Being silly after a procedure, or amusing myself after a procedure in the time of a worldwide pandemic
May 18,2020 Bone Marrow Biopsy
I was at Emory University Hospital Winship Clinic Monday for the seven-year staging of my health status since the stem cell transplant. The staging examines the blood chemistry based on a bone marrow biopsy. I have one of these every Spring. As I am in very good partial remission from Multiple Myeloma, it is important to see how well the body continues to respond to the maintenance chemotherapy that I take.
The image is a selfie that captures the recovery period of this out-patient procedure. I was in a private room and not under the influence of heavy drugs. I promise. The nurse had administered lidocaine at the pelvic sample site. Some patients tolerate the extraction of the sample without anesthesia. I am fortunate to be one of those individuals. The image is of me, happy.
I have been fascinated with dissection since a high school biology class where I enjoyed studying a fetal pig. The teacher must have inspired her group of students as I have never lost my curiosity about organisms and anatomy.
The medical staff and my oncology team are patient people, tolerating my questions and photography.
Samples of bone and marrow (shown above) are lab-tested and reviewed. The oncology team discusses the report with Mary and me June 16th.
I have been receiving six monthly immunoglobulin infusions for several years. The infusions help compromised immune systems, such as mine, weather the infections that are prevalent during the months of November through April. Obviously having the novel coronavirus pandemic affecting the world means that compromised immune systems need all the help they can get.
Michael Green
May 19, 2020
seizethedaymike 
Good job!
Thank you for sharing this update. I didn’t know you continued to go through treatments, and am so glad they have been successful. (I ask a lot of questions too, sometimes to the embarrassment to my family). The photo of the bone marrow is fascinating to me. Continued good health is my prayer for you and Mary.
So glad you gave us all an update. You continue to be in my prayers and I admire you and Mary both for the strength you have shown and for the focus you always keep on your family and all of the beautiful things in your life. And, I love reading anything you write – so keep putting words on paper!