“The results of your MRI revealed an unspecified bone marrow abnormality in your right knee. Here’s a copy of the test results. Please contact either your rheumatologist or your family physician, as soon as possible, so they can determine whether or not to go ahead with a full body bone scan.”
It’s not every day you hear the words bone marrow abnormality. And I can tell you from personal experience the next words that will run through your mind will be things like oncology, cancer, chemotherapy, and an agonizing death. And then you might have to pull your car off the road just to catch your breath.
“Mom, I have the results. I am in the parking lot of Best Buy. I couldn’t drive home.”
“It’s okay. What do the results say?”
“Something about a bone marrow abnormality. But, the Orthopedic Specialist doesn’t really treat things like this. He mostly deals with sports injuries, and things like cartilage, and ligaments, and tendons. I am supposed to call either my Rheumatologist, or my Family Doctor.”
I couldn’t stop thinking about my grandfather, Poppa Ernie, who passed away from bone cancer. And neither could my mother. But no one said the C word.
“Call the Family Doctor. I’m sure he will be able to see you immediately.”
“Okay, mom. He told me if I ever get freaked out, or if I ever have questions, regarding my new health issues, or any of my other annoying medical conditions, to call him right away. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do, because I am a little freaked out. And I have a lot of questions.”
“Perfect. Let me know when the appointment is because I’m coming with you.”
“Okay. I’ll see you back at home in a few minutes.”
About a year ago, my right knee began feeling stiff. It was kind of annoying, yet manageable with OTC medications. However, over the past four months the pain has become unbearable. I cannot walk down the steps of my house without wincing. I cannot sit at my desk for longer than 30 minutes without having to stand up to stretch it out. Ice compresses only make it worse. And I can forget spending any length of time inside of a car. The OTC medications are no longer helpful. And the only time my knee doesn’t hurt, or throb with burning pain, is when I am unconscious.
My Rheumatologist decided my knee pain had nothing to do with my RA/Lupus/Sjogren’s diagnoses and suggested I schedule an appointment with an Orthopedic specialist.
And that’s exactly what I did.
After an X-Ray and an office visit with the Orthopedic Specialist, he thought I had either a bad case of patellar tendonitis, or patellar arthritis. Both would be treatable through physical therapy and medications. But he wanted to get an MRI anyway.
“Hi, Doctor G. Thank you for seeing me right away. I’m a little freaked out. I got the test results from my MRI and I’m not really sure what this means. And rather than imagining the worst case scenario, or channeling my inner Jerry Seinfeld, or going all Augusten Burroughs and getting all kinds of panic attack on everyone, I want to hear what you have to say first.”
He reviewed my tests and explained how bone marrow works so that my mom and I could understand. He took his time with us, calmed me down, and then he got on the phone with the radiologist who wrote the report to clarify exactly what unspecified abnormal bone marrow might mean.
As of right now, they don’t think it’s the Big C because none my blood work indicates any of that. But, there is definitely some kind of suspicious bone marrow lesion that needs to be looked at more closely.
I am scheduled for a Full Body Bone Scan, at the hospital, tomorrow at 8am.
It’s a four – five hour process.
And then I have to wait around for g-d knows how long to get those results.
In the meantime, can y’all say a little prayer for me?
Prayer? Sure. Tell your body you don’t do cancer so step! I hope you find answers and treatment so you can feel better.
Praying xoxo
Sending you calming thoughts, and my prayers this morning. You got this. ? XOXO
Me too, Val.
XOXO
Thank you.
Okay. And thank you, Jimmy.
Sending positive thoughts your way. You simply don’t need this on top of everything else, Meleah.
I’m praying very hard for you. I do that a lot lately; for myself, but also for others who are going through their own shit. I hope this turns out not to be any kind of shit at all because you have enough already.
I am definitely praying for you. I hope it turns out to be nothing.
I really don’t know how much more of this I can take.
But I am VERY happy I am getting this test done right away so I won’t have to worry / wonder for too long.
A full body bone scan is the route to go and should provide you with some answers.
Thank you, Kathy!
And here’s hoping “this turns out not to be any kind of shit” too!
Thank you, Anne.
It’s weird how a few words can send such panic into a person.
That’s exactly why my GP is sending me there tomorrow. I just hope I don’t have to wait too long to get the results. Yanno?
“In the meantime, can y’all say a little prayer for me?”
