Bone Marrow Biopsy

Yesterday, Susette and i went in for a bone marrow biopsy at UCLA. We had been through a number of tests (various blood tests, lymph note biopsy, PET/CT scan, echo cardiogram, lung scan/breath tests and an MRI) but this was definitely the most painful. This test involved sticking a probe into her hip bone marrow (within the bone) to extract a marrow sample. The purpose is to see if the cancer infiltrated the bones.

Susette gave (more) blood and was shot up with morphine before the biopsy. She then was given shots into each layer of skin and the outside of the bone to numb her for pain. They all helped but there was no numbing the inside of the bone. When the needle reached the inside of of her bone and the marrow a sharp strong pain ran right down her leg. i was holding her hand and my fingers were turning blue at that point.

The first attempt was not successful so, she had to repeat the procedure. My fingers at that point were turning a nice shade of magenta by then...

After the procedure was over, a nurse counseled her on her first chemotherapy appointment coming up on Friday. The nurses name was Kim and she was very nice and compassionate. But even with her nice demeanor, the facts were not wonderful to hear -- chemotherapy is still dangerous and Susette will be sitting for approximately 5 hours while they pump her with this lethal medicine. She will receive this outpatient treatment twice a month for six months. And there are the side effects -- she will be loosing her hair and will have to take anti-nausea medicine regularly, not to mention the many other potential risks. It was not a possitive message to hear.

By then, it was about 5:00pm and we glad the appointment was over but we weren't thrilled about jumping on the freeway to head for the South Bay, so, we decided to visit a Westwood veggie restaurant -- not the smartest idea. By the time we found a place to park, and walked to the restaurant, the morphine had kicked in big time. Susette was leaning on my arm and was staggering as we walked down the street. i wanted to go back but she said "no p-p-p-roooblem." i thought for sure we were going to be stopped by the police for "drunk and disorderly" behavior. Fortunately, we made to the restaurant without getting arrested.

After we sat down and ordered, i left briefly for the restroom. When i returned, Susette's head was face down on the table --- she was out. i had to wake her up because the food was about to arrive. Once the food arrived, i did all i could to keep her from diving head first into her cabbage soup. It was, needless to say, an adventure to be remembered.

Coming up...

Friday, at 8am, is her first chemotherapy appointment. Please keep her in your prayers. She is very apprehensive. Pray that God will give her peace and that the morning will go well.