Bone Marrow Biopsy

Dear Kerry, I understand your apprehensiveness about your upcoming bone marrow biopsy, but let me assure you the thought of it is much worse than it actually is to have one. I attend my haematology clinic on a weekly basis and talk to many fellow patients after the procedure and they are not traumatised in any way whatsoever. I have had one myself and I didn’t feel a thing, just a little bit of  soreness at the entry site afterwards  which I took paracetamol for which does the trick. Having a biopsy is the best way to get the most accurate diagnosis and will lead to you getting the very best treatment.

best wishes 

jane

Hi Jane. 

Thank you so much for getting back to me and writing your lovely message, it has helped to reassure me a bit, thank you for that. I know it is the most accurate way of a diagnosis and that’s what I keep telling myself. 

Thank you for your kind words Jane x

Hi Kerry Kezzie75 and a second welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us.

I also have had a good number of BMBs for a rare type of blood cancer and all bar the very last one there were no problems.

As has been said, take a couple of Paracetamol an hour before as this helps once the ‘local’ wears off.

During the BMB you will feel a slight sting when the ‘local’ is put in then it’s usually all over in 15-20 mins and the most you will feel is some pushing.

You will have to lay on the biopsy area for a few minutes to let the entry area to stop bleeding and I was up and out driving 4 hours home.

Remember to tell the nurse doing the BMB that you are concerned as they do listen and will help you through it.

This Community is organised into various support groups so we have lots of groups that are Cancer specific and also ones that are general Cancer experience groups.

Talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot so have a look through the groups then follow the link(s) then hit ‘Join the Group’ tab just under the main group name, then go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab and set up your own Discussion and introduce yourself to the group.

You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link

Our Online Information and Support Section  is a good place to find information covering cancer diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.

Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.

When you feel up to it try putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. Just click on YOUR username, select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - you can see members profiles by hitting our forum names.

All the very best

Hi Kerry

i had 15 or 16 bone marrow aspirates during my treatment and I agree the thought of them are worse than the event itself.

Normally you will lay in your side and they will ask you to bring your knees up towards your chest. Next they will then inject local anethetic into the area around one of the round knobbles in the top side back of your pelvis.  Initially there is a sting as they inject. I used to ask for three vials of the local as I found this worked for me! After a while they will then push the hollow needle into the pelvis. Uncomfortable but not painful as such.

Then they withdraw some marrow via the hollow needle with a syringe. Can feel strange almost as if you can feel it down your leg. I found it uncomfortable but used to just breathe through it. It can take about 3-5 minutes to slowly withdraw marrow cells. 

Then needle out. Patch on and lie in your back for 15-30 mins. 

Slightly sore for a couple of days after a bit like if you had knocked yourself and have a small bruise.

Each one you have varies and some are easier than others. 

Good luck!