not so newly to this game

first dignosted in 09 with CLL & ITP, (ain't I special) Cll got ok WBC down to 9.5 great but the platles in 09 to "0" yep that what i was told. Rushed to a see a Doc and was put on 60mg daily for 2 month thing inproved to 163K great. lasted for 11 month the doc in the box said lest try more pills OK. So we go again. 60mg for 3 months man did I stay hungary. Thing worked again not as high 141k this lasted until. Nov. 14 2011. this time the wife found a "real Doc." and we went to work. Started with the same little pine pills and blood test just every 2 weeks. thinks work state on the pills way to long developed type 2 diabeates had to take shots for 2 months eyesight so bad could not driver. The doc step me make to earth. I had lost 32lds and had to put some back on before the Chemo which was next. because the the little pink pill got the platelets up to the highest in 4 years 241K then in 2 week back to 40k the 2 weeks 3K. IN the hospital I go and got my first Chemo niot too bad, had 4 treatments and the plates went tp 181k for 3weeks they have droped to around 40k I back on the little pink pills with a platelet count of 256k. But Icoming down for them and I think it'll fall, Question WHAT'S NEXT?????

I had trouble following your story. Do you still have CLL? Are you currently being treated with chemo for it?

I still have CLL but at this time the Dr not too concern. WBC at a good level. the main concern is the ITP. I'm back on steriods an the platlets have risen real good. Begining to spet down,this week, The Dr. was a bone marrow biosey "soon" whatever that means. I'm kinda afraid fo that. I don't know where to go from here.

Hey Joe,

I just not long ago had bone marrow biopsy and aspiration. The procedure is a simple one they numb you up so it only hurt while they are in marrow which is usually less than 10 seconds. It is not anything to be scared of or apprehensive especially if it will help your Drs get to the route of the problem.

Joe -

My experience with a bone marrow biopsy is the sane as Markhudson - it was not anywhere as painful as it is often made out to be and was over pretty quickly.

Mark

I had a BMB 8 years ago to rule out other possible causes of low Platelets. It did not really hurt but it sure felt wierd. The Dr. may perform this to, diagnose a diease or condition involving the bone marrow or blood cells. Determine the stage or progression of a diease. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow. The Mayo Clinc has good info on a Bone marrow biopsy. Type in Bone marrow biopsy and look for the Mayo Clinic page. Not every one agrees that a bone marrow biopsy is a necessary proceedure. It really depends on the Dr. and what he/she wants to examine. You have every right to choose your own treatment though. Do some reading on it.

I think because you have CLL your treatments won't be typical and us, with our plain ol' ITP can't really advise.