BMB and Centers of Excellence

[Don Child]

We live in Hawaii, 3000 miles from the nearest Center of Excellence. My wife’s first bone marrow biopsy was sufficient to diagnose MDS, but the sample was too degraded to get a more specific diagnosis, e.g. del 5q and Fish tests. So far, it hasn’t mattered because her only treatment option was to monitor blood counts every six months. Now her haematologist wants to do another BMB as other therapeutic approaches become more likely (my words, not the doctor’s). Because of low pain tolerance and dislike of flying, my wife is debating whether to chance having a second BMB here in Hawaii, or flying to have the test done at a Center of Excellence. Is a Center of Excellence likely to give a more accurate analysis on a BMB, or is it fairly routine assuming a good sample is obtained?

[Donna]

HI Don………..I would say to go to a Center of Excellence. I think the pathologists are more likely to read a lot of BMBs at a COE. I know my previous hematologist/oncologist wanted me to go to a specific facility for the BMB because of the pathologists expertise. Also, if she has a low tolerance for pain, I would ask for mild sedation. That’s how I have it done. I left one doctor/facility because they wanted to just use local and I was not going to do that. I hope your wife does well and has a good outcome. Best wishes.
Donna

[mdsfound]

Hi Don, If you cannot make it to the mainland, there is an MDS specialist who is a member of the MDS Foundation. His name is Dr. Jonathan Cho and he is in Honolulu. Please message patientliaison@mds-foundation.org if you need his contact information or if you have any questions.

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