Hello All,
it's a while since i last posted, mainly because of my move from the US to the UK and the subsequent adjustment to the NHS (but that's a different story). I have a question which i'd appreciate some input on, particularly from Trey as i think he wrote an article covering the issue:
http://www.cancernet...e/10165/1570782
so i achieved a PCR-U i the US after about 8 months on tasigna and it stayed there all the way through to a test on 17 Jan 12 - results came back PCR-U. I moved to the UK and had a PCR test on 2 Feb 12 - I only just got those results (that's the NHS for you) and they said BCR-ABL 0.17%. Despite my analytic mind telling me there has to be an explanation for this one can't help but think about this - worrying achieves nothing but that's easier said than done as many of us know.
The factors I need to consider are: the difference between the scale my US onc/lab was using and the sensitivity of that lab, the sensitivity of the new lab in the UK and the scale being considered there.
I fully expected there would be a change between labs and was anticipating a rise, but i fail to see how the results could have leaped from ~0.00% to 0.17%? I am aware it is only 2 data points and single data points don't mean much. The rest of my CBC was fine WBC ~6k, no clinical signs and the results from this week's PCR test will be available to me mid-May (I have to call for them, not expect the onc's office to provide them to me as i found out). So while I wait for the results that we can establish a trend from, I would apprecite any suggestions of where i might be interpreting things incorrectly. Similarly, any pertinent questions for my onc on our next appointment would also be welcomed as this completely sideswiped me and dumped my inquisitive and critical mind into the trash can :-)
I hope everyone is as well as can be.
Chris