5mos. on Gleevec -- FISH at 87%

March 14, 2007

I have alot of questions for all of you. At 42 I was dxd in Oct 2006

abd started 400mg Gleevec. WBC was at 381K at diagnosis. After 6

weeks on Gleevec WBC normalized (fluctuates between 6 -12K). My

question - is it suprising or NOT for my FISH to come back at 87%?

My Dr seemed quite surprised at that number, he expected to see a

bigger change, although they have not done o FISH on me until this

time. The indication was given at diagnosis that with a WBC so high a

FISH would certainly be 100%. Wouldn't a theoretical drop of

only 13% be quite disappointing?

Is there a need to be alarmed? Should I insist on an increase in the

Gleevec (dr did say that in MAY they will retest and do PCR and if %

has not changed significantly would increase to 800mg) -- should

increase be aggressive or moderate (600mg vs. 800mg)?

What are the findings on someone with WBC so at diagnosis? Is it more

difficult and a longer process to see a favorable result? Is the

prognosis less promising?

Things just seemed so promising on the surface with the earlier

superficial testing. Now I am just so discouraged and frightened

right now. Am I just expecting too much too soon?

Until my spleen begin hurting in October (which eventually lead to the

dx) I have felt fine. Oh yeah -- and the 40 lbs that I seemed to drop

effortlessly over about a 5 month period. I have not felt nor looked

" sick " . People don't seem to actually believe I am sick -- " people

with cancer waste away " -- I am still over weight! The reality is the

initial dx was scary, but now the scariest thing is that so early in

the game I may have to really get down and dirty with this leukemia.

The outlook my Dr presented at my diagnosis is not holding up its end

of the 'bargin " .

I am scared, worried, frustrated, confused, angry, lonely, and

exhausted.

Thanks in advance --

Tracey

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