Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Its the Gleevec palor, which is common. Dont go into the sun winter or summer. Gleevec is chemo and its a no-no. Your skin probably isnt getting thinner, its probably your platlets. They will usually stay lower which causes the red marks. Denice cy_butterfly3 <cy_butterfly3@...> wrote: Hi there, Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and thinning......lol Siu --------------------------------- Everyone is raving about the all-new beta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Hi Siu, Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin colour) is not a hidden side effect of Gleevec, but infact, it's a well documented side effect. Gleevec inhibits an enzyme called c-kit which plays a role in melanocyte development (this is what gives us our skin colour). This basically means that our skin doesn't make colour like it used to and we become more pale. I guess the darker you were to start off with, the more noticeable it will be. I've always been white but now I'm so white that if I get any whiter, I'll be see through . Because of this whole issue, you need to be very careful in the sun because you can burn very quickly. When normal people tan, the colour comes from the melanin in their skin and since our melanin is inhibited, that means we don't tan but rather burn to a crisp. There are lots of abstracts on hypopigmentation caused by Gleevec but here's just one: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi? cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=14635084 & dopt=Abstract Take care, Tracey > > Hi there, > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > thinning......lol > > Siu > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Hi Denice, Actually a lot of patients do get thiner skin and it's because of the effect Gleevec has on our melanocytes. It has nothing to do with platelets although some people do have low platelets which will cause petchiae (small red dots) but the petchiae and the thin skin are totally separate issues. Ah the joys of Gleevec Take care, Tracey > Hi there, > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > thinning......lol > > Siu > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Everyone is raving about the all-new beta. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 I wanted to throw out my comments and experience with pigmentation changes. I started 5/05 with 600mg. My strawberry blonde/red hair went platinum blonde as well as my freckles faded. I have no color to my face anymore as well as all hair on my body in all places is bone white. I too have red spots from scratches, nicks, etc. I bruise easily but I think that is par for the course with CML. I am now on 800mg and there are no further skin changes although nothing has ever came back. I am extremely pale. People say they knew I was " sick " before I tell them I have Leukemia. Being 34 years old, this was a major change and adjustment to go through. I'd be lying if I said I have accepted it. I was always pretty attractive and now I look at myself in the mirror and I dont see the same person. Luckily I have a supportive husband who doesnt care what I look like and my 3 kids always think mommy is beautiful. This is just something I have to learn to accept. I have never been a vain person but I think its a constant reminder of the disease when I look at myself. My skin is thinner as well. My veins are no longer good, that is from the chemo. Just wanted to add my 2 cents. This is all definately a side effect of the Gleevec. -34 Las vegas CML 5/13/05 Gleevec 800mg Wife and mother of 3 (11,8,6) S. RN [ ] Gleevec and Skin Hi there, Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and thinning......lol Siu ________________________________________________________________________ Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Thanks for the explanation of skin lightening. I normally like to sunbath in the summer to get some nice tan. After learning the sun will fire my skin, I will just stay away from the sun. That's too bad..... But better than becoming a red lobster. Siu > > Hi Siu, > > Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin colour) is not a hidden side > effect of Gleevec, but infact, it's a well documented side effect. > > Gleevec inhibits an enzyme called c-kit which plays a role in > melanocyte development (this is what gives us our skin colour). This > basically means that our skin doesn't make colour like it used to and > we become more pale. I guess the darker you were to start off with, > the more noticeable it will be. I've always been white but now I'm so > white that if I get any whiter, I'll be see through . > > Because of this whole issue, you need to be very careful in the sun > because you can burn very quickly. When normal people tan, the colour > comes from the melanin in their skin and since our melanin is > inhibited, that means we don't tan but rather burn to a crisp. > > There are lots of abstracts on hypopigmentation caused by Gleevec but > here's just one: > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi? > cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=14635084 & dopt=Abstract > > Take care, > Tracey > > > > > --- In , " cy_butterfly3 " <cy_butterfly3@> wrote: > > > > Hi there, > > > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > > thinning......lol > > > > Siu > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 HI JENNIFER, i WAS WONDERING WHY YOU ARE ON 800 AFTER DXT IN 05.SEEMS LIKE YOU COULD DROP TO 400 THEY AVERAGE PAULTN. DXT 12/23/06 [ ] Gleevec and Skin Hi there, Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and