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CML Weight Issues

Hi I was diagnosed with CML four years ago, since then been on glivec and have put on at least 6 stone I was a comfortable size 12 before hand now am size 20. Does anyone still have problems with vomiting

Sarah

Weight issues is a side effect of glivec

In fact it is such an issue the CML 2 group in Canada
have made a chat group named Losing Weight with CML

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=42879/*http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LosingWe...

So you are not alone

Keep to a low sodium eating plan -
High sodium is one of the causes of fluid retention
To do this go to www.saltmatters.org

The glivec handout in the packets states to keep to low sodium

Vomiting
It took me a long time to realise that I was eating a too light meal with glivec and since taken at breakfast in my case was having diary which also did not do too well with glivec for me

Still take at breakfast - 3 pieces of toast no butter just jam - for each 100 mg take a 100ml of water - so 600mg equates to two large glasses of water - do not sit or lay down - works for me - and what a difference

No longer take diary up to 4 hours each side of glivec consumption - obviously diary was one of my vomiting triggers

Took a long time to work out though

Eat well - fruit - veges - water - drink for a hot drink hot chocolate as tea and coffee also make my puke nowadays - have never changed since taking glivec - fish, meat and eggs
No longer have muslei or cereals for reason also make me puke.
Also found I was not eating enough protein so by that increase this also helped not feeling queezy

So work out your triggers perhaps have a food plan and see what makes you vomit

I also went to see the Hospitals Clinical Dietician for Onocology - one of the best worthwhile visits - she assisted extremely well

Also do not forget to speak to your specialist who maybe able to provide some relief

Sue

Dear Sarahjane,
I really sympathise with you.... to put on so much weight must really be hard. It must affect your self confidence.
I am sure there are lots of us who can relate to this. It is a struggle to keep weight at normal levels.. especially when side effects like nausea and water retention are so prevalent with imatinib/Glivec therapy. I would suggest you try to eat as much whole food as you possibly can and cut down on 'empty carb' style foods like white bread/rice/pastry etc. and of course anything sweet like cakes or pastries.

Fresh vegetables and fruit with brown rice/bread/pasta are more satisfying and in the end less fattening.

Drink loads of water.... and take vitamin/mineral supplements.

maybe some complimentary therapy would help? Reflexology is safe and can really change how we think and physically respond.
I hope this helps.
Sandy