Gleevec & DVTs

June 11, 2005

Hi all,

For this one, I thought I'd turn to the list that's always so helpful.

:-)

I was diagnosed this week with a DVT -- deep vein thrombosis (blood

clot). I may also have thrown some smaller clot(s) to my lungs. I had a

rapid CT test on Friday but haven't gotten the results yet. As good as

this test is, it's not really able to pick up smaller clots. I have so

far declined an angiogram (the definitive test) because my treatment

wouldn't really change anyway. It's an uncomfortable, invasive procedure

and I just don't want to do it.

Now I'm on heparin and warfarin. I'm doing the heparin injections until

the warfarin starts working. Tonight will be my fifth night of heparin

injections. I know of at least one other of you other CMLers on

warfarin, but I don't recall the reason.

I have two issues now. One is the cause, as I don't have any risk

factors for DVT. Although I have a desk job, I am up *all* the time, so

that's not really a risk. I believe that DVT is listed as a rare side

effect of Gleevec. It would be odd for it to happen after 4.5 years on

the drug, though, and my vascular specialists and heme don't believe

that's the cause. Anyone hear anything about this potential link with

Gleevec at all?

The other issue is that I am traveling this week for 11 or so days in

Alaska. I was going to do the half-marathon for the Leukemia Society's

Team in Training, but my docs have said it wouldn't be safe for me to do

that, for a number of reasons related to this incident. The main problem

with the travel is that I'm not stabilized yet on the warfarin and will

have to get my blood checked while I'm traveling (not to mention that

little problem of traveling while having a DVT!). Through all my years

of CML, I have never gotten my blood tested while traveling. I know

others of you have.

So I'm wondering if you have tips for how to get your blood checked when

you're out of state and possibly in a remote location (within the US).

Have you tried to prearrange the tests with a clinic you know is in the

area? Did you have some sort of letter from your doc? Have you run into

hassles? What has made it easier for you? How easy was it to get your

results?

As always, I appreciate any advice you can offer!

jennifer g.

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