thinning.... ..lol Siu ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 I too have to add my comments. Since being diagnosed December 2005 and on 800mg my auburn/red hair went very pale and I am dismayed my prized freckles have faded (almost gone). I have no colour at ALL in my face or body anymore. The sun makes me like a beetroot. I used to have so many freckles I could hardly put a pin between them, now there's nothing. I have my hair dyed an auburn blonde/red because if I go back to auburn then it looks too dark against my white skin. Cuts (full skin scratches) on my legs are a hazard. Any bump and the skin on my shins just rips off, literally! I am accepting 800mg Glivec and truly thankful that it has given me a 3+ log reduction but I won't lie to you all in saying that I accept my freckle loss and hair colour loss. I feel that I look like a colourless zombie most of the time. I am not a vain person but crikey this side effect is extremely hard to deal with. It's our faces!! A bit of pinky colour would sure be nice again. Glad in a way to hear that others are experiencing the same thing, I thought it was just me!! Jackie, 45 Mother of 2 beautiful daughters aged 18 and 9. _____ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of vegasrnjen@... Sent: Wednesday, 7 February 2007 2:01 PM Subject: Re: [ ] Gleevec and Skin I wanted to throw out my comments and experience with pigmentation changes. I started 5/05 with 600mg. My strawberry blonde/red hair went platinum blonde as well as my freckles faded. I have no color to my face anymore as well as all hair on my body in all places is bone white. I too have red spots from scratches, nicks, etc. I bruise easily but I think that is par for the course with CML. I am now on 800mg and there are no further skin changes although nothing has ever came back. I am extremely pale. People say they knew I was " sick " before I tell them I have Leukemia. Being 34 years old, this was a major change and adjustment to go through. I'd be lying if I said I have accepted it. I was always pretty attractive and now I look at myself in the mirror and I dont see the same person. Luckily I have a supportive husband who doesnt care what I look like and my 3 kids always think mommy is beautiful. This is just something I have to learn to accept. I have never been a vain person but I think its a constant reminder of the disease when I look at myself. My skin is thinner as well. My veins are no longer good, that is from the chemo. Just wanted to add my 2 cents. This is all definately a side effect of the Gleevec. -34 Las vegas CML 5/13/05 Gleevec 800mg Wife and mother of 3 (11,8,6) S. RN [ ] Gleevec and Skin Hi there, Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and thinning......lol Siu __________________________________________________________ Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Hi , I know what you're saying. I'm also self conscious about the pale skin. I often have a red face for some reason (like I'm flushed) and that hasn't changed with Gleevec but my neck and the rest of me is as white as white can be. With the red face and the white neck, I sometimes feel like a freak so I try to wear turtle necks whenever possible. That works well in the winter but it causes a bit of a problem in the summer I'm certainly not fond of the white skin but I try to remind myself that it's a small price to pay to be alive. Tracey 36 yrs old wife and mother to two daughters > > I wanted to throw out my comments and experience with pigmentation changes. I started 5/05 with 600mg. My strawberry blonde/red hair went platinum blonde as well as my freckles faded. I have no color to my face anymore as well as all hair on my body in all places is bone white. > > I too have red spots from scratches, nicks, etc. I bruise easily but I think that is par for the course with CML. > I am now on 800mg and there are no further skin changes although nothing has ever came back. I am extremely pale. People say they knew I was " sick " before I tell them I have Leukemia. Being 34 years old, this was a major change and adjustment to go through. I'd be lying if I said I have accepted it. I was always pretty attractive and now I look at myself in the mirror and I dont see the same person. Luckily I have a supportive husband who doesnt care what I look like and my 3 kids always think mommy is beautiful. This is just something I have to learn to accept. I have never been a vain person but I think its a constant reminder of the disease when I look at myself. > > My skin is thinner as well. My veins are no longer good, that is from the chemo. > > Just wanted to add my 2 cents. This is all definately a side effect of the Gleevec. > > -34 > Las vegas > CML 5/13/05 > Gleevec 800mg > Wife and mother of 3 (11,8,6) > > S. RN > > > [ ] Gleevec and Skin > > > Hi there, > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > thinning......lol > > Siu > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ __ > Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 I KEEP GETTING TOLD WHY DID YOU LET THE CAT CAUSE BLEEDING. I NEVER FEEL A THING THEN IT STARTS TO BLEED NOW I KNOW THANKS FOR POST PAUL TN DXT 12/23/06 Re: [ ] Gleevec and Skin Hi Denice, Actually a lot of patients do get thiner skin and it's because of the effect Gleevec has on our melanocytes. It has nothing to do with platelets although some people do have low platelets which will cause petchiae (small red dots) but the petchiae and the thin skin are totally separate issues. Ah the joys of Gleevec Take care, Tracey > Hi there, > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > thinning.... ..lol > > Siu > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > Everyone is raving about the all-new beta. