Hi all
I was 22 when I was diagnosed, some 3 years ago now! I have been on Glivec since then and have been doing really well – in fact so well I didn’t feel "ill" at all. This was the hardest part – to feel so well but not to be able to have a completely normal life and family. However, thanks to everyone who responded to my earlier post “pregnancy I hope” I was able to perhaps think about starting a family. This gave me the courage and hope to move my family plans forward.
After some negotiation with my consultant it was decided that I could stop taking Glivec. I was advised that it would take two months for the Glivec to get out of my system and that I could only really be off it for 15 to 18 months which would include the time to get it out of my system, conceiving and the pregnancy. There are other treatment available which are relatively safe during pregnancy and I may need to have my blood “spun” to reduce the white blood cell count, which my consultant expects to rise at some point.
I am pleased to say that I stopped taking Glivec in December 2006 and have never felt better! My blood count has remained stable and my PCR has only increased slightly. I am now 6 weeks pregnant! Just cannot put into words how pleased my husband and I are.
Since diagnosis my blood counts have been very good and this is part of the reason why my consultant said I could go ahead with stopping the Glivec. It is a learning curve for both of us as I am his first patient to stop Glivec for this reason.
I hope that this gives others some hope. Never give up!
Thanks again to all who replied.
Claire