The last week or so has had it's good days and not so good days. Tired, sick, leg pain.............. usual stuff. Nothing terrible, but frustrating to not really feel the best.
On Wednesday, Em has another bone marrow biopsy and aspiration - what this is:
A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of soft tissue from inside bone. Bone marrow grows inside some of the larger bones in the body. It produces platelets and red and white blood cells.
The bone marrow biopsy is done in the health care provider's office. The sample is taken from the hip bone. The skin is cleansed, and a local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin.
An aspirate is performed, usually before the biopsy is taken. After the skin is numbed, the aspirate needle is inserted into the bone, and a syringe is used to withdraw the liquid bone marrow. If this is done, the needle will be removed and either repositioned, or another needle may be used for the biopsy.
The biopsy needle is then inserted into the bone. The center of the needle is removed and the needle is moved deeper into the bone. This creates a tiny sample, or core, of bone marrow within the needle. The needle is then removed, along with the bone marrow sample. Pressure is applied to the biopsy site to stop bleeding, and a bandage is applied.
He has had two of these before -- they aren't the most fun - but tolerable he says. The results of this will determine if next week will be his last round of chemo! We are praying for this!
Here's Jessa and her mom -
before the prom in Edgeley this week-end.
