Blast Crisis

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I was diagnosed in May 07 and put on Gleevec, 400mg until May of 08.

My pcr was slowing going up so my doctor raised me to 600mg of G.

After 2 1/2 months on 600mg, my blood counts started to drop, so he

took me off G for two weeks before wanting to start me on Sprycel.

During that two week period, my blood work went crazy and I was

diagnosed as being in blast crisis. I was seen last Tuesday on an

emergency basis at U of M. We are going to continue with the Sprycel

to try to get me into remission so I can get a bone marrow

transplant. If the Sprycel doesn't work, there are a couple

medications they will try and if that doesn't work, I will be

hospitalized for 30-75 days of chemo to get me to remission.

Well, you can imagine how my world has been turned upside down. I am

a teacher and was planning on returning to work this week. I am a

single mom of two teenagers very active in fall sports. Also, with

today's econonmy, my finances are a huge concern. My 74 year old

father has really stepped up to the plate as a wonderful caregiver,

taking me to appts, etc.

I guess what I am looking for is some others of us CMLer's who have

experience anything like this. Others who can share their

experiences, symptons, treatment etc.

My current symptons are extreme fatigue and headaches. I have no

idea what to be watching for, just somewhat dependent on lab work to

let me know how things are going. My hemoglobin has dropped to 8.0.

Nothing has been prescribed or done about that, which concerns me.

So please, anyone out there who has been in or is in blast crisis,

please share your experiences with me.

Sincerely,