4 replies to this topic

[Dom]

Hello all,

 

I was diagnosed in February 2014, and started Gleevec 400 then.  It went swell.  There were minor side effects for the first three months, then nothing at all except maybe bags under my eyes, and who cares about that.  Meanwhile, my numbers looked good, dropping to 0.03.  Then 4 months later it went up to 0.5, then one month later to 0.7, then two months later to 0.6.  I assume these last numbers (0.5, 0.7, 0.6) are essentially the same and I've just plateaued.

 

My oncologist decided to increase my dosage to Gleevec 600.  (Just as Trey predicted he would, by the way).  I am not moving to a different TKI because I have heart problems.

 

Has anybody else been in this position?  Should I expect to see my numbers drop again?  Should I expect to see side effects at this dosage, even though I did not see them at previous dosages?  I'm a little concerned because I can't move to any other drug.

 

I'd appreciate any advice I can get.  

[Widgeonus]

Yes I started at 400
Yes my numbers did the same.
Yes I increased to 600
Yes my numbers started to fall.
Yes I am down to .003
Yes your numbers are essentially the same.
No my side effects didn't change.
Yes you are going to be fine.

[Dom]

Thanks for the answers. All the "right" ones too!

I know I worry too much about this, but I can't get over the fact that, unlike others, I do not have any alternatives to gleevec.

[Gail's]

Dom, isn't it ironic that I don't have cardiac issues but am now on dasatinib and constantly questioned and tested for cardiac problems. You have cardiac problems and can't take it, I have no cardiac problems and can take it and may develop cardiac problems. Ugggghhh. No win/ no win.

[Dom]

Gail, I know what you mean. I was always concerned about cardiac issues because of my BP, family history, and the stents, so I exercise, take pills and watch my diet. So what happens? CML. Boom! Like you said, can't win.