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Hi, Siu. I've had skin problems, too -- not really lightening, but reddish blotches on my face, perpetually chapped lips, not to mention blistering and rashes. I know that, over on the Asia board, Roy has discussed both of your issues: lightening of his skin and thin skin that tears and bruises easily. You might ask him about his experience. Warm regards. --- In , " cy_butterfly3 " <cy_butterfly3@...> wrote: > > Hi there, > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > thinning......lol > > Siu > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Siu: I get the same thing. I am of Native American decent and have always been very dark complected. However, now I am much lighter and paler. With warm regards, Matt ville, FL DX January of 2005 Gleevec Since May 2005 Father of 3 In a message dated 2/6/2007 9:10:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, cy_butterfly3@... writes: Hi there, Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and thinning....thinn Siu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 my mother sunbathes in summer and there isn´t any problem if you use a high protection lotion http://webs.ono.com/fotoretoque/ [ ] Re: Gleevec and Skin Thanks for the explanation of skin lightening. I normally like to sunbath in the summer to get some nice tan. After learning the sun will fire my skin, I will just stay away from the sun. That's too bad..... But better than becoming a red lobster. Siu > > > > Hi there, > > > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > > thinning......lol > > > > Siu > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Hi all, I wanted to add my comments. i've been on Gleevec nearly 7 years. I'm normally fair skinned but now have the Gleevec pallor. I've lost all freckles and I'm ghostly. For my face, I tried out several high end (and expensive) foundations in the lightest shade and now wear it every day. I've had a couple of compliments on my skin since I've been using it so I'm much less self conscious. I also have an extreme case of sun sensitivity on Gleevec and that I do find difficult to deal with. I am covered head to toe in the summer and, if possible, stay indoors until late afternoon. It has wrecked vacation plans with my family. I haven't come across anyone else with a problem this severe. The thin skin is more common. I frequently have cuts and scrapes on my hands and lower legs particularly. I carry small bandaids and those little envelopes of alcohol wipes in my purse. They usually heal up quickly. I do find that lots of moisturizing helps. Extremely dry skin also seems to be a common complaint. > I wanted to throw out my comments and experience with pigmentation changes. I started 5/05 with 600mg. My strawberry blonde/red hair went platinum blonde as well as my freckles faded. I have no color to my face anymore as well as all hair on my body in all places is bone white. > > I too have red spots from scratches, nicks, etc. I bruise easily but I think that is par for the course with CML. > I am now on 800mg and there are no further skin changes although nothing has ever came back. I am extremely pale. People say they knew I was " sick " before I tell them I have Leukemia. Being 34 years old, this was a major change and adjustment to go through. I'd be lying if I said I have accepted it. I was always pretty attractive and now I look at myself in the mirror and I dont see the same person. Luckily I have a supportive husband who doesnt care what I look like and my 3 kids always think mommy is beautiful. This is just something I have to learn to accept. I have never been a vain person but I think its a constant reminder of the disease when I look at myself. > > My skin is thinner as well. My veins are no longer good, that is from the chemo. > > Just wanted to add my 2 cents. This is all definately a side effect of the Gleevec. > > -34 > Las vegas > CML 5/13/05 > Gleevec 800mg > Wife and mother of 3 (11,8,6) > > S. RN > > > [ ] Gleevec and Skin > > > Hi there, > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > thinning......lol > > Siu > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Not to ruffle feathers, but Gleevec IS NOT chemo. I would also like to see literature that specifically states avoiding the sun. UV rays from the sun are one of the primary stimulants for vitamin D production by the body. Vitamin D, among other things, is essential for strong bones which is a hot topic for Gleevec users. IMHO, locking yourself away from the sun is also a quick way to get really depressed which is never a good thing. > Hi there, > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > thinning......lol > > Siu > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Everyone is raving about the all-new beta. