you barely know it’s there.
The sedation is light but you won’t feel or remember a thing about the biopsy. You wake up quickly and are able to walk out of the out patient area within 20 minutes.

There’s no open wound. This is just a needle that is inserted into your hip bone, near the area where you feel the big dimples above your bum. The doctor or NP will take sample of the marrow and also of the peripheral blood that is in the marrow. You’ll have a compression bandaid over the site with a large wad of cotton under to keep pressure. You only need to keep that on 24 hours. After that the bandaid can be removed and you’re free to shower and resume all activities. You can choose to put ice there if you’d like. You’ll be given instructions before you leave and usually you’re offered some crackers or cookies and a beverage. There’s really nothing to fear.
It takes about a week for the doctor to receive all the elements of the report.
That will be a long week of waiting for the results. From experience, the best thing is keep distracted. What are some of your favorite activities?

Hi Kim: I was diagnosed at 52 years old also, and I am now 76. I am off my treatment now for almost 6 years. CML is very treatable. When I used to have BMB, I was given Lidocaine injection, and then sedation My doctor used to put Demerol into my IV, and I had no pain at all. I could feel the pressure of him going into get the sample, but it was not painful. After the BMB you feel sore for awhile. Sometimes a few weeks. I shared my diagnosis with all my family, and got tremendous support from everybody. My husband was with me through everything. IT is so shocking. You just have to trust God. Nothing is impossible with God. He has gotten me through this and much more through the years. You will be fine. My first biopsy was also in Dec right before the holidays, and I did not know what to expect. It all worked out well. Enjoy your holidays and your family, as you enjoy a long life.

Actually I’ve had 3 over the past several years. Really not as bad as you anticipate. Just remember to relax.

i was diagnosed with CML in 8/23 at 80 years old when i was at dr for a pre-op for my back surgery. They said my blood was not right sent me to an oncologist and diagnosed with CML. I was given Glevec which caused water retention which was out of control i am now on Sprlcel and am tolerating well
I was so shocked with my diagnosis and am still bewildered as to why it happened since i’ve been pretty healthy all my life
Good luck and be grateful they are giving you sedation for the biopsy mine was done without sedation and it was pretty painful i’ll pray for you

Dear what was your wbc count?