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My 3rd BMB

That's a bone marrow biopsy (BMB) for the layman out there, and it wasn't nearly as horrific as I had expected. In fact, except for a little soreness right now (and getting worse with every passing moment), I would have to say it was uneventful. It helps to have a good strong doctor, and this was the first time I laid on my side, which may have helped.

Now it's just a waiting game for the results expected by my next appointment at the beginning of June, but in the mean time results of my latest blood work were [somewhat] favorable. In addition to my hemoglobin increasing from 11.2 to 11.7 g/dL and my lymphocytes still showing a favorable trend (dropping to 76.6 thou/cumm), my iron has increased since starting to take an iron supplement.























TestResultRef Range
IRON3135-140 mcg/dL
TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY270.2245-400 mcg/dL
IRON SAT1215-50 %

Although my iron and % saturation were still below normal, they were slightly improved (note the different reference ranges from my last test), but my total iron binding capacity is now in the normal range (which I've since discovered isn't as significant as I would have hoped). In addition, my ferritin, Vitamin B12, and folate were all normal. The folate was even above normal [I was taking an 800 mcg tablet about every 3 days on my oncologists recommendation], so I think I'll eliminate that.

They are also going to stain my bone marrow for iron to confirm the extent of my iron deficiency, and if I am truly iron deficient.

Now all I have to do is wait to schedule my colonoscopy, which based on how I'm feeling right now after the BMB, I'm even more hesitant to do.  I think I'll hold off on for awhile, and wait for the results of the BMB to come in, and I have another chance to talk to my oncologist again.

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