Great news

I have been BCR-ABL undetectable for about 3 years now, but in January my QRT-PCR showed up 8 copies of BCR-ABL. This only related to a ratio of 0.0004 of BCR/ABL:GUS.
Although my Haematologist told me not to be concerned it was still a worry.( even the Lab suggested a retest)
We waited 3 months and in April I went for another test. This time the results came back:
UNDETECTED.
The point here is that these tests are not always extremely accurate. Due to the nature of the test there are factors that can easily influence the outcome.
So often a slight variation upwards could be the accuracy of the test itself.
What is important is the trend over a few PCR tests.
Variations can also occur from Lab to Lab. Fortunately we only seem to have one Lab in South Africa performing the PCR analysis.
In any case I just thought I would like to share this with the group.
BTW. Iam on 400mg Gleevec per day, and seem to tolerate this drug well. (swollen eyelids)
I was dx 5 years ago and at that stage only the FISH test existed in SA. My samples were used in the development of the PCR test here, hence the fact that I only have accurate data from 5/4/2005.
Good luck to all.
Basil