Polycythemia

[Ozgirl707]

Hi,  My elderly mum has had Polycythmia Vera for a few years and is getting thinner and more sick.
She has had the blood letting, blood thinners, chemo pills, but is getting worse.They don't work.
She has a very enlarged spleen.
The specialist has mentioned to her that she may qualify for a new Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor to reduce the size of spleen, and hopefully help her.
First she must have a Bone Marrow biopsy.
Can anyone give me any advice on any of this, as my mum is so scared. Has anyone heard of this drug?
Can anyone tell me what happens with a bone marrow biopsy.
Really appreciate any help.
Hopeing someone can help,
Ozgirl x

[Ozgirl707]

Thankyou again, really appreciate your help.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Yes, sure it will! All the best!

[Ozgirl707]

Thank you very much for that info.

I believe though that she's not getting sedation, which is what she would like, they wont do that for her here in Sydney, Australia.
Hope it's not too painful for her, they did say she can have gas if she wishes. Do you think this will help her not feel the pain and settle her nerves?
Thank you again
xx

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
During bone marrow biopsy, under sedation and local anesthesia, a long needle is inserted into the hip  bone and some of the marrow inside the hip bone sucked in. This marrow is then tested to find the cause of any blood disorder. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors are myelosuppressive drugs or they are drugs which suppress the bone marrow. This treatment is reserved for patients who do not respond to conventional therapy, as in your mother’s case.
This treatment is high risk because it can lead to suppression of white blood cells and platelets. However, given judiciously, it can improve the quality of life in your mother’s case. Please discuss in detail with the treating doctor. This will also help your mother overcome her fears. Wish her all the best! Take care!