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dasatanib/rectal bleeding

Hi All
My husband has taken Glivec and dasatanib over the last three years. In that time he has always had a very upset stomach. He is now getting slight amount of bright red blood when going to the loo on paper and pan - charming subject this! I have personally had an ileostomy - removal of large bowel as a result of years of ulcerative colitis and maybe too sensitive on subject. |He has an appointment with GP on Friday - not his usual GP who is on holiday. We wonder if GP will be sufficiently informed on cml subject. I have spent too much time on internet and getting no answers - so if any one has experience this problem as a result of cml we would be grateful for a response. Maybe this is just a normal sort of diahhroal problem after so much time.

Grateful for answers.

Chris Murphy

Dear Chris,
I am sure you are not overly 'sensitive' on the subject of blood evident in the stool... whether that be a small amount on the tissue paper used or more obvious signs.
I suggest that you make sure that the GP follows this up.

Whether this is to do with your husbands treatment with TKI's or not, this sort of symptom it is not something to ignore. Colorectal cancer is very common and also, if identified as such, is very easily treated and cured.

I am not aware that rectal bleeding is a side effect of CML, but it might be a reason for 'spotting'.... but better to be sure.

A good organisation for information on the signs to be aware of for this common form of cancer is 'Lynn's Bowel Cancer Campaign'... which is based in London.
....here

Sandy

Hi Chris

Has your husband suffered from hemorrhoids in the past?
It could be straining whilst having diarhhea has irritated it. With being on Dasatinib does he also have a lowish platelet count?

I've had a couple of spells of bleeding when on both Glivec & Dasatinib. I'm currently on Dasatinib. I suffered from hemorrhoids, pre CML. I recently had a couple of days upset stomach which must have irritated it. That coincided with low & dropping platelet count. The Doc confirmed my view that having low platlets (50's) the hemorrhoids would take longer to heal.
My platelets dropped too low (20's) so having a couple of weeks break from Dasatinib whilst my platelets recover & the bleeding has already stopped.

I think I've also read the bleeding could be a possible side effect in both the Glivec & Dasatinib info notes.

It is worth your husband speaking to the Docs who prescribe his Dasatinib, just to make sure & to put his mind at rest.

I generally first port of call, speak with the Docs with anything 'odd' in case it is a known problem or side effect of the treatment. I'm being treated at Hammersmith.

macca