Biopsy no. 4

My oncologist phoned us up on Wednesday to ask that I come to the clinic for another bone marrow biopsy. My platelet count had dropped (unexpectedly) which prompted him to schedule the biopsy sooner rather than wait 2 months for a follow-up. So, we went in yesterday (bright and earlier) to add a fourth scar to my lower back. I am getting the hang of these things, but I am very thankful for the availability of drugs like Ativan and Dilaudid (although, Virginia might argue differently, knowing that the stronger the dose, the cornier my jokes become, and they doubled my dose yesterday).

The test that they will use on this biopsy is something called a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Even though the last biopsy showed molecular remission, it only analyzed 500 cells. From what I understand, this test allows for greater accuracy, and will determine to what extent the remission has occurred. The Mayo Clinic labs have a pretty good explanation of the test. My oncologist, in theory, will be able to determine the course of treatment based on the results of this test, if their indeed is a change. Analyzing the marrow this way can allow for early detection of relapse, which will mean quicker treatment. The results, unfortunately, take a week. So, we won’t know anything until Wednesday.

In the meantime, life goes on. I’m feeling better and better, the hole in my chest is healing nicely, and since our bikes are fixed up, we’ve already been out several times. And, what better way to illustrate a return to “normal” than by showing some scratchcrafty goodness…

Keefely Mittens

…like, these Keefely Mittens that Virginia made (pattern by JoLene Treace):

Keefely Mittens

…or, this apricot pie I baked for a friend’s birthday:

Apricot Pie

Normal is good. We like normal.

4 Replies to “Biopsy no. 4”

  1. Praying for good results! That pie looks amazing. Your blog is not good for my food cravings. I still think about the pictures of the pickles you canned… All in all, I just writing to say that as summer turns into fall I hope you will be enjoying a much happier and “normal” season of life.

  2. Fingers crossed your test results come back fine! Normal is the best! We absolutely love normal. And pie:)

  3. Praying for good results as well. Those mittens are gorgeous – of course, since Virginia made them. Beautiful work!

  4. I’m hoping & praying your test results will be good & not a relapse. Keep biking & doing yoga it’ll help you either way…(It did for me anyways!)
    The pie looks wonderful!!
    Best wishes!!

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