I did it. I got through the bone marrow aspirate. Without morphine and without sedation. Some people have asked why I did not get morphine or sedated. Here is why: 1. I have about 15 more of these bone marrow aspirates ahead of me in the next two years. 2. As an outpatient my only two (convenient) options will be to have them done in my oncologist’s office or at the hospital under sedation. 3. The pain for the method I chose today is quicker. I was walking the floor with a physical therapist minutes after the procedure.
Still running a low fever…waiting. My right arm is not as swollen today. In general my counts up today. And for the first time platelets are up. Only a little but still they are up.
And after going through today’s bone marrow aspirate so well, my spirits are up too. I was not looking forward to that procedure.
well now you are tough like women who birth babies! Did you bite on a silver bullet? Time to get out of that jail! Come on bone marrow!!
Wow – I am awed by your spirit! Sounds like “I can do this, I can get through this”,,,,,, or “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” Come on bone marrow! There’s a big engine waiting….
Love you-
Mom
Hi Michael,
We are glad to hear that your arm is not quite as swollen today. The aspirations are no fun. Kathy has had approximately four bone marrow aspirations and all without the benefit of sedation. Her oncologist made the comment that if she was having the procedure done that she would be sedated. I have seen the needle and I well understand why this gets ugly. We are glad to hear that your counts are up. During these times we take all small improvements as great news. We hope you get a little rest tonight and that things steadily improve for you.
Terry and Kathy
Another tough day for you. I hand it to you. We’re all pulling for the bone marrow increase. You need to be out of that hospital.
If I were wearing a hat, I’d take it off to you. Even from the doctor side of the business, bone marrow aspirates are no fun. Anyone who goes through that with no meds on board is OK in my book. Its great news that your counts are up, particularly those platelets. Platelets are something you just don’t appreciate until yours disappear. I love my platelets! Is the plan still for you to get out next week? Come on white count, come on platelets. Jimmy
Michael, I prayed for you LOTS on the day of your bone marrow aspirate, and I’m glad that it went so well. You’re one tough cookie! It breaks my heart that you’ve been stuck in that tiny hospital room for so long. I know that you will be getting out soon. Just think about how much all the mundane adventures of life will mean to you now when you have your freedom. I can’t tell you how many of my friends are rooting for you from the sidelines. It must feel good to know there are dozens of people praying for you, specifically, every single day. The power of prayer is amazing!
Michael, I’m not sure if you remember me, but my husband Bill and I have met you a few times at Trey and Amy’s.
I’m so glad Amy sent the link to your blog, so I can keep up with your progress.
Michael, I have been personally praying for you on a regular basis ever since we got the news of your illness at the Women’s Retreat almost one month ago.
I am also praying for Sarah…very specific prayers about how she is dealing with everything.
HANG in THERE!!!!! Congrats on the no drugs today! I had both my girls – Fiona and Sally without any drugs, and it is something I am very proud of. It’s awesome that you are looking toward the future and making the necessary sacrifices now for your treatment and your long term health.
Although I may seem like a stranger to you, I am actually getting closer to you with each prayer. You can’t help but start to deeply care about someone when you lift them up in prayer on a daily basis.
Don’t ever forget that you matter to God, despite what is going on right now.
Have a great day and keep those spirits up!
D’Lane Maselunas