2nd Bone Marrow Biopsy question...

Ok here we go again class My latest oncologist(a revolving door seems to exist at the cancer clinic I have to go to), wants to perform a BMB on me. I had one done in 96 when first diagnosed w/ITP, in my hometown. I always assumed that was enuf. And yes,yes,yes she like the last 2 I have seen in this clinic she feels my low platelets may not ITP, but something more dreadful.(Even though I have been dealing w/ ITP since 96), and nothing "dreadful" has appeared) :blink:
I don't get a very good vibe from her,as I get asked the checklist every visit: Do u have nosebleeds,bruising,headaches,tiredness,petichia,etc. When I answer yes to EACH question, I get cut off and told," That could be anything. Not necesarilly ITP." I understand but why even ask me that??
So my question folks is have u ever had to have a 2nd BMB done? Was the doctors reasoning to just have it on file, or to look for something else, that the original may have missed? Money is VERY tight here for me, as it for everyone on here. I am scared because of the HUGE cancer history in my family, but shaking my head as to why it would not have surfaced since 96. I am scared that my latest doctor, is to much of a oncologist, and not to big on hemotology. I aint scared of the porcedure. Just not sure what to do other then ask my platelet cousins on here for advice
Thank you in advance
Arnold S.

Hi Arnold,
I'm wondering if any of your other bloodwork is looking odd, or just the platelets? If only the platelets, that does not really point to other things going on I don't think? If other indicators were odd, plus the family history, I could maybe see another BMB after 15 years...
Erica

Sorry - to answer your question - I've never had one, and no doctor has tried to get me to have one.
Erica

Hi there, If your other bloodworks have came back fine it is prob just a kneedle happy doc ruling everything else out to be 100% sure it is ITP instead of 99% thats what mine was like. I personally think if a doc can do a bmb it is sometimes an exciting procedure for them. Good luck im sure you will be fine after all this time.
Julia

I have to ask - how old are you, Arnold? I'm asking because people around the age of 60 are prone to MDS and maybe they want to rule that out at this point. Thrombocytopenia can be a symptom of that. Maybe she saw that your CBC smear changed a bit and wants to err on the side of caution? A BMB is recommended for anyone with ITP around that age according to protocol. If you're not that old yet or even close, I'd ask why she wants to do it.

I don't think they are afraid they missed something the last time, but maybe want to catch something that they may suspect at this time.

Thank you all. To answer on age 42. Platelets always hover around 20,000. It's just I thought the BMB was just a one time thing back in the day. Oh well we will see where life takes me on this one Thank you!!

Well, you're not 60 then! Honestly, I'd ask your doctor why the repeat. Maybe just precaution.