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Hi All

Hi all, I am not new to CML but have not posted on this forum. I was diagnosed in October 2008 and was diagnosed with a WBC of 50000 no enlarged spleen, and this was all down to a breathless episode so caught very early.

I was randomised to the 800mg dose on the SPIRIT Trial and fortunately have suffered very little on the Side effects. I wanted to wait until I had gotten my last PCR results which have all been excellent so I have listed them hoping that we can all have hope in such a marvel of a drug such as Glivec.

Baseline PCR Oct 08 113.552 at diagnosis
PCR Jan 09 1.183 2 Log Reduction
PCR Apr 09 0.468 3 Log Reduction

Of course the speedy response is due I guess to the High dosage. I was also severly Aneamic and from the begining I was taking 3 x 250mg of ferrous Sulphate (Iron Tabs) on my last appointment this week I had achieved 13.2 Haemoglobin so the iron tabs have stopped.

I curentley take 1 Vit C tablet a day to help the procesing of iron in the system, and of course these help to boost the immune system. So long may the results continue. Just have to shed a lot of weight so any pointers would be helpful.

Best Wishes

Mark

Hi Mark...... welcome to this forum and congratulations on your very good response to imatinib. I am sure your pcr's will continue to fall and yes you are right that your response is probably due to the higher dose.
Studies have shown that, over the long term, there is little significant difference in outcomes between slow and quick responders, but given you have few side effects to the 800mg dose it is great to be able to see such quick results.
I would say that taking Vit C every day is a good strategy and so is drinking plenty of water. Increased weight is a problem we all struggle with.. well most of us ;o) So I would just advise that you try not to worry about that too much and eat wholemeal bread, pasta, rice and freshly prepared foods, plenty of vegetables and fruit and cut out refined carbohydrates like white bread/pastries/pasta and fizzy drinks etc.

Best wishes and congratulations once again,

Sandy