bone marrow biopsy

[BabyMamaBoutique]

Question. Should I have it done?
During a physical, my dr found that my spleen was enlarged.  In order to figure out why, the doctor has done blood tests, ultrasound, Ct scan, and more bloodwork.  Everything has come back with good results.  The doctor says that if the spleen is enlarged there must be a reason.  That reason could be cancer, Hodgson's Disease, etc.  Or it could be as simple as I was born that way.  Well, a bone marrow biopsy is going to suck and there are risks involved, although rare.  I don't want to do it but, if it is necessary, I will.  Any doctors out there with advise or a second opinion??? Wouldn't cancer show up in my bloodwork?  I'm confused.  Help someone!

[mawhite63]

I think most doctors would probably give you the same advice. If you're not comfortable or have questions about a treatment or test your primary care physician has recommended, you should get a second opinion offline. Best of luck to you. If it was me, I'd have the test done.

[sdecaro558]

You might want to flat out bring the results of your tests to another doctor and see what they say about it.  Can't hurt to have a second doctor look at it.

[BabyMamaBoutique]

Thanks guys.  I am having it done this Friday, April 27th.  I will let you know how it goes!  And of course, how it feels. lol BC as someone who is having to go through it, I wish I knew how bad it is going to be. Please send prayers my way!

[BabyMamaBoutique]

Well I had the bone marrow biopsy and it did hurt but not as much as I had thought it would.  Results will be in on Friday.

[joyroos18]

i cant imagine any dr giving opinion or advice without seeing you, and if they do please dont take it. your best bet is to find another doctor for that second opinion, i wish you the very best,

[mawhite63]

Well I had the bone marrow biopsy and it did hurt but not as much as I had thought it would.  Results will be in on Friday.

I'm so glad you did, and I'm happy it wasn't as painful as you thought it would be. I'm crossing my fingers for you. Please update this thread when  you get your results. As much as I hate the thought of you having to go through unnecessary pain, I'm hoping that these results will say nothing wrong, and that your doctor can feel with certainty that you were just born that way.

[mawhite63]

Just bumping this up to say I've been thinking about you...

[BabyMamaBoutique]

Thanks so much, mawhite63!  Your sweet thoughts must have helped! Results were normal, aside from iron levels, which were low but not anemic-low. I now take an iron pill, but Dr still wants to do a PT scan.  It's like a ct scan but it highlights areas of activity in the area tested.  Activity indicates three things: either cancer, infection, or inflammation.  So if PT scan shows no activity in the organs, I am free of tests for awhile! (Other than scans and blood tests every two months to make sure spleen is not growing).  If activity is present in my spleen or my lymph nodes, we will discuss removing my spleen. Apparently you can live without one so I guess I'm in luck there. But 
I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your posts and concern.  It's so easy to feel alone in situations like this, and why should a stranger care?! I really really appreciate your thoughts.  More than words can express.  I am thirty years old with two kids ages 6 and 8.  They are very smart and old enough that talking about it in front of them is not always a good idea.  I don't want to worry them until I know something is wrong.  So I sometimes hold in my emotions and they come pouring out in tears when the kids are in school and I read the sweet words of a stranger I will almost surely never meet.  Thank you so much for your kindness in my time of distress.  Sorry I am responding so late.  I honestly didnt think anyone out there really cared, and I don't blame them! None of you know me after all.  Its just a nice surprise when you realize that maybe someone does care, even if just a tiny bit.  You made a difference to me today.  I just wanted to tell you that.

[bowrunner]

So very glad that the bone marrow test was negative.  Good luck to you.

[mawhite63]

Oh I'm so glad the results were normal. It must be troubling for you to need to go through one more test, but you must feel better with that first hurdle behind you.

No need to apologize for not responding right away! I remember what it was like to have kids that age. You're very busy!!

It is easy to feel alone in this, I know. I've been sick for a long time and I really withdraw, just because I get tired of talking about it. Then it becomes a cycle.

Did your doctor schedule the PT scan yet?

[vmcutshall]

I am glad your test came out fine, and it doesn't hurt to always get a second opinion.

[girlswin2]

I am so glad for you that all is okay with your results.  Its always good to get second opinions unless you trust the doctor you are using.  If you don't feel the trust then its hard to go through with testing.  Always know that even if we don't know each other most people do care about others and their feelings either from going through something similar.  Plus we have a savior that cares also.   

[foxylady81]

good luck with everything and my thoughts and prayers go out to u at this time i hope all goes weel. My causin had his spline taken out when we were little it wasnt working at all and he was 6 and we are 30 and he is just fine with out it also

[handllucas]

If it were me:

all the bloodwork and tests return normal and there are no symptoms or problems - I would let well enough alone