low platelets

[Guest guest]

To Tracey and Anita,

Thanks for your replies--both helpful. I'll post again if I

get any more info.

Ruth

[Guest guest]

I was in the Phase 1 trial for STI 571 (Gleevec) and for the first 5 years or so

of taking Gleevec, I had to go off the drug for a couple of weeks every 3-4

months or so to allow my platelets to rise. While I was in the trial, when they

went below 50 I had to hold the drug. After the trial, my doctor and I had an

agreement that when they went below 35, I would go off the drug until they rose

above 50. After five years or so of taking Gleevec, my platelets stabilized in

the 40's and 50's and I could take Gleevec every day. Now, after almost 11 years

of being on Gleevec, my platelets are consistently in the 70's, 80's or 90's. My

PCR's have been undetectable for over three years. I guess I'm proof it all

works out eventually. Even though my platelets are chronically low, I have never

had any serious bleeding problems.

I wish you the best. Hang in there!

Virginia Garner