I found out yesterday the results of the bone marrow test and my doctor called this afternoon to confirm: the cancer has NOT gone to the bone marrow! This is very good news. Personally, I thought the cancer had made its way to my bones. I have been warning everyone that I thought the cancer was there. Not that I could feel something in my bones, but by thinking the worst, I was prepared for anything. If indeed the test was positive, I was already prepared. If the test was negative, then I would be pleasantly surprised. Early on we were getting hit with only bad news. I learned to accept the absolute worst scenario as a coping strategy.
My next chemo treatment will be on November 30. I will then have a CT scan on December 10 to evaluate my progress after two rounds of chemo. If my body is not reacting to the chemo after 2 treatments in Austin, then I will need to go to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for further treatment. If I am not in complete remission after the 4th treatment, then I will need to go to MD Anderson at this point too. I am hoping I will get to stay in Austin and have all of this behind me by February 22, the date of my very last scheduled chemo infusion.
Showing posts with label bone marrow aspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bone marrow aspiration. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Veteran's Day Bone Marrow Aspiration
On Monday of this week, I went to a local hospital for a bone marrow aspiration. They basically took a sample of my bone marrow to see if the cancer has gone to my bones. Since all of this started, I have had so many tests and exams, however Monday’s bone marrow aspiration was the most difficult and painful of them all. The procedure was difficult for two reasons:
1. The procedure hurt! I was somewhat sedated, but not enough. I requested more sedation, but I still felt LOTS of pressure. The doctor took a sample from the lower part of my back.
2. I had to wait and wait and wait for my procedure to start. I walked in at 8:30 in the morning. They told me I would be out in about 5 hours. David and I didn’t leave the hospital until 7:30 at night. I first waited in the pre-op area in a gown on a bed for about 4 hours. From my vantage point, I could hear and see the stress of the nurses trying to get all the patients ready for their day surgeries. Since I can’t truly evaluate medical competencies of a hospital or clinic, I evaluate on the care and service aspect that I receive. This pre-op area was clearly understaffed. Then I was transferred to the actual operating room. They got me on my stomach, put oxygen in my nose, prepped my back, put me into a CT machine and then I waited. I waited in this position for about an hour until the doctor arrived. Fortunately I had a nice nurse that stayed and talked to me while I was waiting for the doctor. The nice nurse assured me that this waiting in the operating room never happens. I thought, “Thanks, Good to know.” I kept hearing the staff talking about how busy they were that day. Then I figured it out…it was Veterans Day. Lots of people have the day off. Perhaps everyone decided to have his or her elective surgeries on Monday? Or perhaps people are trying to get their surgeries in before the Thanksgiving holiday? Who knows. I took a pain killer when I got home and went to bed.
On Tuesday, I was still very sore from the procedure and my bones hurt. On Wednesday, I had some energy and I felt good, but I over did it. I was very, very tired last night. I realize I just need listen to my body and accept my slower pace.
1. The procedure hurt! I was somewhat sedated, but not enough. I requested more sedation, but I still felt LOTS of pressure. The doctor took a sample from the lower part of my back.
2. I had to wait and wait and wait for my procedure to start. I walked in at 8:30 in the morning. They told me I would be out in about 5 hours. David and I didn’t leave the hospital until 7:30 at night. I first waited in the pre-op area in a gown on a bed for about 4 hours. From my vantage point, I could hear and see the stress of the nurses trying to get all the patients ready for their day surgeries. Since I can’t truly evaluate medical competencies of a hospital or clinic, I evaluate on the care and service aspect that I receive. This pre-op area was clearly understaffed. Then I was transferred to the actual operating room. They got me on my stomach, put oxygen in my nose, prepped my back, put me into a CT machine and then I waited. I waited in this position for about an hour until the doctor arrived. Fortunately I had a nice nurse that stayed and talked to me while I was waiting for the doctor. The nice nurse assured me that this waiting in the operating room never happens. I thought, “Thanks, Good to know.” I kept hearing the staff talking about how busy they were that day. Then I figured it out…it was Veterans Day. Lots of people have the day off. Perhaps everyone decided to have his or her elective surgeries on Monday? Or perhaps people are trying to get their surgeries in before the Thanksgiving holiday? Who knows. I took a pain killer when I got home and went to bed.
On Tuesday, I was still very sore from the procedure and my bones hurt. On Wednesday, I had some energy and I felt good, but I over did it. I was very, very tired last night. I realize I just need listen to my body and accept my slower pace.
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