6 replies to this topic

[snowbear]

I just started Gleevec 4 days ago and since then, all I do is SLEEP.  I'm sleeping 12-15 hours a night, taking naps during the day, and am still tired.  It's not fatigue - I just can't stay awake. I've never slept so much or so well in my life.

 

I heard about pain and stomach trouble, but I sure didn't expect this, lol.  Is this something others have experienced?  Does it get better with time?   

[Jerry.s]

Yeah I had that too for the first few weeks on gleevec . I kind of enjoyed that part of it. I still get really sleepy after 1030pm and usually can't make it up till midnight , New Years eve included . I also had some fatigue but that gets a lot better if you exercise

[carrie]

I have been on Gleevec for 7+ years now. I am tired often. I do teach school all day so maybe that is part of it, but my energy levels have changed dramatically. I think fatigue is part of every oral chemo, but it keeps us alive.

[Widgeonus]

I can honestly say that after a year on Gleevec, I don't notice the fatigue anymore. Maybe it's my new norm.

[chriskuo]

I assume you will be having weekly blood tests.  You will be able to see your red blood cell counts and hemaglobin, which often drop at the beginning of treatment.  Gleevec is know for causing fatigue and tired feelings, particularly initially.  

After a month of treatment, I had a transfusion to improve my red blood cell counts.  After that, the red blood cell count improved on its own, although I am still slightly below normal.

[Billie Murawski]

Hi Snowbear,

  My first tki was Gleevac I remember being exhausted. But all those stomache problems I had from it made it hard to choose between bed or potty. Potty won. Make sure your doc is aware of your fatigue. If your bloodwork is okay, you will start feeling better after a while, I had to get 2 transfusions 3 weeks after starting Gleevac.  That's not uncommon,just give The Gleevac more time. Remember your body is trying to adjust to a very potent drug.          Billie

[snowbear]

Well, the sleepiness didn't last.  I'm back to being up half the night with fevers and pain. I'm starting to have more abdominal bloating and tenderness as well.  I'll go back on probiotics and simethicone and see if that helps.

 

But on the bright side, my breathing is getting easier and my eyes look whiter and clearer.  I see doc and get more bloodwork tomorrow - I'm expecting good news!