[andersonpak]

Pam,
I can’t speak definitively, but having worked in a testing laboratory for a number of years I can say that generally speaking, the first part of the results (coming from observation of the bone marrow and aspirate) come out quickly after the procedure. If those results are negative, it is rare for them to revise with a finding as significant as “cancer.” The results that are still waiting to come afterwards are typically the cytogenetics tests, and those often have been sent to specialty labs. The extra time is literally related to transporting the specimens and the time it takes to conduct and the tests and interpret the results. Don’t read anything into the length of time. It isn’t a sign of good nor bad – it is just what it is.

I think the toughest part of a BMB for me is the waiting for all of the tests to come back. It is frustrating, but I suggest you give the process time and use that time to formulate questions you might ask your doctor once the results are fully available.

[andersonpak]

Tereze,
I think I know how you are feeling right now as I was in the exact same boat. After I was diagnosed, I was sent the same day to visit the BMT team for a consult. After round after round of questions, it was determined I didn’t fit the risk profile and I was not a good candidate at that time.

I was livid. Here I was a very fit and healthy male, in his early 50’s, who runs half-marathons and triathlons. Who better than to endure the trials of a transplant and its aftermath than someone who is still strong and capable? I had visions of a few weeks or so where I was “out of commission,” but then I’d quickly return to my normal work schedule (which involves flying every week across the country) and get back on the fitness trail. Who was this doctor to delay my only cure? He sentenced me, or so I thought, to a near term life of Watch and Wait… watching my disease and waiting for it to get bad. Why not nip it in the bud now before it got bad?

Then, I began to hang out in the forums for those who’ve undergone transplants. I began to talk to those brave souls who’ve endured and survived. Many of them continue to suffer. Would I be driving again within months of the Stem Cell Transplant (SCT)? Probably not! Would I be back on a plane and doing everything I was doing prior to the SCT? Most likely – no. Would I be the same? I determined that my new normal would look nothing like the life I have now. Yes, I’d be alive but I realized I didn’t need to push it until the time was right.

The doctor’s were right – the risk was too great, and it was too great for me and my health – not necessarily too great for their reputation and survival numbers.

Today, I’m non-symptomatic besides the occasional being out of breath when exerting myself too much. I finally realized to pause and be thankful for what I have right now- health. I’m able to do most things without problems. Why would I want to risk my current lifestyle and health? If/when I get worse, I’ll get my transplant.

I can wait, as hard – as frustrating as that is. I do want to survive and intend on being here for a long time – but for now, the best plan, for me, is to wait…. and live with the frustration.

I wish you luck as your MDS journey matures. Reach out if you need anything!

[Author]

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