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Whether or not Gleevec is considered " chemo " is a matter of debate. Technically speaking, any drug that is used to treat cancer can be considered " chemotherapy " . Of course it's not the type of chemo that we traditionally associate the word " chemo " with. It is a selective drug with a specific target unlike most chemo drugs that indiscriminately kill all cells but it is a drug and it does control cancer so technically speaking, it is " chemo " . Now as for the sun exposure issue. There is no shortage of literature on this. Common sense will tell you though, if your body's ability to produce melanin is inhibited, exposing yourself to the sun can cause serious damage. Melanin is what gives you the ability to tan and without that ability, you're not able to tan but rather you burn. Here are just a few articles that reference this: Taken from: http://www.ijp-online.com/article.asp?issn=0253- 7613;year=2006;volume=38;issue=1;spage=66;epage=67;aulast=Sunita, " Adverse effects arising from skin hypopigmentation include photosensitivity, which is resolved using a sun-screen and avoidance of sun exposure " Taken from: http://cancer.unm.edu/drug_dictionary.aspx?id=714 " Wear sunscreen and protective clothing and try to minimize sun exposure. " Taken from: http://www.cmlsupport.com/cancer0604hypopig.pdf " We are concerned that because Imatinib Mesylate is taken indefinitely, skin depigmentation may lead to sun exposure complications for our patients. We caution patients to use sunscreen or to avoid direct sun exposure " . While it's true that the sun does provide us with Vit D, there are other ways to get it besides exposing ourselves to further complications and risks. Most websites suggest that we can get all the Vit D we need from exposing ourselves to just 10-15 mins of sun a day but if that's not an option, we can also take Vit D supplements. Take care, Tracey > > Hi there, > > > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > > thinning......lol > > > > Siu > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Everyone is raving about the all-new beta. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Thanks for the links Tracey. My point was that some sun exposure is a good thing and like any good thing, too much can be bad. Especially when it causes damage to the skin. To avoid all sun at all times is a little overboard in my book. Does Gleevec actually target the cell? I thought it inhibited a protein that triggers the development of leukemic cells. How I've always understood it was... in simple terms... Gleevec " rewires " the mechanism in our body (altered by mutation) that causes the hyper development of immature white blood cells. Gleevec blocks the signal sent out that cause the cells to grow out of control. So rather than killing cells, it stops additional " out of control " cells from developing. Soon these useless cells die off naturally as they conclude their life cycle and are replaced by normal, mature cells that follow a normal life cycle and rate of division. This is how I've understood Gleevec. > > > Hi there, > > > > > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg > Gleevec > > > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > > > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a > pale > > > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > > > > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail > to > > > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I > have > > > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > > > > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > > > thinning......lol > > > > > > Siu > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Everyone is raving about the all-new beta. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 The best description I have heard on the workings of gleevec is that the PH gene is like a keyhole with gleevec more often than not fitting perfectly intop the kepyhole to stop production of the immature white blood cells. It does block the BCR signal - this not allowing production to continue. The sun - I completely understand what you are saying. We live in a climate where we see little sun for most of the winter (westcoast) with depression being a problem. My dh (as does the rest of our family) wears good sunscreen but we do not avoid sun exposure. We are outside most days in the summer and in the ocean...but no we don't tan.. shalyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 I am dusky skinned and never sunburned. Since being on Gleevec for 4 years I now can sunburn in 30 minutes of direct sun. I wear heavy duty sun blockers in order to get my sun beams. I agree without the sunshine I become unbearable mentally and look forward to every chance I get to soak up a few rays. My ONC told me early on to be sure and use the sun blockers because the treatments I was receiving would change my tolerance to the direct sun rays. H. dxd 2/03 400mg Gleevec 3/03 PCRU - ll/03 Qpcr - .0014 12/05 and holding > > Hi there, > > > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > > thinning......lol > > > > Siu > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Everyone is raving about the all-new beta. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 I normally wear makeup foundation to work. So people don't really see my real face color because it is under a layer of liquid foundation. I notice my skin got lighter when I bought a bottle of makeup (I didn't rematch with my skin tone before buying it), the shade of the makeup is darker than my face. So next time I go and buy new makeup I have to rematch to my current shade of my face. Actually, I like it being lightening on my skin. My skin medium shade with golden tone. Now I guess it is more light medium with rose tone????? ;-) > > > > Siu: > > I get the same thing. I am of Native American decent and have always been > very dark complected. However, now I am much lighter and paler. > > With warm regards, > Matt > ville, FL > DX January of 2005 > Gleevec Since May 2005 > Father of 3 > > > > > In a message dated 2/6/2007 9:10:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, > cy_butterfly3@... writes: > > > > > Hi there, > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > thinning....thinn > > Siu > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Oh, yes! I now need to moisturizing my whole body after bath/shower. Otherwise, my