Hi Shimauta. From what I've read, nearly all centers take a BMB at or around the 100 day mark. When I asked my doctor about it, she said it was only to confirm what they highly suspected - continued remission. A BMB is the definitive test, but truthfully, a good hemotologist can tell a lot from the bloodwork, both the levels and the trends they see. Also if you have any symptoms like dizzyness, easy bruising, night sweats, fevers, slowly healing sores, stuff like that tells them something is going on. If they suspect something they'll expand their test to a BMB. I'm 7 months post transplant and have had only the one BMB. I expect another one at a year, God willing. After that I don't know.

Shimauta,

I have had a few more BMBs than that after transplant (when my ANC was fluctuating all over the place). In the past 6 months, I have had none. My next BMB will be on Oct 2. Bloodwork tells just about as much when people have been put into remission. Who wants to have a BMB anyway? You can't shower for 24 hours (at least according to the protocol my doctor follows).

Cliff

Hi Shimauta

After induction chemo I had a BMB to confirm remission then not another until my blood counts crashed (6 months later) and they wanted to check if I was still in remission (I was at that time). After transplant they did a BMB at 100 days and said hopefully that is the last. My doctors don't do them at set intervals only if the bloods or scans give cause to think there maybe a relapse. So not to worry that you are not having any and you are not too far from the 2 year post treatment mark so sounds as though your doing great!

Nicole

Shimauta,
I believe they would look at normal blood work first, then if things seem off they would do the BMB. I have had more than the norm and will have another in October as well (20), but I am still actively fighting the beast.
Andrea

Shimauta: I have asked for BMTs a couple times since declaring myself a survivor (after recovery from my last chemo 3.5 years ago). My onc said if I wanted to volunteer to have a first timer do it she would allow it. I took a pass on that one. She said they can tell by the bloodwork, especially comparing it with my past since remission -- which is NOT normal, but I am alive so not complaining. It is "my normal" and as long as it stays where it is, then they see no reason to probe any further. BMBs are not totally safe -- there is always the possibility of an infection, and so they do not just do them without cause. There is a risk to anything like that -- even setting foot in the hospital, so if you don't really need it, there is no sense in pushing it. I think you and I are in the same boat (again!!!) -- both chemo only and not really in need of a BMT. Take care -- dave

Hi Shimauta,

I have never had a BMB since consolidation. None post transplant I did ask at one stage shortly after my 100 days and they said only if it was needed once the counts are stable they don't go into the marrow.

Planxty

Hi, I'm post induction but still ANC at 0.0 (day 32 in hospital) I've actually had 3 BMBs. first one to determine my markers (flt3 & npm1) , second to determine if the first round of chemo got my bad cells, (it did, thankfully) and the third just this past monday, to ensure bad cells are still gone as my counts aren't going up and my doctor is considering one neupogen shot if my ANC stays 0.0 for too much longer. All my vitals are good, but WBC low. He says my bone marrow is "clean but stubborn"

Missy,

Please don't worry about your stubborn marrow. Once a marrow starts to recover, even a stubborn one can't fight you. Your bone marrow was clean, so just give it time. It just wants to be annoying.

Cliff

thanks Cliff, the question is to "neupogen" or not....but we are giving it some more time either way.

Missy,

I am no expert, but my understanding is that giving neupogen does not increase the likelihood of stirring up any residual bad cells. I am sure that if the marrow doesn't come around, they will give it to you. In any event, look at the most important thing right now -- your CLEAN bone marrow and don't focus on the "speed bumps." I know it's tempting, because that is human nature, but it serves no good purpose. Remember....you will be FINE!

Cliff

thanks Cliff!!!!! I am fortunate, as you said, to have gone through induction with very little problems and I have to look for silver linings. I like my oncologist very much, and appreciate that he is concerned, so just did a few more laps around the corridor, getting my stretch bands out for strength training, and then will download a comedy on netflix...!!!

xo

Absolutely perfect!

I have already confessed on this site to have spent my quarantined days watching Animal Planet. I must have Asperger's, because I have always been fascinated by animal behavior and, having nothing else to do, I gave in to my fascination. LOL.

Take the laps as often as you can. I know it can be boring, and I tended to get reprimanded when I went too fast, but being able to exercise is not only physically good for you, it is a real mental pick-me-up, because it's something that healthy people do.

If you get bored with the comedy, give a peak to Animal Planet. I bet I've PIQUED your interest! LOLOL.

Like the attitude Missy. It will serve you much better than fretting.

Cliff

Thanks so much, dear friends !!!
So happy to hear about this.

Yes, Dave, thanks God we're in the same boat - chemo only survivers. And neither I want to be a volunteer.....

Blessings for all of you

S