Newly diagnosed--low platelet count

[Guest guest]

I am a 55-year old male diagnosed with CML on 5/31/2007

(asymptomatic; diagnosis because of unrelated blood test relating to

a possible infection). I've been on Gleevec (400mg) since 6/6/2007,

and have had a good hematologic response (WBC down from 192 to normal

range within 3 weeks; differentials looking good/normal, etc.). Red

blood count and related were initially low; now have moved into more

or less normal range--except for my platelets, which have hovered

around 100-115, and have most recently dropped to 96. My oncologist

says I will need to reduce my Gleevec dosage if platelets aren't

above 100 by next test. I view the Gleevec as (so far) being a

miracle drug and am reluctant to drop the dosage with such overall

good and fast results. Also, I haven't had any side effects (yet;

knock wood). Have others gone to lower dosages for the same reason?

By the way, I have an appointment with Dr. Neil Shah at UCSF in about

a week and a half (self-pay referral, but my oncologist and I agree

that I might as well see a real specialist). Have others met with

Dr. Shah? Impressions? (I'm in Sacramento and Dr. Shah is close and

my oncologist recommended him.)