skin get very dry in the winter days. Siu > Hi all, I wanted to add my comments. i've been on Gleevec nearly 7 > years. I'm normally fair skinned but now have the Gleevec pallor. > I've lost all freckles and I'm ghostly. For my face, I tried out > several high end (and expensive) foundations in the lightest shade and > now wear it every day. I've had a couple of compliments on my skin > since I've been using it so I'm much less self conscious. > I also have an extreme case of sun sensitivity on Gleevec and > that I do find difficult to deal with. I am covered head to toe in > the summer and, if possible, stay indoors until late afternoon. It > has wrecked vacation plans with my family. I haven't come across > anyone else with a problem this severe. > The thin skin is more common. I frequently have cuts and > scrapes on my hands and lower legs particularly. I carry small > bandaids and those little envelopes of alcohol wipes in my purse. > They usually heal up quickly. I do find that lots of moisturizing > helps. Extremely dry skin also seems to be a common complaint. > > > I wanted to throw out my comments and experience with pigmentation > changes. I started 5/05 with 600mg. My strawberry blonde/red hair > went platinum blonde as well as my freckles faded. I have no color to > my face anymore as well as all hair on my body in all places is bone > white. > > > > I too have red spots from scratches, nicks, etc. I bruise easily but > I think that is par for the course with CML. > > I am now on 800mg and there are no further skin changes although > nothing has ever came back. I am extremely pale. People say they > knew I was " sick " before I tell them I have Leukemia. Being 34 years > old, this was a major change and adjustment to go through. I'd be > lying if I said I have accepted it. I was always pretty attractive > and now I look at myself in the mirror and I dont see the same person. > Luckily I have a supportive husband who doesnt care what I look like > and my 3 kids always think mommy is beautiful. This is just something > I have to learn to accept. I have never been a vain person but I > think its a constant reminder of the disease when I look at myself. > > > > My skin is thinner as well. My veins are no longer good, that is > from the chemo. > > > > Just wanted to add my 2 cents. This is all definately a side effect > of the Gleevec. > > > > -34 > > Las vegas > > CML 5/13/05 > > Gleevec 800mg > > Wife and mother of 3 (11,8,6) > > > > S. RN > > > > > > [ ] Gleevec and Skin > > > > > > Hi there, > > > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg Gleevec > > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a pale > > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail to > > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I have > > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > > thinning......lol > > > > Siu > > > > > > > > _____________________________________________________________________ ___ > > Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and > security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from > across the web, free AOL Mail and more. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 > > > > > > > > Siu: > > > > I get the same thing. I am of Native American decent and have > always been > > very dark complected. However, now I am much lighter and paler. > > > > With warm regards, > > Matt > > ville, FL > > DX January of 2005 > > Gleevec Since May 2005 > > Father of 3 > > > > > > > > > > In a message dated 2/6/2007 9:10:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, > > cy_butterfly3@ writes: > > > > > > > > > > Hi there, > > > > Does anyone have the same experience with me? I am on 400mg > Gleevec > > since last September. I notice my skin got lighter in color. My > > hands and my face is very noticeable. Somehow, this gives me a > pale > > look. Maybe I did not expose to much sun in winter? > > > > Another thing with my skin is it gets thinner. Just use my nail > to > > scratch on my itchy spot, it leaves red scratch marks behind. I > have > > to be very careful not to get cut and bruises. > > > > It is hidden side effects of Gleevec? Skin lightening and > > thinning....thinn > > > > Siu > > > > > > > > > > hi everyone just curious how long does it take for your skin to lighten i have been on gleevec for 3 months should i have lightened up already or maybe it won't. Does it happen to everyone Take care Esther > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Hi Esther, It depends on the person. Some people notice the lightening right away and for others it takes a while. I personally didn't notice it until about 2 years into Gleevec treatment. I don't think it happens unequivocally to everyone though so you might be lucky and escape this side effect. Tracey > > > hi everyone just curious how long does it take for your skin to > lighten i have been on gleevec for 3 months should i have lightened > up already or maybe it won't. Does it happen to everyone > Take care > Esther > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 > > > > hi everyone just curious how long does it take for your skin to > > lighten i have been on gleevec for 3 months should i have lightened > > up already or maybe it won't. Does it happen to everyone > > Take care > > Esther > > Hi thanks for the imfo,maybe i will be lucky. thanks Esther > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Hi Everyone, I don't post often but I certainly value all the input. The skin issue has prompted me to post. I have been on Gleevec 1 yr next month. Prior to being dx'd I lost weight and has a terrible itchy rash on my back. Of course, at