's Sprycel update - 12 days and counting!

[Guest guest]

Hi all!

My wife, , writes alot, and I figured it was time for me to write in...

Firstly, I just wanted thank you all for the words of advice and information

that you have provided to and I. We will always be indebted to you all

for your support.

I started Sprycel at 140mg (70mg, twice a day), and am still currently on

that doseage. The first day, I felt fine about half the day...then broke out

in hives/rashing. I had a bout of intensive sweating, light head, and

naseua, but that only lasted for about 10-15 minutes. I felt generally " off "

the second half of the day, and a headache began at the end of day 1.

Headache lasted for 2.5 - 3 days, I only had to take Tylenol once, and it

took care of the headache. The first week included some days where I would

get super tired by late afternoon. In fact, 4th of July was a pretty

eventful day, and by the end of it, I was completely exhausted. Over the

last 2 weeks, I have had strange bumps and rashes come and go, never lasting

more than a few hours. The first few nights I would wake up after about 5 -

6 hours from the evening dose, with itching and sometimes strange sensations

in my hands and feet. During the first week, most of the side affects I

mentioned above, would appear about 5-6 hours after taking one of my pills.

All these symptoms have now subsided. I am only experiencing minor tiredness

for about an hour after waking up, and again sometimes in the late evening

before going to bed. My days are full of " normal " energy for the most part.

I must say I feel pretty good considering how new Sprycel is to my system.

I had my 1st CBCs done today. My WBC is 5300, right in the normal range, on

Gleevec I always lingered right around 3400. Red blood cells, hemoglobin are

slightly low (as is normal for me), platelets dropped from my normal

140-160, to 95. I spoke to my onc today, and she confirmed what I had

already researched which is that we are good on platelets down to 50,000

below that we would have to take a Sprycel break to let counts recover. If

platelets were to drop again, we'd have to take another break and then start

back on a reduced doseage. As far as my liver (the reason for switching from

Gleevec to Sprycel), my ALT 2 weeks ago was in the 70's, today it was 38,

that is just a tad above " normal " range, so that is looking good as well.

In summary, the first week wasnt too bad for the most part, but I definitely

felt the new medication. As the days progress, each day has been better. As

far as today, it was a great day! I spent time in my yard, and after being

tired for an hour this morning, have felt " normal " ever since. I am feeling

pretty upbeat about Sprycel so far, but will take it day by day.

One more note- in comparison to Gleevec, it's nice not to worry every time I

take the medication. I dont have to gorge myself to keep the nausea at bay.

Also, there is no tiredness whatsoever, following my medication, which was

standard for me with Gleevec. I can confirm that there is no problem

whatsoever with taking this med on an empty stomach. I have never felt any

discomfort after taking this med with food or without food - I cannot have

said that with Gleevec. I cant remember for certain, but I believe that it

took me quite a bit longer to " adjust " to Gleevec than what it feels like

this time around, but I know that that can change....we'll see...

We still are seeing Dr. Druker the end of this month. Thanks again to

everyone for all of your help...

Regards,

Cervera

age 34

Diagnosed 6/2006

Was on 400mg Gleevec

Changed to Sprycel 7/2007 due to liver intolerance

Sprycel doseage: 140mg/day

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