Bone marrow biopsy tomorrow...

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lanae on October 1, 2008 at 5:37pm

Liz
When I had it done they gave me a shot to relax me. Be sure they do this for you! I know you don't want drugs but you better take whatever they offer or give you. If you can take something before the appt to help with anxiety I highly suggest it also. You will be in my thoughts and prayers! Let me hear from you when its over and done. Love to you.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Austin from Earth! on October 1, 2008 at 7:04pm

I have never had a bone marrow biopsy, but I wanted to say that I'm praying for you and will totally be with you in spirit.

Much love to you my friend!!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by marie on October 1, 2008 at 7:28pm

I've almost reached the number 20 for my biopsies. I'm an old pro (unfortunately!). My last one was 2 weeks ago. I always take and anti-anxiety pill/shot such as ativan (lorazapam) to take away the nervousness which causes me to tense up which makes everything more painful. I also ask in advance for an IV that they call "conscious sedation" which allows you to know everything that's happening but GREATLY reduces the pain. Some centers offer it and others don't. You usually have to have it in the biopsy order in advance if they do offer that service. One of my sides is much easier to biopsy than the other but the specialists insist on switching sides each time where I go. Different people perform the biopsy better. Some just have "the touch". Feel free to ask how many biopsies someone has done. I had to have a bi-lateral biopsy performed TWICE - a total of 4 aspirations and drillings because the person wasn't good at extracting the cores. Most are just very uncomfortable and then tender for a few days. It is much more comfortable for the patient to lie on their stomach, not on their side - it helps w/ being able to exert enough pressure quickly enough to get into the bone. I also take tylenol/oxy 5mg for the next couple of days and wear clothing that won't rub or bump the site.
Hope I didn't overwhelm you but I know having info in advance can reduce the anxiety over the process especially if all you really remember about the last one was the pain. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stephanie on October 1, 2008 at 9:27pm

I concur with Marie. I had one done where i was looped up, and it was no problem. The next one I assumed would be no problem, and so I didn't take anything, despite Marie's advice. Well, next time I will take that Ativan and a vicodin, just because I can... The procedure is relatively short (about 10 min, I guess), but tensing up makes it alot more difficult, that's why I think the ativan probably helps. The last one hit a nerve, so driving myself home was really hard. I would have someone drive you if possible. Praying for good, healing, wonderful news!!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by marie on October 1, 2008 at 9:53pm

Stephanie is right. If you can have a ride it is MUCH better! Completely forgot about that stage of the process!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Leslie on October 1, 2008 at 9:48pm

Good Evening Liz,,

Up front I want to wish you GOOD LUCK & HOPING YOU GET SOME GOOD NEWS WITH ALL OF YOUR TEST RESULTS.......

I like you, cannot WAIT until all of my tests and the waiting period is over...............

Ok, I had my first BMB done on September 25th... I am still waiting the results on that...

One person told me (AND IT DID HELP) to bring pillows with you... This to help for afterwards.... (2) One for under your butt and One for behind your back.. This did help for me, especially because I drove myself there & home... I will say that afterwards was really a breeze for me.. Maybe it was because a couple of hrs. after I had mine done, I was @ a Kris Carr, book signing/discussion in my area (wink) that sure helps!!!!!!!!!!!!! (smile)..

I took a Xanax prior to the test... I was most axious because the area where they wanted to take it from was on the right lower hip/sacrum area and that is where I normally have EXcrutiating pain because of other issues I have going on, so I laid on my side and had the other area facing upwards.... M-I-S-T-A-K-E!!!!!!!!!!! Not only did he have to first try with the shorter needle and then realize that it was "NOT" long enough, but then told me he could not get at the area well enough and he needed me to lay on my stomach so he could apply the pressure. Then he needed to use the LONGER needle (ouch) but I must say, it did go Quite Fast after that... I was told that the heavier you are, the bigger/longer/thicker needle they need... Well in my case THIS DEFINATLY PROVED CORRECT........... I am extremly heavy right now and............. Well you know the rest...

II will admit, I HAVE FELT ALOT MORE THINGS FEEL ALOT WORSE.............

My thoughts & prayers are with you.

xoxoxo Leslie

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rhonda on October 1, 2008 at 10:56pm

I agree with what everyone else said. Here's my 'short list'...

--Someone MUST drive you.
--I skip the Ativan or xanax and just go for the Versed (concious sedation) at the procedure. It makes me zonked but 'aware' enough to respond to commands.
--On your stomach.
--Try to relax because they are right to tense up makes it all WORSE. (Thus the Versed...)
--Sounds crazy, but once the sedation wears off and you feel confident in your walking (maybe an hour?) WALK around! It helps... I'm not sure why, but it really does. I'm not as sore when I walk around for a bit.
--Treat yourself to doing nothing for the rest of the day!!!
--Take a nap... walk around the house a few times... take a nap...

It's true that the more experience the technician has the better. IF you feel nervous about the person giving you the test, ask for someone really experienced!!! Go ahead, you can ask. You may not get it, but ASK!!!

Good luck and keep us posted.
Rhonda

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sherry on October 1, 2008 at 11:10pm

You are getting some great advice Liz - but I just wanted to clarify. Seems as if the biopsy is done in several different areas, but the two most common are the hip and base of the spine. I don't know if you get a choice - I've had two and they were both in my spine. I was not offered anything other than a local anesthetic (same stuff they use on your teeth prior to drilling). It was better than nothing, but I did make sure to take an ativan prior to the second one. Painful, yes very - but like Rhonda mentioned, not debilitating for very long.

Think of yourself on the road to healing and this is the last hurdle to get over. I know you can do this - you are seriously one of the strongest people I've seen on this site and I will be cheering you across the finish line! xoxo

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Liz R on October 1, 2008 at 11:08pm

Thank you so much everyone for responding. I will take all the advice! I have my pillows ready! : ) And naps are definitely part of my plans for the rest of the day.
I am already experiencing pain in my hips from the Neulasta shot I had after my last chemo. So pain meds will be welcomed. I have lots of oxycontin and oxycodene left from my hospital stay; but if they don't have Versed, should I just bring a bottle of vanilla Stoli (vodka)? Haha.
I don't know if the Versed is available but I have no qualms about asking for it. Thankfully, I have a good friend who is driving and coming with me. She is one of those good friends who can keep me calm and laughing no matter what.

Thank you all for all from the bottom of my heart for the love, prayers and good thoughts, too. It really does mean a lot to me. I will let you know how things go. Love, Liz

▶ Reply to This