How Did A Bone Marrow Biopsy Clarify Or Alter Treatment Of Your MPN?
Many of you were so kind to reassure me about the bmb that was in the planning stages a few months ago. I am 87 years old, diagnosed with PV in 2019, did well on hydroxyurea and aspirin for four years, maintaining hct level within target range, and only two phlebotomies during that time. Stopped taking the HU in January of 2023 due to likely side effects of HU (swallowing difficulty, hoarseness). Referral to ENT specialist with trial of omeprazole and anti-reflux diet because doctors doubted my… read more
I have been an RN for the last 30 years, assisted with bedside BMB for various medical issues. (None were for MPN). I never heard of MPN’s until recently. Anyway, i asked a lot of questions and my Dr said 1) it will give a definitive diagnosis, 2) they can check for scarring of the bone marrow.. so now I know for a fact I have ET / CALR and no scarring.
BMB is still the best way to diagnose. I was originally diagnosed with a form of Leukemia and it was only the biopsy that definitively showed PMF. Of course that changed the plan!
BMB clarified diagnosis of ET JAK2. I don't think that it altered treatment particularly. Recommended treatment was HU according to the algorithm for over 60, JAK2. Not a lot of thought put into it. BMB, diagnosis, algorithm medication recommendation.
I still have not been offered any BMB, 2 MPN specialist, 4 yrs now baby asprin and 500 hu 3 days a week only. HU was bothering my stomach at 500 per day.... so cut back last yr. Platelets under 700, age 72.
Has Everyone Who's Been Diagnose With An MPN Had A Bone Marrow Biopsy Done?
Difficulty With Diagnosis
Iwith You On This Bone Pain, How Do You Differentiate If It's From Past Injuries, Arthritis Or Whatever.