Re: BMB - Lottie

[Guest guest]

>

> Dear ,

> I have had 47 BMB/BMAs over the years and every time I go for my appointment,

it is on my list of " to do " things at the clinic. Is it because I am

continually in a trial and the drug company requires it in the trial? I feel

like if I refused, they would take me out of the trial. I had a myelogram

this week and the attending doctor wanted to know why I had so many scars from

BMAs. He was blown away by the number. I just wonder when too much is really

too much.

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Hi Lottie,

Yes, when they are trialing a drug, the MD does not really have a choice, if the

trial requires a BMB (probably because the FDA is requiring a BMB) than you have

to do it....and just figure that is the cost of your 'free' drug.

Once the drug is approved, like my Sprycel is even though I am still in a

trial.....then often the drug company will drop the BMB requirement (as the FDA

is not still wanting it).

My trial dropped the requirement and it was optional for Dr. Druker. I was used

to having them at least once a year (because I am only CCR) and was a little

nervous about him not doing one.....so I questioned him about that (can you see

that I question almost everything!!)...........

Dr. Druker looked at my large chart (actually I have a number of notebooks full)

and counted....and said " , I have done at least 20 BMBs on you....and I

think I know what your marrow looks like by now " ..................

so we are no longer doing them.

Lottie, here is what happens when you have a BMB.....the little hole that they

auger through the bone actually has to heal just like a fracture would....so it

lays down EXTRA bone (which could show up on an xray). This can make it harder

to keep finding a good spot, because the bone is thicker in areas. This is why

it is good to rotate sides. I remember some old timers who used to say that

their pelvis probably looked like a colander!

I hope your myelogram came out OK, or that they got some good information from

it.

Best to you.....you big FZ!

C.