Re: gleevec and neuropathy

September 30, 2006

At 10:52 PM 9/29/06 +0000, you wrote:

>Hi

>I am new to this group and would like to know does anyone have numb

>toes and a tingling sensation in your hand and ankles. I have had cml

>since jan. 2003 and have been on gleevec 400 mg. since my diagnosis.

>Thanks for all the info from everyone.

>Jean

Hi

I was on Gleevec for about 5 years and I did not have any peripheral

neuropathy with that drug, but others have posted that they did. I am now

on Sprycel (the 2nd generation 'gleevec') and I do have some neuropathy,

mostly fuzzy feeling toes and sometimes tingling on the top of my feet and

into the ankles...........but this is ALL much better with the alternative

supplements that I take. My onc is Dr. Druker at OHSU and he has no problem

with what I do with either Gleevec or Sprycel....it does not interfere.

Here is a tea that is good for nerves. Try to get organic bulk tea

leaves.....50% chamomile and 50% oat straw (also called aveno)......steep

for 15-30 minutes and drink. I like it both hot and cold.

The other thing is a supplement.......300 mg alpha-lipoic acid. This is a

known treatment for diabetic neuropathy.....the dose can be 300-600 mg. It

is generally a good supplement to take....a good antioxidant, good for

blood glucose, etc. This was also approved by OHSU. I think this is what

has made the most difference for me.....when I skip it for a couple days,

my symptoms are more noticeable. Don't expect your western medicine doc to

know much about this....it is not on their radar screen. I am treated by a

naturopath with an oncology background.

If you try either of these, let us know if it makes a difference for you.

C.

Eugene, Oregon

treated at OHSU

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