Visit to Mayo Clinic in Rochester

Today we went to Mayo Clinic to see Dr David Inward for a second opinion at Dr Cockerill's request. Dr Cockerill wanted his take on things since we can't definitely say Steve is experiencing "B" Symptoms or not and for the fact that the CT Scan showed his spleen to be mildly enlarged. It's not so enlarged to make them want to say yes it is affected and the PET scan didn't pick up anything in that area. Dr Inward said because of these uncertainties it is necessary to do the bone marrow biopsy. He wanted him to have that done and to see a radiation oncologist (rad onc) for their opinion on whether radiation could be an option. And that depends on the results of the biopsy. If there is cancer in the bone marrow then radiation is not an option at all. So... they were going to do these two things plus see Dr Inward again tomorrow. :( Steve was not happy about having to either stay overnight or drive back tomorrow plus miss another day of classes and not to mention ANOTHER DAY OF FASTING! The poor guy... it seems like every other day there was a test he had to fast for. So after some talking, they said there was an opening to do a biopsy today if he chose to do it unsedated. With a local anesthetic. Then we cancelled the other appointments so we won't go back tomorrow. The biopsy is done. Let me say, Steve did not enjoy this at all. I'm sure he will have more to say on that.
We got the impression that this doctor was understanding that Dr Cockerill referred Steve there for care... rather than a second opinion. This is not what we wanted at all and we didn't feel that is was Dr Cockerill's intention. This is why we cancelled the appts at rad onc and Dr Inward for tomorrow. We spoke with Dr Cockerill on the way home and let him know all of this and that our wishes are to stay put with him here in Mankato and have him communicate with Dr Inward for his expertise and knowledge. He agreed and so at this point we will wait for the results of the biopsy and then do what we need to do here. We hope for the results on Monday but it could likely be Tuesday. Dr Inward did say he would guess that the biopsy will be negative. We certainly hope he is right. We will let you all know.
Have a great weekend! - - Vicki

Steve here--

Just to add on to what my mom said, I definitely did not enjoy my unsedated bone marrow biopsy, as it was one of the most painful experience I've ever had.  It hurt more than words can explain, and continued to hurt even after the biopsy and after a night of sleep, it still does (yay) and actually made it a pretty uncomfortable night as far as sleeping is concerned.

All I can say is if anyone has to get a bone marrow biopsy, get sedated. 

--Steve