8 replies to this topic

[tiredblood]

Just curious as what to expect. I'm hoping the penetrating pain I've been experiencing in my shoulders, between the shoulder blades and swelling underarms will improve.  This is the first time in my life, I've ever had pain that awakens me. My hem/onc has suggested I have a rheumatological workup, which I'm in agreement with. I've been back on the Tasigna at 1/2 the regular dose since January and my QOL has lessened.  As an aside, I've noticed in the past few days that my hair has started to come out again and getting sore spots on my head. So far, my ANA, ESR, RF labs have been within normal limits or negative, with the CRP being elevated. As soon as CVS Caremark gets over Gleevec being a first-line treatment and approves the PA, I'll start Gleevec at 1/2 the regular dose.  I'm hoping the iron supplement will offset these sharts I've heard about with Gleevec.

[gerry]

You may not wind up with too many side effects at 200mg. Good luck.

[Dom]

Hi TiredBlood.  I was on Gleevec 400 and I had very minor side-effects for about the first 3 months.  Then nothing.  Nada.  Nope.  Zero.  

 

Unfortunately, after more than a year like that, the tests got bad and I had to move to Gleevec 600.  Now I get puffy eyes in the morning (who cares), a horrible sour putrid taste that rises from my stomach to my mouth, and monstrous acid reflux.  I'm hoping this too will pass.  

 

All the best.

[tiredblood]

I just became a gleevecian. Since my plan is to take the gleevec with my evening meal, should I change my statin to morning, rather than bedtime?

[jmoorhou]

Hi tiredblood, I don't know if you're already using it but Tea Tree shampoo really helps with the itch head, if that is what you have.

[tiredblood]

Hi tiredblood, I don't know if you're already using it but Tea Tree shampoo really helps with the itch head, if that is what you have.

Not at the moment. I did have that with tasigna, especially when my hair was coming out. I asked about the statin because the pharmacy had to get the okay from my doctor concerning a possible interaction between the two drugs.

[gerry]

I took my statin at the opposite time to the Gleevec. I eventually came off the statin as Gleevec controlled my cholesterol and BP. Since stopping Gleevec I have had to resume a cholesterol med. Keep an eye on your cholesterol levels and you might be able to do the same in a year or two.

[tiredblood]

I took my statin at the opposite time to the Gleevec. I eventually came off the statin as Gleevec controlled my cholesterol and BP. Since stopping Gleevec I have had to resume a cholesterol med. Keep an eye on your cholesterol levels and you might be able to do the same in a year or two.

[tiredblood]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm all for cutting out any meds I can.