Monday, June 1, 2009

Bone Marrow Biopsy Tomorrow

Location: Home, Pune
It's that time in India when various education boards are declaring results of exams for the 10th and 12th standards (grades). My bone marrow's scorecard is also long overdue. My last examination was done 3 chemotherapy cycles back. Since then my bone marrow has weathered onslaught of strong chemicals. It has shrivelled and then miraculously rejuvenated. What state is my bone marrow in now? Does leukemia still have its bastion there or seeing the hostile environment it was under, it has decided to call it quits?
I am not sure if my bone marrow scorecard is going to alter the course of my treatment in any way. Even if my bone marrow is squeaking clean of leukemia my doctor assures me I am a high risk case and remission shouldn't be mistaken as permanent cure. I think the purpose of this biopsy is just comparing the state of my bone marrow with the previous biopsy and to donate my sample for some ongoing academic studies.
On previous four occasions the biopsy was done under local anesthesia. Even though the suction causes sharp pain, the suction is usually performed only once and it's over within few seconds. This time though the doctors require around 30ml of my bone marrow, which might require more than one suctions. I was given an option to continue the biopsy with local anesthesia or to go the general anesthesia way. I decided to give my body a little relief and opted for the latter.
Everyone assures me I wouldn't know a thing when the biopsy is performed. I will be a little nauseous after I wake up - that's all. Is it really that smooth? You will get a first hand account from yours truly tomorrow. :)

8 comments:

  1. Dear Kartikbhai,

    You have a way with words, don't you! From your writing, it looks like you are an actor rather than a patient - an actor playing the part of a patient! The tone of your blog posts is super-enthu to the extent that it will lift up the spirits of your well-wishers, rather than the other-way-round!

    Keep it up...after your complete recovery, I suggest you take up serious blogging...not only about your present experiences but also about your career and your area of specialisation. India needs some serious bloggers who can contribute their valuable experiences in a language that can sustain the reader's interest. And I think you have what it takes to do just that!

    All the best for your treatment. The Alpha and the Omega (Jesus) wants to heal you.

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  2. All the best Karry Many!!!. Will be watching these space for more updates from you.

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  3. Thanks so much for your kind words Kitoobhai.

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  4. All the Best. Hope things went well today. Waiting for ur next post.

    Take Care,
    Abhay

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  5. Hey there Kartik .. great to see you on the blog space! Looking forward to getting updates from you on a regular basis. Good luck!! By now your bone marrow procedure must have completed and you must be resting/recovering from it.
    A Big hello to Surabhi!!!
    With strong postive vibes coming your way from Seattle.
    Chandana

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  6. Kartik, good to see you logging! Looking forward to your first hand account and eagerly anticipating future posts.

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  7. Thanks Chandanben. I need all the positive vibes from Seattle :). I am feeling hale and hearty. Give my remembrances to everyone in Seattle.

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