Ongoing Edema/Swelling with Gleevec

July 3, 2007

Hello fellow CML'ers,

Has anyone had experience with major swelling/edema and huge weight

gain while on Gleevec? I was dx'd 12/03 and this problem just keeps

getting worst and worst.

I have ruled out any possible secondary problems, and all of the tests

have come back normal. Thyroid, heart, kidney, diabetes, eating low

sodium, low fat, etc. My body has just ballooned and I'm extremely

frustrated.

I am PCRU and on 400 mg Gleevec. I also take 80 mg Lasix along with

Potassium, but I am not getting relief. I may go alot, when the lasix

kicks in, but it doesn't make a visual difference... and when I go to

bed and I get up the next day, I'm all swelled up again, and the

process continues.

When I was dx'd, I had a huge spleen and very high white count and I

wonder if I really screwed up my body and it's ability to release

fluids. I hardly urinate if I don't use diuretics. Could I have

Lymphedema caused by Gleevec?

I know my Hem/Onc is frustrated by it as well, but with Sprycel causing

more edema issues, and Plural Effusions, I would definately NOT be a

good candidate.

Does anyone know if the AMN107 causes edema? I get a great response

from Gleevec, but this problem is really getting difficult to live with

and be happy.

Does anyone do Accupuncture? Body wraps, and/or lymphatic massage?

These are some things I'm thinking about. Are there any safe herbal

additives that can be taken with Gleevec?

If there is anyone with CML that is experiencing this same problem or

has any suggestions, please feel free to share. I would sincerely

appreciate any input.

Sincerely,

Lynn from WA

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