A bone marrow biopsy is not sooooooo bad if you can prepare yourself for it and the pain. This was quite unexpected so we dashed through for his 11:30 appointment. They always give Jimmy Pethidine about 30 minutes before which definitely helps. Shame, I think today was an eina one because I heard Jimmy moaning during the procedure. Jimmy has been having Zobone infusions monthly for the last few months and Prof reckons they must be doing a good job at strengthening his bones. Yay....a positive!
We should get the results of the bone marrow biopsy in about 10 working days after which Prof will submit his motivation for stem cell transplant again, with the bone marrow biopsy results. I also asked today if Jimmy's last M protein results were back but they are also still waiting for these, so I will phone tomorrow at which time they can also give me the results of his full blood count today so that we have got an idea of where we stand with regard to his white and red blood counts.
Naturally my mind went into over analysing mode; Is the fact that the medical aid requested a bone marrow biopsy a good thing or a bad thing? It is a good thing because this and the M protein reading are both good markers as to how he is reacting to chemotherapy. Better to rely on both than just one. But it also means that instead of going ahead with stem cell transplant things are now delayed for a minimum of 14 days. The fact that the medical aid are asking for this means that a specialist at the medical aid is looking at Jimmy's results...I think this is a good thing because we are now not only relying on Prof Novitzky's opinion. If there is no change in the cancer burden (bone marrow biopsy results) will they say he has to try another chemo first to see if it can bring down the numbers before he has stem cell transplant? And to be honest I could go on and on.....but why stress myself out about this when it is not in our control.
And in case you are wondering......yes, I did look at the calendar again and this does mean that if the medical aid give us the go ahead for stem cell transplant then Jimmy will be in F4 Isolation Ward over Christmas. I hope UCTPAH has a chimney!
I thought I would add some photos to give you an idea of what a bone marrow biopsy entails.
1 comment:
Oh Viv, painful in so many ways and so many levels. Hope Jimmy has a peaceful rest of the week and praying for wise decision making. X
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