SharonS update

[Guest guest]

Good news and Good work, Sharon! I am so glad you have someone that

is being a bit more " involved " in monitoring your CML. Yep, Zavie's

gonna be sharpening that pencil to add you to the list! Here's to

continued good monitoring and results! Thank GOD for a doctor who

will admit that monitoring requires a bit more than a few finger

pricks and arm sticks, particularly with newly diagnosed patients!

Sounds like you are on the right track!

Best!

Greg

>

> Hello Everyone,

> I was finally able to see another Dr. for a second opinion on

the

> course of treatment for the CML.I was Dx 5/29/08.I had a FISH test

and

> CBC. My Hemo/Onc started me on Gleevec(400mg) and Zyloprem.He

ordered

> no BMB or anything else.The first follow up was one month later and

he

> then started doing finger pricks(for CBC)every week.I waited for a

> second opinion.Today I saw another DR.who set up a BMB for

8/11/08.He

> also did another FISH test.He spent time with me and explained what

we

> were looking to achieve and what we would do if we didn't acheive

it.He

> wants bi-weekly CBC's.He also gave me a copy(generic) of a plan of

> treatment.What to do at the 3 month mark,six month etc.He was nice

and

> seemed to want to take a little more aggressive approach to the

> treatment.He may even increase the Gleevec if the test results

don't

> show what he wants.My hematological levels have come down within

normal

> range and he is happy with that but says that doesn't really tell

the

> whole story.So I have a new DR an hope his approach is better I

already

> feel better at least I'm getting a BMB.

> Thanks

> SharonS

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone,

Just an update after my BMB. I also had a second FISH test.I am a

little over two months on Gleevec.I can now stop the Zyloprim that was

perscribed initially.My Blood levels are now within normal ranges.My

first FISH said I had 66 of 200 with Philadelphia chromosom.The second

one says I now have 48 of 200.So I haven't made alot of progress yet at

a cytogenetic level.The DR wants to increase the Gleevec from 400mg to

600 mg as soon as I get back from vacation on the 25th.I will coninue

with byweekly cbc's.

I am now starting to experience stomach distress/cramps and

diahrea.I have IBS and Diverticulosis and take Amitiza for treatment.I

usually suffer with severe constipation.I am 40 and am having excessive

periods.I will have a 7-10 day period then it ends for a few days and

then starts back up again.I am scheduled for a tubal and endometrial

ablation for Sept 5th to hopefull help this issue.Anyone else having

menstration issues while on Gleevec?

Thanks

SharonS