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Swolen neck glands

Hi,

I've been on glivec nearly 2 years now and i have had various side effects from it. All things considered i was still MMR at my last clinic, but for the last few months i have had swollen neck glands which seem to vary in size from day to day. I just wandered if anyone else has had or heard of this been a side effect. I have had a full CT scan which came back clear, i have been on three different anti biotics too , this does not seem to have subsided. It also comes with some discomfort at times every time i go to my doctors they only seem slightly swollen. I have noticed also within the last few month my lower face seems to be forming a double chin, i have not had this before either.

One other thing id like to mention is when i first started on Glivec from time to time id like to have a few bottles of beer or glasses of wine, but now the next day my head is feeling strange and chest pain worse than normal, also my heart seems to race then slow right down, up until the next day it is back to normal again. I do know we should not really drink alcohol but you hear of people having a few pints every night and are ok.

Any advice on both matter s really appreciated. Thanks Chris.

Hi Chris, 

 

Yes I also get swelling around my glands and neck. I don't get any discomfort tho, I have always presumed it was just water retention due to being on Glivec. Mine seems to come and go, depending on what I eat, too much salt etc!!! Sometimes I also get a bit paranoid that I am developing a double chin. ha! But try not to worry too much, as weight gain is normal with Glivec and I have tried hard not to put on weight whilst on the medication! As long as all your results are coming back clear from the CT scan and that I would try not to worry.

As for the alcohol, I too have a drink now and again. I have two small children so don't get out much. I think a drink in moderation with Glivec is fine. As for the symptoms the day after, I think you would be best asking your consultant as he would know if this was to be expected. I think the danger of having a major illness such as CML and taking meds, is that you tend to blame everything on the illness or the meds we are taking, when it might actually be something completely different and not at all connected.

 

Take care and I hope you are feeling better soon

 

Liz x

You can ask your GP if you can have a biopsy,This is done using a fine needle and using ultra sound to position the needle into the enlarged node,Its pretty pain free.

I had this done last month which revealed a problem with my B cells,But  I am post transplant.

Michael

i've been taking glivic since i was diagnosed in february, i've always had a change in the amount of swelling in my neck and face. i believe its just due to water retention, as this is what my consult says. its very inconvenient, especially when it effects my eyelids, its interesting to think it might have something to do with salt or alcohol content. especially since i'm 24 and find it a bit disturbing. now i come to think of it there is a constant ache as if the inside of my ears hurt.