I was dx with CML Nov, 2004. I started on Gleevec, and continued until two years ago, when I started Tasigna. Although the Gleevec was working for me, I couldn't keep my ANC above .5. I have had wonderful results on the Tasigna. My last PCR from BMA was .012, which was 6 months ago. At that point, my dr at MDACC recommended I go up to 800mg/day since I hadn't really had any serious side effects other than elevated liver enzymes. I go back to MDACC in August, but follow up with my local onc here in FL, monthly. About 2 months ago, I had swollen lymph nodes behind my ear an on my neck, but they all were "squishy" and painful and ended up going down. Then, about a month later, I had the one behind my ear reappear and a new one right below the hairline on the back of my neck. The Tasigna had been causing scalp iritation, and I had a sore that had become inflamed, on the back of my scalp. After a round of antibiotics, the one on my neck completely went down, but the one behind my ear, just went down a little. Early this week, I became ill with a fever, and several tender swollen nodes on both sides of my neck, that are still there. I have also developed two knots, (which I assume are nodes), on the back of my scalp about 3 inches above my hairline, (and the base of my skull). They hurt and are VERY hard. I have an appointment with my local oncologist in a few days, but had my blood taken yesterday. My WBC's are a little low, (2,000), and my ANC is 1,000. I have not experienced any low counts on Tasigna up until now. I'm so concerned that I now have another cancer! Has anyone else had something like this happen after being dx with CML? I'm praying it is just a virus! Can a virus lower your counts?????? Any information would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thank you,
Stacie