Today, in a brief discussion with Mollie's nurse-practitioner, we learned (to my surprise) that there are no planned bone marrow aspirates or hospitalizations in the remainder of Mollie's treatment.
Wow. I have kind of mixed feelings. Well, I'm glad that there are no more planned hospitalizations. Everything is outpatient and she'll only have to be hospitalized for complications like fevers (let's hope there are not many of these).
The bone marrow bit surprised me though. A bone marrow biopsy is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of leukemia. Mollie's biopsy was negative at the end of Induction, so she was declared to be in remission. According to the NP, the additional phases of treatment are designed to keep the cancer in remission and they don't need to look at the bone marrow again unless there are indications of a problem. Personally, I wish they would look. And just make sure, again, that the cancer is totally gone. And stays that way.
Guess I've got some more reading to do.
i agree with you. and i would worry too.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeletePlease go with your gut and look into it a little further. You know what is best for Mollie Girl! :)
Yes, I have had the same thoughts myself. And then I feel sad that I will always, always worry.
ReplyDeleteI can kind of see both sides of it--you know, why look if there doesn't seem to be a problem, but then why not look to be sure that there isn't one? On so many things I take an "ignorance is bliss" standpoint but on this one I think I would rather know than not.
ReplyDeleteMaybe there are other (simpler) ways they do regularly test (bloodwork?) so would see problems potentially beginning and only then go through with the biopsy? I hope so - let us know what you find out!
ReplyDeleteGlad she's doing so well, love the swimming photos!
Agreed. It seems as though they'd want to be sure, but statistically, if there are no other indicators of problems, then no need..? I wonder if that's just one doc's opinion and another doc would go with it. Let us know what you learn!
ReplyDelete