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Hi, Kristen.
I have actually had 5 BMBs since May of 2007, when my hem/onc first suspected there was something going on. I was first seen at Dana Farber, and got second opinions at St. Vincent's and Memorial Sloan-Kettering AND had my data sent to Dr. List at Moffitt (who I would go to if it weren't so far for me). I wasn't going down without a fight! All of my BMBs have been done at DF, though. So, on average, it's every 8 months or so that they take a look. I have developed fibrosis as well, which makes it very very difficult to get the aspirate - in fact, the last two were multiple dry taps. My doc actually gets up on the table to put his weight behind the instrument. I wish I were kidding. I have insisted on and now get conscious sedation for the procedure.
From what I've been told, peripheral blood blast counts are not nearly accurate enough, unless of course there are abvious amounts.
So, I don't think a second opinion is a bad thing at all. You and your mom may not learn anything that you didn't already know, but at least you'll know that you are doing all you can. In my humble opinion.
Best of luck!
Beth
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