What is the value of the bone marrow biopsy and how do I cope with it?
It is important as it provides a bench mark for measuring the progress of the bone marrow directly. The blood reports show the consequences of the state of the bone marrow. Nothing beats firsthand information. Some doctors claim they can tell by peripheral blood counts and do not rely on bone marrow biopsies. As you can see from the above criteria, it is virtually impossible to stage the disease without this tool. And staging provides a guide to the most appropriate treatment option.However the procedure may be difficult as local anesthetics cannot reach the bone marrow itself. You may find that if you prepare with a relaxant (mild tranquilizer) about an hour ahead that the procedure (which takes 3 – 30 minutes depending on skill and bone density) can be coped with.4.
It is important as it provides a bench mark for measuring the progress of the bone marrow directly. The blood reports show the consequences of the state of the bone marrow. Nothing beats firsthand information. However the procedure may be difficult as local anesthetics cannot reach the bone marrow itself. You may find that if you prepare with a relaxant about an hour ahead that the procedure (which takes 3 – 5 minutes depending on skill and bone density) can be coped with. A skilled technician or nurse who does the procedure on a regular basis is preferable to a doctor who does it rarely. Some physician’s will order intravenous medication such as a combination of demerol and versed or morphine and valium. Others require a general anesthetic (which has its own risks and takes longer to recover from). If you find it difficult, insist on pain relief. You will need to have these about twice a year so you have to find a way to cope with them that suits you.
