Thursday, February 25, 2010

Bone Marrow Biopsy -- take 1

My bone marrow biopsy is now scheduled for next Thursday at St. Joseph's in Atlanta. From that we will learn how damaged the bone marrow is. It will be a good point and time reference. Hopefully, they will karyotype the chromosomes so we can learn more about the particulars of my disease process. It will also provide info that the docs can use to determine if I might be a candidate for clinical trials as they become available. These myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are still not well-understood.

I've received great encouragement from fellow MPNers through the MPDChat group, so I'm really not nervous about the procedure. The most challenging part will be getting up and arriving at the hospital without my usual dose of caffeine (I am NOT a morning person).


Here's a little ditty I wrote to the tune of "Tomorrow" from Annie the musical.

Ode to the Bone Marrow Biopsy:

The needle will draw
bone marrow
Bet your bony bottom
that tomorrow
Won't be fun

Just thinkin' about
bone marrow
Crunching sounds and
aspirating needle
Hope I'm numb

When I'm stuck in the rump
Feel the thump
Hear the grinding
I just say Hurry Up
BMB
On me...

I have no doubt
bone marrow
will tell me to hang on
'til tomorrow
Tests delayed
Bone marrow! Bone marrow!
I love ya, bone marrow
You're keepin'
the MPNs
at bay