Ready ... Set ... Bone Marrow Biopsy

[Jemorgen]

I was diagnosed in September 2018 with SLL - Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma, Stage 3. After W&W for 6 months my latest ct scan shows an increasing number of enlarging lymph nodes, particularly in my abdomen. One mass is 12 cm by 9 cm. This causes a lot of discomfort, my energy is decreased (although comparatively still pretty good) and I’ve had some B symptoms.

So next step is a bone marrow biopsy and FISH. I’m quite anxious about this. I’m worried about the pain during the process and lingering pain afterwards. I know many have written that it’s tolerable but I could use some more direct words of support.

Thanks

Heather 🇨🇦

[GMa27]

Had 3 BMB. Felt nothing! The apprehension is worse than the procedure. They gave me an IV drug in the room to relax me. 🙏💕

[Jemorgen in reply to GMa27]

I’ll get an Ativan so that will help but I think you’re right, the anticipation will be my enemy.

[OkanaganCLL]

Hi Jemorgan,

I had my biopsy last July. It’s hard to describe the pain, as it sounds s like no other feeling I have ever experienced. The weirdest pain, was when the doc was actually withdrawing the bone marrow and then the same with the tissues. For me, the actual drilling felt like heavy menstrual cramps! The drawings themselves felt like my uterus/tubes were being pulled/tugged at. Very strange pain, for sure! I was sore after the freezing came out and for the next 2 days.

It’s very different for each person, according to the dr.

Cindy

[Jemorgen in reply to OkanaganCLL]

The specialist said the draw feels like your insides are being pulled out.

[OkanaganCLL in reply to Jemorgen]

Yes, but in different body areas for different people. He said, he biopsied a colleague of his. The doc stated that he felt his genitals were being pulled! Another lady told him it felt like her heart was being pulled across and down her body!

[Jemorgen in reply to OkanaganCLL]

Yikes

[PlanetaryKim]

Hi Heather. I have had one BMB. Was really anxious about pain beforehand. the whole thing turned out be a non-event. Felt zero pain (except for prick of needle with freezing agent, but that was nothing). It took maybe 10 minutes tops. and then did not really hurt after. Maybe vaguely sore in that spot for a day or two. But no problem to sit, walk or lie down.

Good luck!

kim

[Hidden]

My bvb was just a pin prick. The worst part was suffering thru the comedy routine of the 2 doctors doing it.-lol

[Jemorgen in reply to Hidden]

I’ve been told I can bring a friend to hold my hand and I know she’ll keep my duly distracted.

[Ironj]

Hi Heather

I had a Bone marrow biopsy in April 2018. I can tell you I had no idea what to expect. Hears what happened I was given a numbing agent that burn when injected. They waited a few min and did the biopsy. I had zero pain just a little pressure. After the biopsy I had very minor discomfort that lasted 48 hours. I wouldn’t be concerned if I had to have another one. Good luck and best wishes. John

[Jemorgen in reply to Ironj]

Thanks John.

[cajunjeff]

I had two bmb’s. The first was done under local anasthesia and was kind of painful for me. The second was done under general anasthesia and was a breeze for me with little residual discomfort. So you know my vote.

[Jemorgen in reply to cajunjeff]

Hmm I was told general anesthesia is not an option but I’m hoping the Ativan will make me “out of it “

[BeckyLUSA]

It is different for everyone. I have had two and during both of them I had pain. The first time I had no drugs before hand and was scared to death. The second time I had an anti anxiety drug, and was not as anxious, but it still hurt. It is not unbearable, but it is very uncomfortable. I almost broke my hubby’s hand the first time! Good luck. Hope you are one of the lucky

“no pain” people.

[Jemorgen in reply to BeckyLUSA]

Thanks Becky. Me too 🥺

[steve5441]

I have had five bmb's over the last ten years performed by five different Dr's , CNP's, they all hurt. The most weird feeling ever when they extract the fluid. Just felt like a little bruise afterwards, I was never offered any type of drug to take a little of the edge or pain off beforehand. Take a little something if they offer, I think it would help. Good luck

[Jemorgen in reply to steve5441]

Thanks Steve. I’m starting to feel a little more confident. I appreciate your comments.