8 replies to this topic

[scuba]

Surprise surprise ...

I have been somewhat myelo-suppressed for 5 months while at the same time taking zero drugs.

After one week of being on Sprycel at 20mg. (very low dose) look at my numbers.  I have had a 30% increase in Neutrophils:

ANC = 1.31 (last week prior to Dasatinib re-start = 0.92) First time  above 1.0 in 5 months.
WBC = 3.0 (last week = 2.6)

(other WBC's = normal)

RBC = 3.54 (last week = 3.67)
HGB = 12.0 (last week = 12.9)
HCT = 36.7 (last week = 37.7)
MCV = 105 (last week  = 103)
Platelets = normal at 215 (last week = 206)

I am also taking 8 grams of Curcumin per day.    From what I have read, Curcumin enhances Sprycel in the body.  I am willing to take the risk combining the two so don't try this at home.  Follow my results and who knows, maybe they will start a formal trial involving the two compounds for CML.  I am taking the Curcumin as a combination attack on CML.  Sprycel goes after the disease on the inside of the cell (which means it has to be absorbed into the cells) and Curcumin goes after the disease on the cell membrane.  Between the two, I am hoping for a very fast Leukemic load reduction (PH+ chromosome).  Right now I have little PH+ in my circulating blood (FISH = zero).  But I am loaded in the bone marrow (100% PH+).  I can't fathom why this is ...

I am at a loss why my Neutrophils have jumped AFTER I re-started sprycel.  When I first started Sprycel at 70 mg. (still a lower than normal dose), my Neutrophils after one week plummeted over 50%.  So I expected a drop when I re-started again.  My other WBC's are normal and Platelets (the canary early warning sign) are rock solid normal).

What a fascinating disease.

(p.s. Curcumin has done wonders for my intestinal tract.  Memo to Trey:  try it - your sharts will go away).

[grannyd]

So happy for you!!!!!! May you continue with good results, you sure have been on a ride!!! Prayers to all, grannyd

[scuba]

... I just hope it's not a re-start of CML growth - and my WBC's begin a renewed climb to the 10's of thousands.

Next week will be a good indicator.

But at least no Neupogen !!

[janne]

Go Michael !! Whoo Hoo ! Janne

[Happycat]

Michael,

The ANC is calculated as the WBC x (%segmented + %bands).  So your ANC is higher because you have a higher % of segs or bands or both.

If I'm calculating correctly:

0.92 ANC/ 2.6 WBC = 35% segs and bands last week

1.31 ANC/ 3.0 WBC = 44% segs and bands this week

From my Color Atlas of Hematology book, the normal %bands is 0-5%, the normal %segs is 35-85%.

So, to me, your results still look to be in the normal range.

HTH,

Traci

[Trey]

The 100% positive leukemic cells BMB tells the real story.  It is the most accurate test.  The peripheral blood is showing severe myelosuppression.  Take as much Sprycel as you can tolerate.

[valiantchong]

Hi,

I do not quite get it when you mentioned you have 100% Ph + in your BMB but Fish done on PB is 0. ? Was wondering are you refering to the same time frame ? I thought PB and BMB results should correlate from my understanding. ???

[scuba]

I thought so too - but for whatever reason the PH+ cells are not making it out of my bone marrow in sufficient quantity to get detected by FISH.  The transcripts are getting detected plenty (by PCR) so in that sense there is definitely a correlation. 

According to Dr. Cortes, although very unusual, he has seen this.