Yippee!

Thursday afternoon I was scheduled for my regular 3 mos recheck with Dr Long and Tanya in the bone marrow clinic. Usually I get my blood drawn, followed by a physical exam with Dr Long and/or Tanya, and finally a bone marrow biopsy. The aspirate and marrow they collect from my hip is sent off for special leukemia studies to look for any signs of recurrence. At my visit in late July, Dr Long decided that I could skip the bone marrow biopsy since my blood counts were so normal. But he told me that I'd have to get one at my next visit. So all week, I'd been dreading the visit. The biopsies are painful since the numbing medicine they use only dulls the pain at the skin and muscle overlying the biopsy site. The part where they drill into the hip bone and beyond into the marrow is quite painful. They drill a second hole to suck out liquid marrow for the aspirate sample and that produces an intense pain that radiates across the whole pelvis. That part isn't dumbed by the Lidocaine either.

My first bone marrow biopsy was actually at UNC where I was diagnosed with the leukemia in late May 2008 after my white blood cell counts started dropping followed by my red blood cells and then my platelets. That very first biopsy was angst ridden- what with the waiting for news of what this was. I knew that it was something bad because in addition to the low numbers of cells, the cells had begun to appear atypical, a sure sign of malignancy. But the actual biopsy procedure was not uncomfortable because they used what is called conscious sedation. They placed an IV in my arm, monitored my breathing and blood pressure, while they gave me IV morphine and ativan. It's kind of a "La La Land " where you know what is happening, but there is no pain or anxiety. I got spoiled a bit by that first biopsy because it was so easy. Well the actual procedure was easy anyway. My hip was sore and bruised and tender for the next several days, but Motrin handled that easily.

So the dread started seeping back in Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday this week as I thought about having another biopsy Thursday afternoon. My appointment was scheduled for 3pm at Duke, and Sallie, my boss, let me rearrange my hours to be there without missing work time. I worked the morning clinic and through lunch until 1:30pm. There is nothing like hearing 19 other peoples' health issues to take your mind off your own impending date with a big needle. And it worked to keep me busy and focused before I had to leave for my appointment. Then Dr Long decided that my blood counts looked great. Not only did I not need the biopsy, but he was cutting me loose to follow up whenever I wanted as long as my monthly blood test remains normal. All that worry and dread for nothing. I was so very relieved not to have the biopsy and even more relieved to get on to a more minimal follow up routine. Though it might not be needed, I did tell him that I want to be seen again in 6 mos. Call it post cancer wariness. I don't want to be too far removed from the clinic in case I need them.

We piled into the car as usual Thursday afternoon and headed for the mtns after my appointment. The mountain views are finally clear & sunny here. We are still seeing a little leaf foliage though it is definitely post peak. I love this time of year because the Asheville house starts to have a splendid view of downtown as well as the mountains both east and west of town. The sun comes up just over the east mountains, shining into our eyes with its low winter arc. We have to close the curtains for the first hour or two until it gets higher in the sky with less of a slanting path through the bedroom windows. If it's sunny, there is often a beautiful rosy glow to both the sunrise and the sunset. It's one of the reasons I like this house, though it is modest and boring in the way that raised ranches are. We keep feeding the birds, both in the front and the back of the house, and they keep coming for us. The woodpeckers are looking brilliant this time of year.

So Yippee for me!!!