Re: Welcome Guy

[Guest guest]

Hi: My message got lost somewhere in transit here, but welcome to our group or

club that nobody really wants to join as Zavie says.

You will get a lot of support, and some laughs at times. Lottie keeps us all

going with all her information and support all the time.

There is always somebody here to listen, and we are here to learn from

others who have gone through different side effects.

I am sure a lot of people will welcome your advice regarding rashes and

itching. We have had a lot of people who have had that problem.

I have been on Gleevec since 2000, and I agree you learn to live with the

side effects. Some even subside after awhile.

Welcome and hope we hear from you more often.

A.

> >

> > Hello Fellow CML Sufferers,

> >

> > Let me introduce myself - Guy, an old guy. I have been treated with gleevec

since 2005 when I was first diagnosed. Lots of problems at first but my body

seemed to get used to the side effects. I would like to say to all those with

rashes and itching that cortisone did no good at all for me. At one time it was

feared I was allergic to gleevec. A friend advised me to ask my onc. if I could

take atarax (an anti-histamine) and zantac (acid reducer - using it for itching

is evidently well-known even though it is not the primary purpose.) This

combination worked wonders for me and you can even buy zantac over-the-counter.

A friend told me that atarax is even used on children. Please don't take this

without asking your doc, I'm just telling you how I got rid of my rash and

itching.

> >

> > One thing I don't see addressed much by the group is how you get help with

the price of gleevec. I take 90 tablets a month and up to now Novartis has

provided them. They have given me notice that they have a change of policy and

they are going to discontinue providing them to me. I have applied to PSI and am

anxiously waiting. I do have supplementary medicare ins. but I will have to pay

33% of the retail price. I just wondered if you have any suggestions.

> >

> > This is a great worry to my wife and to me.

> >

> > I have been reading your mail and am struck by the great kindness you show

to each other. I don't know about any rules you have to join your group.

Please let me know. I love Lottie's cheer-me-ups. Her joke about the " hearing "

has gone to England and France and the little Chinese drummer boy will bring joy

far and wide.

> >

> > Guy

> >

>