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ANEMIA

Hi all,

My son has had a wonderful result from Gleevec and has had a complete cytogenetic response. He alternates 400/500mg of Gleevec per day. The only problem that I'm trying to deal with now is anemia. His RBC, HGB, HCT and mean Platlet volume are LOW.

My oncologist (Not Druker, my local, acute care oncologist) said that this is a side effect of Gleevec and bone marrow toxicity.

Well, fine. He offered no advice on how to deal with this issue. I'm going to email Druker about it. However, I was wondering whether anyone has used alternative medicine means (ie supplements) to increase the blood counts in any way. Does anything work while taking Gleevec?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,
Tracey

Hello Tracey,
unfortunately low HGB levels seem to be a problem for many of us when taking Glivec. I am not sure about the other TKI's?
My HGB was always around 10... never above... during the 3.5 years that I took 600mg of imatinib/Glivec. I sort of adapted to lower energy levels I suppose but it was only after I recovered from my transplant and reached 'normal' HGB levels that I realised how it affected me.

I can only suggest that your son might benefit from taking a broad range of vitamins... especially the B complex and Vit E.

Eating whole foods with lots of green vegetable, fruit etc. and drinking lots of water are also good for building immunity and strength.
It might be that his reaction to Glivec/imatinib ...low platlets etc... would mean that he would qualify for another TKI?
I am sure Brian Druker would be able to advise on this.

meanwhile I suggest you take a look at some of the websites that explain what Vit and mineral supplements can do to help.
I useally do my research on one called 'life extention'.... google it.... as it explains quite fully the indications and contra-indications of a lot of supplements.

I buy my vitamins through biovea.co.uk which is a good source in the UK.
Hope this is helpful

Sandy

Much thanks Sandy. I hope all is well on your side of the pond.

I did speak with Druker and he explained Ben's anemia is "mild" (it looks worse to me!) and that his counts have come up from the 8-something to the 10's. He also stated that it could take years to recover.

His assistant also suggested that we test his ferritin, thyroid, VitB12 & folate levels. So, I guess that's what we'll do.

It's a long long journey.

Thanks again,
Tracey