the time I didn't know I had CML. Approx 3-4 weeks into taking Gleevec the rash disappeared and has not returned. I was told it's a classic symtom of CML. Also, adjusting to Gleevec was hard physically. I felt ill (flu like symptoms) and had to leave work early a few times. After this initial " getting used to " period, I can honestly say I don't have any of the side effects the group has been talking about. I feel good, work full time and am fairly active at home. I've also put on a few pounds of which I know I was too thin. I do notice that I don't tan although the sun doesn't seem to bother me. Will find out more about this this summer. I will get some sun because I, too, feel a person needs the sunlight to brighten the spirits. I have not been told I look pale and really don't notice it myself. I am wondering if any of these side effects of Gleevec will hit me at a later date? Any input on that?? Thanks so much Pam Tracey <traceyincanada@...> wrote: Hi Esther, It depends on the person. Some people notice the lightening right away and for others it takes a while. I personally didn't notice it until about 2 years into Gleevec treatment. I don't think it happens unequivocally to everyone though so you might be lucky and escape this side effect. Tracey > > > hi everyone just curious how long does it take for your skin to > lighten i have been on gleevec for 3 months should i have lightened > up already or maybe it won't. Does it happen to everyone > Take care > Esther > --------------------------------- 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with the Search movie showtime shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Hi all- my husband has been on Gleevec for 7 months now, and like Pam, has had minimal side effects. He mostly goes through a really sleepy period right when he takes Gleevec, which lasts about 1/2 an hour to an hour. And once in a while--maybe once a month or so, he might experience a little nausea too. He is currently on 400mg/day. He is of Mexican decent, so his skin is fairly dark. He was in the hosptial for a month due to severe neutropenia, and I can say that during that time his skin did seem pale. But--he was lying in a hospital bed for 30 days. He now seems to have regained his color, but like Pam, we are wondering if these effects will hit him the longer he is on Gleevec. I have heard some of you say that you have felt over time your side affects actually minimize--or maybe you just get used to dealing with them, hah? So far so good, he considers himself one of the lucky ones. We had our first baby at the time he was diagnosed, so the plan was for me to stay home with our son (and quit working) for the first couple years or so. But, funny what life throws at you--my husband is now a stay-at-home dad, and I am the working one. So, he even has enough energy to be with our 10 month old son all day..except, like I said, for about that hour when he takes his Gleevec--which he usually tries to plan around the time our son naps. I, too, am interested to see what his skin does while on Gleevec. In reading many of the women's posts about skin coloration, I can understand how that change might really affect you ( I know it would affect me). My husband, however, (when I told him about all those posts), felt like it was a non-issue...but...he's a man and has never been concered with his " looks " . Thanks for all the posts on this subject, I pray it gets easier and easier for all of you. Regards >From: p miller <pmiller789@...> >Reply- > >Subject: Re: [ ] Gleevec and Skin >Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2007 05:34:11 -0800 (PST) > >Hi Everyone, > I don't post often but I certainly value all the input. The skin issue >has prompted me to post. I have been on Gleevec 1 yr next month. Prior to >being dx'd I lost weight and has a terrible itchy rash on my back. Of >course, at the time I didn't know I had CML. Approx 3-4 weeks into taking >Gleevec the rash disappeared and has not returned. I was told it's a >classic symtom of CML. Also, adjusting to Gleevec was hard physically. I >felt ill (flu like symptoms) and had to leave work early a few times. >After this initial " getting used to " period, I can honestly say I don't >have any of the side effects the group has been talking about. I feel good, >work full time and am fairly active at home. I've also put on a few pounds >of which I know I was too thin. I do notice that I don't tan although the >sun doesn't seem to bother me. Will find out more about this this summer. I >will get some sun because I, too, feel a person needs the sunlight to >brighten the spirits. I have not been > told I look pale and really don't notice it myself. > I am wondering if any of these side effects of Gleevec will hit me at a >later date? > Any input on that?? > > Thanks so much > Pam > >Tracey <traceyincanada@...> wrote: > Hi Esther, > >It depends on the person. Some people notice the lightening right away >and for others it takes a while. I personally didn't notice it until >about 2 years into Gleevec treatment. I don't think it happens >unequivocally to everyone though so you might be lucky and escape this >side effect. >Tracey > > > > > > hi everyone just curious how long does it take for your skin to > > lighten i have been on gleevec for 3 months should i have lightened > > up already or maybe it won't. Does it happen to everyone > > Take care > > Esther > > > > > > > > >--------------------------------- >8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > with the Search movie showtime shortcut. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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