I SURE will, Meleah! I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow; sending “good energy” your way.
(((((( YOU ))))))
And I loved Valerie’s comment. “Tell your body you don’t do cancer, so step!”
X ya, my friend!
Yeah, step off cancer!
You GO, girl!
X
Oh Meleah! I can just imagine what you’re going through right now. These things are so scary. I will be thinking and praying for you tomorrow, that it turns out to be an isolated problem that can be easily treated. The fact that your blood was fine (as was mine) is a real positive. I think your 8am is our 1pm, so I will be praying and watching the clock. xxx
I was just floored when I read about your bone marrow abnormality. It is unbelievable how much keeps getting piled at your door. Prayers and positive thoughts will be coming your way. I truly hope it is no where near as bad as it sounds.
XOXOX
Thank you, Babs!
I think it’s so interesting we are across the world from each other and we are BOTH having scary scans on the same day!
I will be praying for you too!
XOXOXOX
I hope so too, Linda.
All of these health issues are seriously getting out of hand.
🙂
Love you so much monkee. Keep calling me anytime you need me. XOXO I am coming down to see you soon – just have to figure out when – and I can hug you to pieces in person.
XOXOXOX
Meleah, you are one of my favorite people on the internet. You always have, and always will, have my best wishes going out to you. If I were there I would probably give you a hug for luck.
Hang in there, lady.
Oh, Meleah, I am sorry you have more medical related worry to deal with. I am optimistic as your doctor pointed out that the blood work isn’t pointing into the direction of C. Still, I know this is a worry. I am saying prayers for you, my friend and I am sending positive thoughts out into the universe.
Awww…… Bob G.
You just made me all teary-eyed.
In a good way.
Thank you. Thank you VERY much.
So sorry to hear you’re going through this. I hope the news turns out to be nothing too bad. I will be thinking and sending out positive thoughts for you. It’s easier said than done, but try and do something that will take your mind off of all of this. Try and stay positive, it can make a difference.
I’ve been running around like a nut to keep myself busy & distracted.
Thank you, for the prayers, Marty.
And I am so happy that you’re settling into your new place so well. XOXOXO
I absolutely will be praying for you Meleah, and sending positive vibes your way. I can’t imagine going through everything you are right now. You’re one tough cookie. Hang in there, and know that we’re all behind you!
Dang. I can understand being completely unsettled by that news. The 4-5 hour scan is a whopper, too, so I hope you get some time in tonight doing things that you like and hope you can have some bit of time trying not to think about it. I know. Good luck on that one, right? Sending you my best energy, and we’ve got clear skies forever here, so I’ll count some stars for you. xoxo
Prayers for you for sure. I hate that your health is not good, but I love that you are so candid about it, and no doubt you have a fighters spirit. God bless.
This is just the LAST thing you need! Yes, I will definitely say prayers. Hugs!
I am thinking nothing but positive thoughts for you right now. Be STRONG girl… you have the strongest people in your family, and you are the apple that did not fall far from the tree. You can do this and the news will be FINE. YOU CAN DO THIS!
XOXOXO
Thank you very much!
I still just a tiny but freaked out.
🙂
Well I found Xanax quite helpful last night.
And you can bet your bottom dollar I will be popping more Xanax, like tic-tacs, before this crazy scan.
XOXO
🙂
Thank you, Terri.
I needed to hear that, Katherine.
Thank you.
Love you SOOOOOO much! I wish I could drive bcs I would be there with you!!! If you would have me!!
Um…
Who is this??
🙂
I know it’s you LISA! I’m just playing!
And I love you.
Okay. Reading posts out of order.
Worrying will just spike your blood pressure. I had to have a MRI of my liver several years ago because right before we went on a cruise, I was told I had a mass in my liver after a catscan. Great news to hear a day before a cruise.
It turned out to be fibroids. I have to have an ultrasound annually.
Don’t sweat it! Worrying is overrated. I do it all the time because I’m neurotic.
Hooray for neurosis! I am the asme way.
And WTF? That’s TERRIBLE timing!
It kind of ruined the vacation. Then again I kept thinking that I should live everyday like it’s the last. I should do that anyway. My neurotic side had a GREAT vacation. She loved being the center of attention.
Ahahhahahah! Good!
I’m not sure if I would have been able to enjoy my vacation all worried, like that.
I’ve been praying every day for you. And I’ll keep praying till we know what’s up. Love youxxxx