Hi everyone,
I first posted a few weeks ago, as I am caring for a 13 year old boy diagnosed with CML at the beginning of August. Since then we have been trying to get our heads round all the new experiences and terminology! He is currently being treated with Glivec and his counts seem to be coming under control - his energy levels are certainly much improved over what they were back in August/September and he is coping with full weeks at school now. He had an echocardiogram earlier this week as a follow up to one back in August, and we have just heard that there is concern about his left ventricular function - there will be a repeat echo and visit to cardiologist next week to find out more. They dont know whether the heart problem existed before treatment with Glivec started or not. If it pre-existed, then Glivec may be exacerbating things. I looked back at a previous string on this site about heart dysfunction and also at the info on Medicines.org.uk which includes this as a poss problem with Glivec. My mind is racing on into possible futures. Anyone out there had heart problems start after going onto Glivec? Are you able to continue with Glivec? What effect did this have on your treatment? Could this affect the planned BMT next year? (If there is a donor found....) Would love to hear from you about this.
Kestrel
Ps I visit the site several times a week and your postings fill me with hope and inspiration!