Just wanted to say hello, and thank you for this website/forum and all the useful information - its been invaluable.
A brief history: I'm 41 and was diagnosed 7 weeks ago after donating my usual pint of blood. I was subsequently called by the Blood Donation service to say there was a problem with my white blood cells and that I should contact my GP. Went later that day and was rushed into hospital that evening where my WBC peaked at 325.
Two nights in hospital and a bone marrow test later, the doctor gave me the news! Not what I was expecting, but looking back now, I did have several of the symptoms; fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss (and a spleen that was 30cm long according to the ultrasound!) Was started on Allopurinol and Hydroycarbamide, and then was given the chance to enter the SPIRIT2 trial and have been on Dasatinib for six weeks now. Apart from a bad reaction to the Allopurinol when I started on the Dasatinib (sickness, chills, fever and a rash all over) I have been feeling fine since. The only symptoms/side effects I seem to have so far are the tiredness and I feel the cold more these days.
Have been to the hospital today for another check up, bloods are all ok. WBC is down to 6.8; my red blood count and platelets are a little low, but nothing to be overly concerned about. The doctor has said he doesn't want to see me for another 4 weeks, and that I'll be ok to go on holiday. My husband and I are off to Canada in five weeks to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.
Again, thank you for the support this group provides. I've been reading lots and its helped answer some questions I've had, and also raised my awareness of issues I hadn't thought of.
Best wishes to all,
Debs.
