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Glivec questions

Hi everyone, I have just joined up as my dad has been diagnosed with CML recently and I would like to understand more about it and Glivec. He is 60 and lives in Europe. I live in Australia.

He started Glivec a week ago (4 tabs a day 400mg).

How long should he wait before getting a blood test?

Does everyone get side effects? He has not had any noticable symptoms of the CML at all to date and no side effects of the Glivec in the week he has been taking it.

Thank you all for sharing information on this forum. I have already found it very helpful and very inspirational.

I am very happy for all of you who are doing so well!

-Irene

Hi Irene
Where is your Dad being seen in Europe ? The good thing is that he is on Glivec and should do very well. I would say that follow up should be every two weeks until he is established on Glivec and his bloods counts are all within acceptable ranges. If he is in the UK chances are this will be happening and I guess most CML Centres in Europe will operate similarly.
Hope your dad does great on Glivec. As you will see from this site there are many many CML patients doing really well as newly diagnosed patients on Glivec and able to lead normal lives.
With very best wishes
Elizabeth

Thank you for your response Elizabeth.

Actually he is on Gozo (smaller island) and there are only 2 other people on Glivec there.

I thought he said that he was taking 4 tabs x 400mg every day but it must be 4 tabs x 100mg based on the info on this (great) site. I will double check.

His next test is scheduled for 28 Aug but I might suggest to him that he gets a test after 2 weeks if you think there should be an improvement by then. His wbc was 61,000.

-Irene

Hi Irene
It would be a good idea to see what his blood count is doing after 2 weeks and to be monitored until the counts get into acceptable ranges and stay there. Better safe than sorry.
I would think he is on 4 x 100mg and otherwise it would be too great a dose.
Keep us posted on how he is doing. Gozo must so wonderful, I have a friend who has a house there and she likes diving and says the water is just amazing.
Does he get treated on Gozo or do he have to go to Malta ?
Best wishes
Elizabeth

The haematologist is in Malta but he has had the bone marrow biopsy etc in Gozo and has a good dr there.

He actually maintains people's farmhouses while they are away so he could very well know your friend.

- Irene