switching from Gleevec to Sprycell?

May 22, 2008

Hello to everyone,

So looks like my Onc is most likely swapping my from Gleevec to Sprycell.

The plan here is to get me some relief as I still am having pretty bad head

pain and muscle fatigue. The Dr said after 15 months, we can genuinely call

this intolerance as it is not getting better and there are some definite

quality of life issues. This plan is not in concrete. I am going in this

morning

for a PCR-ABL. Then he and I will get together when that comes back.

Just so I have my ducks in a row and seem like I know what I am talking

about =) Is there a sort of clean out Gleevec period, where I have no meds

prior

to going on Sprycell or do I wake up one morning when the Gleevec is empty

and start right in on Sprycell?

I am all to familiar with the Gleevec side effects, what do I have to look

forward to with Sprycell?

Another concern, I am a sales rep, I am also the next few months in my prime

selling season. Would it be better to insist on waiting to start Sprycell

till after my prime season ends or is it safe to dive in, head first? I just

do not want to find myself with 4-6 weeks left to go in my season and be sick

as a dog, not able to work because I swapped into a new med. While I am

uncomfortable a good bit on Gleevec, I am functioning pretty darn well.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts. I remember several others switching

meds, like . I remember posting progress and that there were bumps

in

the road. I guess this has got me pretty freaked out. Did not sleep at all

last night. I would dose off, but wake up thinking about this and am

nervous about my insurance going along, as the last I researched, Sprycell was

a

good bit more money.

Thanks

Chris

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