Re: Thank you and Zavie

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam,

I think we all remember when we first started this journey where we

understood very little so you're not alone. When I first started, I

didn't even know that there were different kinds of leukemia, let

alone what CML was, so please don't feel " dumb " or like you're

asking " dumb questions " because there is no such thing.

Lots of us have also changed doctors for one reason or another so if

you're not happy with the one you have, don't forget that this could

be an option for you. It's important for you to feel comfortable

with your doctor and not all doctors are created equally.

When you start getting copies of your blood reports, we can help you

to understand what they mean. The most important thing you want to

know right now, is what percentage of blast cells you had on your

first test. This will determine the phase of CML you're in. 0%-15%

is indicative of chronic phase, 15%-30% is accelerated, and more

than 30% is blast phase. It's important to know what phase you're in

because it will influence how you're treated, including what dose of

Gleevec you should be on etc.

It's standard practice to have a cytogenetics test so don't worry

that he might suspect more going on than just CML. If it's a PCR

that he's referring to when he says " cytogenetics test " , expect to

have one every 3 months for the rest of your life. It's just part

of the process.

We all need to vent once in a while so don't be shy, that's what

we're hear for.

Take care,

Tracey

>

> Thank you for making this issue a little more clearer. I don't

> consider my self a stupid person but this CML thing is really

> confusing me. I cried today just because I feel my oncologist is

not

> explaining this the way I would like. He answeres my questions but

> briefly. Maybe I'm being too sensitive. I will be getting copies

of my

> blood draws soon. In reading my chart before he entered the room

> (yesterday) I saw " blast " I asked him what that was and he

responeded

> that was the phase I was in. That's all he said. I feel he could

have

> explained it a little more. I'm wondering why he ordered the

> cytogenetics test. Is there more he suspects? I know you can't

answer

> these questions but I really need to vent!!

> Once again, thank you so much.

> Pam

>