Jump to content


Photo

Gleevec : Symptom Questions


  • Please log in to reply
5 replies to this topic

#1 LivingWellWithCML

LivingWellWithCML

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 60 posts
  • LocationAtlanta, GA

Posted 04 November 2011 - 06:53 AM

Hi everyone,

I saw an ear/nose/throat specialist this week to check on a couple of symptoms I've been having for the past month or so - fortunately they are minor annoyances, but it never hurts to get stuff checked out by an expert.  Has anyone else dealt with anything like this while on Gleevec 400mg (I'm entering my 8th month on treatment), and if so, any recommendations on how best to deal with it?

  • Dehydration - I have some minor swollen saliva glands under my chin.  It's symmetrical and can easily be mistaken for swollen lymph nodes.  They aren't major, but with an already-thin neck, you can definitely notice it.  He also said that I have a good bit of mucus down deep in my throat (which I can also feel).  The ENT guy said that it's the result of mild dehydration, but I drink plenty of fluids during the day.  I do have a cup of coffee in the morning, but once again, I'm drinking a decent amount of water/fluids daily, and a glass or two of red wine in the evening.  Is it possible that this could be an issue related to Gleevec?
  • Reflux - I have the feeling like there's a small ball in my throat ... almost like it's mildly constricted.  I really haven't had a sensation like this before, and it's been pretty steady for over a month.  He did a throat exam using a halogen probe (which was an .... interesting ... procedure) and said that it was standard reflux.  He prescribed a generic version of Prilosec to take for a little bit, but obviously I'm gun-shy based on other threads that note the stress that Prilosec puts on the liver (in addition to Gleevec).  I don't appear to get the stomach issues that some others are reporting on Gleevec, but could this still be related?  I take Gleevec with breakfast (glass of water, oatmeal or honey nut cheerios, and a banana [most days]), and that seems to work very well with my system.  I don't feel any stomach problems, but perhaps Gleevec is causing this?

I do a lot of running and working out, but once again, I'm consuming a good bit of fluids throughout the day to compensate (primarily water, or water/juice mix, or sometimes Powerade/Gatorade).

Anyone else dealt with these issues while on Gleevec?

Thanks for any insight, folks!


Dan - Atlanta, GA

CML CP Diagnosed March 2011

Gleevec 400mg


#2 Trey

Trey

    Advanced Member

  • PS Beta Group
  • PipPipPip
  • 1,705 posts
  • LocationSan Antonio, Texas

Posted 04 November 2011 - 09:17 AM

The "small ball in the throat" issue is definitely from Gleevec.  The vitamins that used to go down easily are now harder to swallow for me.  Probably an edema issue in the throat area.

The salivary gland issue is not as clear.  Could also be an edema issue, or could be related to issues such as small infections in the mouth since the salivary glands have a high neutrophil count (to clean up the mouth area).



#3 LivingWellWithCML

LivingWellWithCML

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 60 posts
  • LocationAtlanta, GA

Posted 04 November 2011 - 12:03 PM

Thanks Trey.  A couple of follow-up questions:

  • "Small ball in throat" - Are you still getting this on the lower Gleevec dosage?   He prescribed Omeprazole (generic Prilosec) short-term to see if that resolves the issue, but I'm debating whether to take it, since it really could be minor edema instead of reflux.  Seems safe enough to try for a few days just to see if it helps, eh?
  • Swollen salivary glands - They are the submandibular glands ... pretty equal level of inflammation on each side of the throat.  When looking at an anatomy image, I can see how I originally confused them for lymph nodes.  So the ENT believes it's dehydration, but honestly, I'm not so sure.  When he did the throat exam, he said that he didn't see any sign of infection, which is interesting.  So it really could be edema perhaps?  I have a 5-day Z-Pak that was prescribed by my GP awhile ago when I first discovered it, but I never took the antibiotics because I don't feel sick at all.  My ANC wasn't terribly low from my last CBC (2.41), so I'm just not sure what to make of it.  If your doc gave you a Z-Pak for something like this, would you take it?  Probably more of a philisophical question...

Dan - Atlanta, GA

CML CP Diagnosed March 2011

Gleevec 400mg


#4 Trey

Trey

    Advanced Member

  • PS Beta Group
  • PipPipPip
  • 1,705 posts
  • LocationSan Antonio, Texas

Posted 04 November 2011 - 02:39 PM

Even the lower dosage Gleevec still affects my swallowing, but slightly less so.  This is not a reflux issue.  You might have reflux, but that is not a sign of it.

A doc can't see low level infections.  But I would not take any antibiotics unless I had a serious infection.  They destroy good intestinal bacteria, so it is more than philosophy -- they are not free of downside effects.

You might also have multiple issues such as seasonal allergies, etc that complicate the symptoms.  The dehydration thing doesn't track.



#5 LivingWellWithCML

LivingWellWithCML

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 60 posts
  • LocationAtlanta, GA

Posted 04 November 2011 - 02:53 PM

Yeah, the dehydration thing definitely doesn't seem to be flying.  Gosh, I went to an ENT to put my mind at ease and move forward, and here I am questioning everything!  Oh well -

Thanks for your feedback, Trey!


Dan - Atlanta, GA

CML CP Diagnosed March 2011

Gleevec 400mg


#6 simone4

simone4

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 64 posts

Posted 04 November 2011 - 04:16 PM

Dan, several years ago I had a similar "feeling" in my throat.  It was

connected to my sinuses, so I took Mucinex (which is a natural substance)

and it thinned the mucous and the "lump" went away within a week.

It is so common for doctors to suspect GERD no matter what the

symptom. It's their new trend, like the "allergy" thingy last decade.

Everyone was going and being tested (with needles stuck in their

backs) for some allergic reaction that would explain their woes.

And those ENT's, don't get me started.

Stay off the antibiotics.  You may really need them later.

Simone






1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users