Day +5 -Bone Marrow, Pix of Lab Tour

Deb had a bone marrow procedure early morning. As usual, Deb had to show up without meds so she could sign her consents. Then she took her pain pills and started her Fentenyl-popsicle.  There are always classmates there and the waiting area for bone marrow has a lively exchange of our stories. Every one has a story, including you!

Today we met a classmate from Atlanta. His name is Ray Greene and he retired from Coke. Ray sent us info about North and South Atlanta Myeloma Support Groups. Thanks Ray!

As usual for me, I sat beside Deb as she lay on her tummy getting the bone marrow procedure done. I always stroke her hands or legs depending on which way she is pointing. Although I've previously included a description and pix of the procedure, for newbies, the procedure involves a precise location of the sweet spot on the rear pelvis where the bone sample and marrow sample should be obtained. After it is marked and confirmed by both team members , a series of painkiller shots are given to deaden the area. The shots go deeper and deeper until the needle is actually bumping the pelvic bone. All the while the nurse is asking about the pain level from Deb. Eventually, it's as deadened as it will get. Then a T-handle tool with a serrated end is pushed into a slice made in the rump at the marked spot. It 'drills' a hole into the bone about 4" into the bone and marrow. The handle is withdrawn and it brings the core sample of bone which is measured to ensure there is enough. If not, the tool digs out more bone. Next, the marrow sample is drawn. There are threads on the  t-handle. It is inserted back into the hole, then large hypo needles are screwed onto the end of the t-handle. This is the worst part pain-wise. After a short countdown and a warning, the nurse pulls the hypo, sucking marrow into the hypo. The first pull always gets a huge groan as it is excruciating. The marrow is thick dark red blood-like material. Today three tubes were pulled.

Afterwards, a very thick pressure bandage is put on the rump  for 24 hours. Smaller bandages stay in for 4 days. Obviously, no baths allowed!

We have to hang around for 15 mins with the pressure bandage pressed against a rolled towel in a chair.  Then we can head out. Today, while we were still waiting, the head of Dr van Rhee's lab showed up to get the samples for analysis.

Then, off to the clinic for labs and meds. Deb varied from 8 to 8.5 on the Woozy meter. As usual, she was well cared for and our APN Peggy helped resolve some med issues.  After the yellow tubes of blood for Dr van Rhee were pulled, I called the lab to tell Susann that the blood was ready for pickup. When Susann came down to get the blood, she invited me to go up to the 9th floor and tour Dr van Rhee's lab.

The lab is secure and Susann had to get us in. She led me thoughout, briefly explaining as we went along. I snapped many quick shots of people and equipment  as I could without getting in the way.  My understanding is weak but here goes my best shot at sharing the pix.

This is Joshua processing Deb's bone marrow that we just obtained!

Here Susann shows off her -80 degrees below zero Frig!

This display is on a blood test machine that automatically takes a sample drop of blood and tells its secrets

Color helps make findings understandable

These are blood cultures in process-growing whatever is in them

A typical lab machine

More color to aid in understanding

Lab tools

Lab tech at work

Lab techs

Looking into a vat of liquid nitrogen where samples are stored

. Temps are between -300 and -400 F

Outside the liquid nitrogen vat

Finally we were dismissed and after we drove off, the phone rang, and just like yesterday, poor starving Deb was recalled to the hospital for a CT Scan. After that I took her home and put her to bed. The HVAC repairman came, diagnosed our problem, ordered parts to install tomorrow, and left. Deb slept until about 6 pm. She woke up and had a 103 degree fever and chills. She is taking (2) 325 MG Tylenol every 4 hours. I hooked up a Sepapine Antibiotic infuser to her port. I swabbed her head an brow with a cool damp wash clothe. Her fever went down some. She slept another hour, then got up and dressed. I asked why she was dressing at 7 pm. She thought it was morning and we were going to be late! Poor thing! Pray for us tonight!

Tomorrow starts again at 07:30 am. We should be getting more info on how the Killer Cells are doing.

Today we rejoiced because Deb's white blood count went up a lot since yesterday. The increase is all Deb's body since no helpful growth factor shots are used in this protocol! Her body is responding well!

Blessings!




White Count-below 2 is neutrapenic and indicates Deb's vulnerability for infection.
Platelets -a whitish colored component of blood. Low platelets=higher Woozy factor!
CRP -An indicator of relative health. Lower is better. When the number creeps up, Deb could be getting sick.
Day  White Count  Platelets  CRP

0         0.04               29              12.8
1         0.07               15              77.0
2         0.03               42            140.3
3         0.07               27            144.1
4         0.23               52            206.0
5         1.21               33            168.2