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NOT ENOUGH MATERIAL to test? Has anyone had this problem?
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NOT ENOUGH MATERIAL to test? Has anyone had this problem?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › NOT ENOUGH MATERIAL to test? Has anyone had this problem?

  • Post
    • September 6, 2012 at 9:05 pm
    amyb3517
    Participant

      My SIL has been diagnosed with Stage IV – melanoma –  they did a bone (marrow?) biopsy last Thursday.  They FINALLY called her today and told her they didn't have enough of a sample to definitively say it was melanoma in her spine (this is where they saw the 'areas of concern')  They were willing to say it was malignant, but what does THAT mean?  I know that means cancer….  

      My SIL has been diagnosed with Stage IV – melanoma –  they did a bone (marrow?) biopsy last Thursday.  They FINALLY called her today and told her they didn't have enough of a sample to definitively say it was melanoma in her spine (this is where they saw the 'areas of concern')  They were willing to say it was malignant, but what does THAT mean?  I know that means cancer….  

      So now they want her to have ANOTHER bone biopsy.  Seriously????  My brother was told there would be a technician there at the time of the procedure to ensure they had what they needed.  Also, they don't seem to be in any hurry to schedule her, although until all these results come in, she can't start any type of trial or treatment.  I am SURE other people have encountered this, but am wondering how others have dealt with this?  It is at the low end frustrating…… I want to scream to these people!  She needs to start SOME type of treatment.  She last had radiation on the original site in June, and was supposed to start a trial in August, but found out about the spine and was told that she could not be part of the trial.  There are several other trials at Moffit, but she can't start them until the results are in.  Is there a HURRY UP button to push somewhere?  This is a matter of life and death (in my opinion)

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • September 7, 2012 at 12:58 am
        washoegal
        Participant

          I would think the best "hurry up button" would be he oncologist.  Be the squeaky wheel there and if he/she wants to get it done it will be done.

          So sorry she's facing thing this.I hate it when they treat people like this. 

          Good Luck,

          Mary

          Stage 3

          • September 7, 2012 at 12:58 am
          washoegal
          Participant

            I would think the best "hurry up button" would be he oncologist.  Be the squeaky wheel there and if he/she wants to get it done it will be done.

            So sorry she's facing thing this.I hate it when they treat people like this. 

            Good Luck,

            Mary

            Stage 3

            • September 7, 2012 at 12:58 am
            washoegal
            Participant

              I would think the best "hurry up button" would be he oncologist.  Be the squeaky wheel there and if he/she wants to get it done it will be done.

              So sorry she's facing thing this.I hate it when they treat people like this. 

              Good Luck,

              Mary

              Stage 3

              • September 7, 2012 at 4:12 am
              Harry in Fair Oaks
              Participant

                It can be hard to take enough "good" material from bone mets.  Did your SIL have a CT guided biopsy?  It should be done by a skilled intervention radiologist (an MD), not a tech.

                I had such a biopsy (CT guided, performed by a MD radiologist) done last year on my clavicle.  It was basically a core sample of bone mixed with tumor, and it was not an optimal sample.  As it happened, I grew a nice fat soft tissue tumor in my cheek within a couple of weeks – it was much easier to biopsy.

                I hope the next biopsy of your SIL yields a much better sample.  I know this is frustrating – she must keep at them to get it done.  The one thing I've learned from this journey is that the patient must always advocate for himself/herself.

                Best wishes,

                Harry

                • September 7, 2012 at 4:12 am
                Harry in Fair Oaks
                Participant

                  It can be hard to take enough "good" material from bone mets.  Did your SIL have a CT guided biopsy?  It should be done by a skilled intervention radiologist (an MD), not a tech.

                  I had such a biopsy (CT guided, performed by a MD radiologist) done last year on my clavicle.  It was basically a core sample of bone mixed with tumor, and it was not an optimal sample.  As it happened, I grew a nice fat soft tissue tumor in my cheek within a couple of weeks – it was much easier to biopsy.

                  I hope the next biopsy of your SIL yields a much better sample.  I know this is frustrating – she must keep at them to get it done.  The one thing I've learned from this journey is that the patient must always advocate for himself/herself.

                  Best wishes,

                  Harry

                  • September 7, 2012 at 4:12 am
                  Harry in Fair Oaks
                  Participant

                    It can be hard to take enough "good" material from bone mets.  Did your SIL have a CT guided biopsy?  It should be done by a skilled intervention radiologist (an MD), not a tech.

                    I had such a biopsy (CT guided, performed by a MD radiologist) done last year on my clavicle.  It was basically a core sample of bone mixed with tumor, and it was not an optimal sample.  As it happened, I grew a nice fat soft tissue tumor in my cheek within a couple of weeks – it was much easier to biopsy.

                    I hope the next biopsy of your SIL yields a much better sample.  I know this is frustrating – she must keep at them to get it done.  The one thing I've learned from this journey is that the patient must always advocate for himself/herself.

                    Best wishes,

                    Harry

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