It had been a while since DH had had a bone marrow aspiration, and he was definitely NOT looking forward to this procedure, particularly at eight o’clock in the morning!
But as it turned out, they now give a light anesthetic along with the site-injected “novacaine”-type numbing agent. That made all the difference in the world in the discomfort involved in the procedure, and made for a lot of laughs as he came out from under the sedative.
He’s a fun guy, and provided a lot of amusement to the roomful of people gathered there. Not everyone participated, but there were eight people in the room, including the patient and the photographer!
Pictured are the oncologist doing the procedure and the anesthetist that administered the anesthetic and provided a lovely environment for a successful aspiration.
Adventures of Dorrie Anne 
Aha. . .so the aspiration is no longer an exasperation. . .way cool!
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It was the sensation of “grinding up his bones” that was so disconcerting before, even if not painful. This was a MUCH better experience.
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Wow, that first one is quite an interesting medical documentation photo. I’m glad to hear there is less discomfort with it. The anesthesiologist looks like she is holding his hand to comfort him. That’s sweet. 🙂
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She was just the sweetest person. She made us feel comfortable from the very start. Gary was half out of it (more than usual!), and provided us with plenty of giggles. Tucking in his shirt . . . well, it was a riot! ;-> He was poking at it, quite unsuccessfully, while muttering totally off-the-wall phrases. He doesn’t remember any of that at all. The first thing he remembers clearly is being in the car out in the parking lot!
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Wow I had no idea you could go in and photograph. Not sure I would have had I known. But…… I hope this doesn’t mean another stem cell transplant. What was the reason for the procedure? Or did I miss that somewhere earlier??
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There has never been a restriction on watching a BMA. I’ve seen at least half a dozen since 2007. It is done in a regular room. The staff members that come near him are all gowned up, but I wasn’t required to wear anything special. But I stayed well away.
As for another transplant . . . that is definitely a consideration. We are taking a “wait and see” attitude. Doing it or not . . . each has risks and benefits. He is not reacting well to the chemotherapy medications – off all of them for this whole month. Blood values depressed dangerously. Have to watch the light chain values to see what is happening with the cancer markers. Hopefully results from an assay directly from the marrow will provide better information than what comes from blood samples.
We’re told that maintenance, even after a transplant, would not be much less than what he is taking now, so we have to take that into account.
Every day is a treasure! ;->
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A life-affirming and joyous moment. You are so right – every day is a treasure, a gift of time that must, must, must be celebrated. And I celebrate with you every time I stop by – look forward to every one of your posts.
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Thank you! ;-> it was a heavy day. Now we await the results.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Thank you! Every day we are glad to be on this side of the grass!
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Sending lots of positive nergy into the universe for positive results, Judie!
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Thanks, Dawn. Extra energy is good. Sometimes we run low on it! ;->
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I’m really glad for both of you that it went so well. Tell Gary I wish hime a long, good future.
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Thanks, Dale! We’re hopeful.
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Glad to “see” and hear Gary came through the procedure well. My prayers are with you both .
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Thanks, Shirley. He is smiling today that it is all over. The sedative made a big difference, but bruised his hand badly.
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Judie, I am so glad the pain was managed a lot better this time. Wishing you both all the best with all my heart!
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Thank you, Sharon. We just keep on keepin’ on until the sand all shifts to the bottom of the hourglass – then we’ll hopefully turn it over and start over! ;->
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I love your attitude. But my heart hurts for you.
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We’ve been living under this cloud for seven years. It never goes away, but we try to look at it the same way that anyone else has to look at life – and when it is likely to be over. That is . . . no one is guaranteed anything as far as longevity . . . so this is really no different than ordinary living. Just more visits to the medicos! ;-> We appreciate everyone’s good wishes, and that is probably helpful in keeping the endorphins flowing for both of us! ;->
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I am so glad they gave him anesthetic for this procedure. I could never understand why they didn’t do it years ago. Good luck.
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It was fun watching him “come to”!
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Tell DH he’s looking pretty good in that pic.
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Done! A great treat coming from Iced Tea Lady!
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😉
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