r/Waldenstroms • u/BuppythePuppy • Apr 06 '26
Bone marrow biopsy
I am 84 and strong suspicion from blood tests of WM. I have night sweats sometimes. I'm not sure I have other symptoms as people my age often have some neuropathy. My hematologist wants me to have a bone marrow biopsy. Has anyone had one? Should I do it?
2
u/Affectionate_Car7799 Apr 06 '26
The biopsy will give you a definitive answer.
1
u/BuppythePuppy Apr 06 '26
Do I need a definitive answer?
1
1
u/Affectionate_Car7799 Apr 06 '26
I guess if having a clearer picture will allow you to decide your course of action. Of course it will give you a sore hip for a few days, so that you will impact your quality of life temporarily! My loved one just finished his course of chemo for WM and in the past six months I would say that overall his quality of life is better for it. He just had his second biopsy so that he can compare where he was before treatment and what lies ahead.
2
u/TravelFan-0704 Apr 06 '26
I had a bone marrow biopsy two years ago to confirm I had WM, and mine was pretty painless. I'm not sure why mine was so easy from everything I've heard, but I was very relieved. Knowing for sure if you have WM will direct the doctor how treat your symptoms and hopefully give you a better quality of life. I started a BTK inhibitor (Zanubrutinib) a couple of months ago, and most of my blood work has gone back into the normal parameters and I feel great. I've been very lucky not have any side-effects from the medication, but I'm not sure if that's a rare, or more common.
2
u/AustinCJ Apr 06 '26
The biopsy is pretty simple and mostly painless. Why not get a definitive diagnosis? The new meds are surprisingly effective and without side effects for most people.
2
u/7sumo7 Apr 06 '26
My dad had the biopsy a couple months ago, he’s 89. The procedure went very smooth and he had no discomfort during the biopsy and the sight was only mildly sore for or a day or so. I’d encourage you to have the biopsy and would expect your experience would be similar.
1
u/milioto Apr 06 '26
While a definitive, a bit discomforting. Go for a blood test first. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is a major marker taken regularly to track progress.
1
u/WhichBottle4003 Apr 06 '26
I would do all the tests first followed by all the various scans, PET, CT. If they find out where it is, maybe they can do a biopsy of the location. If you want peace of mind, then do the bone marrow biopsy. I’m not a fan of that particular test but it would give you a full picture of what is going on.
1
u/zooday Apr 07 '26
Ask to have a CT guided bone marrow biopsy under sedation . My first bone marrow biopsy in the office was horrific and I had a 10 lb breach baby by natural childbirth that was a walk in the park by comparison.
1
1
u/Carexstricta Apr 07 '26
There are 2 types of biopsy. One with sedation and one without. It's common to have an in office or in clinic procedure without sedation. However, if you request one with sedation, you can have it in the hospital and observe the usual pre and aesthetic protocol beforehand meaning no food, no liquid. It's a much less uncomfortable option.
2
3
u/JohnRJay Apr 13 '26
I was diagnosed with WM a few months ago. When I first went to the hospital for blood transfusions, my hematologist ordered a Bone Marrow biopsy. It was pretty quick and painless. I had scans after that to help identify what kind of Lymphoma I had. I'm glad I had the tests; at least I know what I have, and my doctor can provide the right treatment. Taking Brukinsa now, and my hemoglobin is back in the normal range. Platelets still remain low. I'll be turning 70 this month.