4 replies to this topic

[mck_001]

I am on day 5 of Gleevec and my platelets have gone up from 1700 (or 1.7million) on thursday to 2800(2.8 million) this morning.  The PA told me that puts me at high risk of stroke, talked to the doctor, told me to take 325mg of aspirin and sent me on my way after explaining that in this situation, it was ok to take aspirin while on Gleevec.  Have any of you had platelets this high and if so, is there anything else I can do other than take aspirin and drink lots of water to help?  After leaving the office, I got freaked out that my platelets are so high.  The good news is my WBC was 23 today!!    Thanks! McKenna

[Trey]

That is a high level, so it requires close monitoring.  Aspirin and lots of water are a good idea.  Make sure you have someone with you to take care of you while this continues.

Platelet levels often increase after an initial decrease during Gleevec therapy.  So the increase is not that unusual, although the level is higher than most people experience.  You need to have CBC tests often (at least weekly) until this gets under control.  It should resolve itself in a few weeks.  Then the platelet levels may go too low after that.  The first couple months can be a rollercoaster ride for the blood levels.

[Pika]

while i don't have my numbers in front of me, I also had  million plus high platelets at diagnois, and had an increase in them at the beginning at treatment.  I was also on a temporary aspirin regimen until they came down. Like really temporary, perhaps a month maybe a little bit  more?  I really can't remember from where I am posting from at the moment.   I am four years plus down the CML pike.  Platelets remain pretty low now.  I don't miss the greyed-out vision I was enduring, that's for sure!

now, my ANC, that's a different story...that still isn't workly properly.

Good luck in your treatment.  Hang in there on the platelets.

[Skittles]

I hope this will be of some encouragement to you.  I was diagnosed in 2009 and at the time the only count off on a CBC was platelets.  They were 1.2 million and shortly after starting Gleevec they went up to 1.5 million.  They ended up too low but eventually came up to around 210 where they have remained on Gleevec therapy.  I hope this happens for you as well.  I have have been reading the posts here since being diagnosed and follow all of Trey's postings.  It was your concern that finally made me bite the bullet and post myself.  You will find what you need here for guidance and support.   Skittles

[mck_001]

Thanks everyone!  I go back tomorrow for more bloodwork, so hopefully it's maxed out and is is on its way back down.