Day 72: Bone Marrow Biopsy

Warning! This post is not for the squeamish.

Today was bone marrow biopsy day at the clinic. It was Ian's fourth time experiencing this harrowing procedure.  First, they screw a massive "needle" into his hip bone and then suck out several tablespoons of blood.  Next, they screw the "needle" in even deeper and take a core sample of the bone itself. I don't know how Ian does it.  I nearly pass out every time. I have to sit down and look away, but he is somehow always able to engage in conversation the entire time.  At Ian's request, I took a video of part of today's biopsy for your viewing pleasure:

Yes, they got it! Thankfully in one shot. There have been times when they had to go back and screw it in all over again to get a good core sample of bone. This is what it looks like (between the two blood clots):

We should get the preliminary results at clinic Tuesday morning. Friday we will see the doctor and hear his summary of the chimerism and biopsy results and what the the next step will be.  For weeks now, Asha has been praying nightly that Ian will be better by her birthday (July 26th) or on her birthday. This past week, she has expedited her request to "by the end of April." At dinner tonight, she prayed he would be better by tomorrow. Amen, Asha!  Let's pray the biopsy results will only confirm an answer to her prayers and ours.

Thank you!