How's your bone marrow?

I visited with Dr. M to discuss the results of my bone marrow biopsy. He said that the marrow that was extracted contained roughly 35% cancer cells. While that sounds alarming to me and, I suspect, every one of us, he said it wasn't horrible like 85%. He said that the results don't suggest immediate treatment. He suggested watchful waiting.

One reason that doctors might recommend observation is that the indolent (slow growing) lymphomas can remain stable for long periods of time, and sometimes regress spontaneously. As well, new therapies are developed seemingly every day. It's feasible that better treatment protocols may become available when it is time to treat.

However, these readings do suggest that I be more closely observed by the doctor. He now will see me every three months instead of every six months. I am also to have a CAT scan to check the size of my lymph nodes and spleen. In the docs words, "We want to see if your spleen is the size of a football." Thankfully, we all still have a sense of humor about all of this.

He also recommended a bone density test which will be done at my primary care facility very nearby.

All in all, not a bad report. Any visit that ends with no immediate treatment required is a good visit!

The staff at Dr. M's office are so kind and so professional. I am lucky to have excellent health care practically at my door step.