Day 14: Bone Marrow Test

Today was the big day... Day 14 - Bone Marrow Test Day


For those who want the quick, clean version:
Mommy had the bone marrow test done today.
It went well.
She's not really been in any pain.
We have to wait probably until Monday for the results.

Now, for those who want to see and hear all the details:
Around 3:30 pm Nicole, the Nurse Practitioner, came by. She had my mom sign a consent form and then she performed the bone marrow test -- right in her hospital room.

I offered my mom my hand to squeeze during the test. At some point I realized I probably shouldn't watch it as it was happening. I thought I'd end up squeezing HER hand instead of HER squeezing MINE. I must have had some look on my face because Nicole asked if I get queasy and faint. (I didn't think I get queasy, but I guess...hahah!)

My mom, flipped over on her tummy, had this tool inserted into a spot in her back. (You know the "dimples" you have above your butt? -- right around there.)

It's called a "Jamshidi Bone Marrow Biopsy / Aspiration Needle." It's a 4 inch long, 11 gauge needle. It's not a tiny thing - in length or width.

Who was the wise guy who named this thing?! I think they called it the "Jamshidi" because they jam the thing into the bone. Seriously.
The sight of this being jammed into her back was hard to watch, but what was worse was the sound. It was something ... hearing it puncture the skin. And then hearing the metal hit the bone (over and over and over again).
When the tool was finally inserted, they used a syringe to suck out some fluid through the Jamshidi. They got more than enough to fill two test tubes worth. They then inserted a hook-like piece of surgical steel and grabbed a piece of bone marrow along with a tiny piece of bone.
Once they got everything they got what they needed they pulled the tool out of her back and cleaned her up. As far as I know, they did a great job. It was pretty quick and my mom wasn't in too much pain. She only took one pain medication along with the local anisthetic -- and the nurse said she did superbly. Mommy was even making jokes while it was happening.
They'll use the blood and marrow samples to examine if there are any leukemia cells left.

We don't expect to hear anything most likely until Monday or Tuesday.


Praise God that Mommy was filled with peace and calm before and during the test and that the actual test went well. Praise God that Mommy's been pretty free from pain and discomfort from the procedure.
Pray that the test results show that there's no leukemia left.

Mommy's platelets were low today so it bled quite a bit for a while. They gave her a unit of platelets this afternoon. The combination of the Benadryl (to prevent an allergic reaction to the transfusion) and the pain meds made for a very groggy, sleepy patient this evening. :)