Bone Biopsy

Hi Faith,

My wife had a bone biopsy of the spine, though in your Mum's case I'd imagine they'll try one of the other sites as they're probably easier and safer to use.

It was done under CT guidance, and she was under a GA to prevent her from moving. Again, this might not be necessary if biopsying the shoulder for example. I believe it can be done with just a local, but might be sore for a few days after.

The results might take a week or two, and waiting is often the hardest thing, but once they're back they'll be able to guide treatment options for your Mum. 

HTH

Hi HTH,

              Thank you for your reply. It’s good to know what to expect and be armed with some knowledge.

The biopsy is next Thursday. I will ring hospital tomorrow again to see which section they intend to take the biopsy. I am trying to be mindful about her mental well being and she was looking forward to a family wedding which is two days after the biopsy. 

I have looked into the next available date to take the biopsy which is possible 16/17 dependant on availability of nurses.

I hope you don’t mind me asking, did your wife take long to recovery from the biopsy of the spine ? At the minute the rest of the family may take a view to delay the biopsy where I am of the view to get a treatment plan for my mum as soon as possible. 

Ultimately, it’s my mums decision but the fact the cancer is on the skull the treatment plan needs to be in place asap. 

thank you in advance 

Faith 

Hi Faith,

My wife was fine after the biopsy and happily walked back to the car afterwards. She had some dull pain, but as she's on pain medicine anyway (Zomorph - slow release morphine pills) it didn't seem to bother her much.

I'm sure your Mum would be able to enjoy the wedding without much trouble afterwards, especially if they're able to biopsy an area other than the spine.

Hi Faith I have mets in spine hip and shoulder and they decided to take my biopsy from the hip. The procedure was absolutely fine. Just before taking the biopsy (which was CT guided) they gave me a small amount of sedation just enough to make me completely relaxed and although awake I have little memory of the actual procedure. I was monitored for a few hours then went home that afternoon. I can honestly say the procedure and recovery were no problem at all. I had a family holiday booked starting the next day and apart from not being able to share the drive down to Cornwall with my husband as you can’t drive for 24 hours the biopsy didn’t stop me from having a great holiday. I can quite understand you not wanting to delay the biopsy, apart from anything else I am sure your mum will start to feel so much better once she has her treatment plan. Based on my experience and what I have been told by other people your mum should be fine to go ahead with the biopsy and enjoy the wedding. Best wishes to you and your mum, Lyn 

Thank you HTH and best wishes to you and your wife.

Thank you for reassurance Lynn and best wishes to you