You are here

Decision time

I have just been reading about the Destiny trial and was wondering if anyone could give me some guidance as to an option i have to make.  For over 4 years I have been on Dasatinib 100mg. For the last 2 years I have struggled with pleural effusions. In October 2015 I was allowed a month off. I then started back on 80mg.  By Xmas I was totally breathless again because of the pleural effusions.  I was advised by GP to come of the tablets immediately. I rang the hospital and was told to stop the tablets and an appointment was made for me in 6weeks time.  At the appointment my blood counts were zero, so my doctor gave me three options 1. To go back on 80mg (I said no way) 2. Reduce my dosage to 50mg or 3. Come off the tablets and be monitored on a monthly basis.  I am really apprehensive at not taking anything in case my CML comes back so I picked the 2nd option but my husband wants me to come off the tablets and be monitored.  As I have to make a decision by Tuesday, any help in making a decision would be most grateful.

Judith

 

Difficult decision for you.   I'd want to know what your blood counts and particularly pcr results and if and whether you've reached MMR and been there for a decent period of time.

I absolutely get why you want to err on the side of caution and go for reduced dose and monitoring and then possibly working towards de-escalation and stopping.    I'm thinking that the formal DESTINY trial (which I'm in) is most likely that for a good reason.   That would be the option I'd personally pick but whatever you do has got to be right for you. 

Of course though going on reduced dose presumes that you can do that and remain healthy and without the problem you've had with pleural effusions.  

No matter what you decide I'd say it's important to have monthly monitoring.  Whether it's reduced dose or no dose.  

All the best and let us know how it goes