Anyone had a bone marrow biopsy?

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Diane1960
Diane1960 Member Posts: 32
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Last week I took my mom for her last Herceptin treatment.  After checking her blood levels, the Onc said mom's platelets had dropped from 58,000-22,000 since her last treatment.  Mom's had low platelets since her cancer diagnosis but the count was usually in the 60,000-80,000 range.  The Onc has ordered a bone marrow biopsy which mom will have done on Friday. 

If anyone here has had a bone marrow biopsy can you please tell me what my mom can expect?  Is it as bad as I've heard?  Just last month my mom had a brain mets scare after a neck MRI revealed a spot on her brain (turned out to be nothing).  Now she's facing a new health issue and is terrified to have the biopsy.  I would love to give her some encouraging news.

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  • RebzAmy
    RebzAmy Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2011

    Hi Diane

    really sorry to hear about your mum. I have had 2 bone marrow biopsies - both under local anaesthetic and light sedation - I don't remember a thing and i was completely fine after. I would insist on the light sedation in addition to local anaesthetic as they don't always give it.

    Hoping all goes well.

    RebzAmy  

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  • Tiger_Blood
    Tiger_Blood Member Posts: 270
    edited November 2011

    Hi! I just had a spine biopsy and I believe it is done the same way. I was given a sedative that relaxed me. Then they localized the area of the biopsy and put me through a CT scan to make sure the RAD guy was in the right place. Then he tapped thru the bone which felt weird. It was pressure not pain. If she feels any pain the RAD guy will place more numbing agent in the area. The tapping feels like someone is shaking you. It is not painful but bizarre. No wonder they give you sedatives! Afterwards, there is achiness. No pain meds needed though!

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  • Diane1960
    Diane1960 Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2011

    Thank you RebzAmy, I'm glad to hear you didn't have any problems with your biopsies.

    Mom's Onc said she would be given a local anesthetic, but I hope they give her a choice of stronger sedation.  I will definitely tell mom to request something stronger. 

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  • Diane1960
    Diane1960 Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2011

    Hi Tiger_Blood.  You and RebzAmy have made me feel so much better about the procedure. It doesn't sound nearly as awful as I imagined.  I'll share your stories with my mom and hopefulIy I can calm her nerves some. 

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