Yesterday I got a call that they wanted me to come down on Wed (Dec 12) to have a bone marrow biopsy. They apparently had a cancellation and wanted to get me in to do the test. I really didn't want to go, or wanted it in conjunction with my next IVIG therapy (Dec 19th), but they said he was already booked into February for this test, so I should take the appointment. Reluctantly I agreed.
I had read all kinds of horror stories about this test. People being in bed afterwards, it being the most pain they had felt, etc. So I was a little apprehensive about this test. It turned out to be pretty painless and easy. They numb you up quite a bit around the area, but can't numb the bone. They go into your hip and pull out some marrow for testing. I think it has a lot to do with who does the procedure (how experienced they are). It was a little uncomfortable, but It was a pretty quick procedure. I felt good enough afterwards that Donna and I went out to lunch, and then went Christmas shopping at South Coast Plaza.
This test is necessary to look at things like gene mutation, and to develop prognostic indicators to determine what your reaction will be to certain treatments. It is also sometimes necessary if you are going to be in a clinical trial.
When I was there for the bone marrow test they did another blood test and my hemoglobin had dropped from 11.1 to 10.6. They told me that I was still hemolizing (killing off the red blood cells), but they still had hope that I would stabilize and start producing my own. I go down to La Jolla again on Wednesday the 19th, and they will do a blood test to see if my hemoglobin has dropped any more. If it has dropped, they will want me to get another transfusion on Thursday.
If the red count is still dropping, then we will begin to explore other options to try to stop the hemolizing. Keep in mind that the anemia (AIHA) is still the most critical thing to get under control, and right now the leukemia is secondary.
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