Hello to all fellow CML persons and family
It has been a while since I last wrote in, although I read what others are saying. If I had anything of any intelligence I would write back to others.
I have now been taking gleevec 400 mg's for 9 months now. My initial white count was around 90 and my FISH test was read as 98%, even though it stated no normal cells were found, "GREAT RIGHT". Since that time my white count droped to normal in about three to four weeks, and actually went down to 2.0. It has steadily rose now up to 4.5. My FISH at 3 months went down to 16.8, then 0.5% at six months, My Dr said he thought it was negative at that time and decided to next get a PCR test. When I called the lab to get my results they told me my FISH was negative, no abnomal cells were found, although they processed the wrong test! It was like luke warm results. I had to go back to the lab and have more blood drawn. The people there were really nice and they were sorry about doing the wrong test. They sent my new blood to the mayo clinic and told me they would call me with the results soon as they got them.
My wife does not believe I should get the results prior to reviewing them with my doctor. Maybe she is right, but my results have ussually been good so I was hopeful for good results.
Anyway at nine months and three days of gleevec my PCR is read as 2.59E+03, and states this represents a 2.02 log reduction from the average patient's level at diagnosis.
So I went scrabbling over the internet with these results and what I have read is that one would want a 3 log reduction within one year. (major molecular response) I also read that some patients it just takes more time to get this response. My appointment is not until a few more days with my MD. Does anyone have any thoughts on these results? Thanks for writing in on this site to you all
BMT
You are here
1st PCR test results
Hi,
My original wbc was 88 and I was 100% positive, at 9 months I had reached a 2 log reduction. Sound familiar? My Doc increased my dosage to 600 mg and by the one year mark I had reached a 3 log reduction. :)
My last pcr was done at 34 months and I had finally reached pcru. :)
I go in for my next bmb an about 3 weeks and look forward to more good results. I am sure it will work out fine for you to.
Peter H
#825 Zero club
you seem to be doing very well and i am sure you will continue the downward trend.
if you review your results at the 9 month mark -as peter did- and your pcr shows less movement than you woul like, you and your doctor can then discuss whether you, like peter, need an increase from 400mg to 600mg.
meanwhile, remember that FISH tests only represent a small sample of cells...
pcr tests are far more sensitive and give a more accurate picture.
please read about tests and what to expect on our FAQ/glossary page.
best wishes,
sandy C ;o)
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sandy C ;o)