Re: Being tested with some q's

[Guest guest]

At 03:47 PM 9/30/06 +0000, you wrote:

>Is it normal to feel so totally healthy and have CML? - Does that mean its

>in the chronic

>phase?

>

>What else could it be? I mean, the hemotologist said they have to diagnose

>it this way- what

>would he have if it wasn't CML? We read about Gleevec and are so excited

>at the results in

>patients.

Most people with cml did not know they were sick....it was often discovered

with a routine blood test. They can be pretty sure from the blood test that

it is cml......but it takes a bone marrow biopsy to confirm it (to actually

see the chromosomal change, the Philadelphia chromosome).

Most of us are dx in the chronic phase. Those who have had symptoms for

some time, like night sweats or fatigue, are sometimes in accelerated phase.

Gleevec is a 'home run' of a cancer drug....this is actually what Dr.

Druker (who developed Gleevec) told a TV news program in the early days!

You will find lots of information and support on this list....

and also at www.newcmldrug.com

Best wishes,

C.

Eugene, Oregon

[Guest guest]

I felt healthy as can be when I was dx'ed in July. An enlarged spleen

was the only symptom I had which I didn't notice either. I found it

obvious after the doc pointed it out though. My wbc was 200.

The weekend before my dx, I was working out, riding my dirtbike,

working my butt off in the yard. 2 months after my dx I am working

out, riding my dirtbike, and working my butt off in the yard. Gleevec

is a real miracle! It all comes down to how you handle CML mentally

and staying positive.

Actually, now that my blood is normal and I'm no longer anemic, I've

had great strength at the gym. Endurance seems better too.

If the BMB confirms CML, Gleevec will be the next step. Your husband

sounds like a healthy, go getter type. He will do awesome I'm sure.

>

> Hi to all!

>

> My husband was told 10 days ago that he likely has CML (routine

bloodwork with a new GP

> revealed high levels of WBC and various differentials) He goes for

the BMB next week so we

> will know for sure what the deal is then. It feels a little

unbelievable as he is the healthiest

> guy I know- he is crazy athletic, and never seems tired or

anything.

> My questions are-

> Is it normal to feel so totally healthy and have CML? - Does that

mean its in the chronic

> phase?

>

> What else could it be? I mean, the hemotologist said they have to

diagnose it this way- what

> would he have if it wasn't CML? We read about Gleevec and are so

excited at the results in

> patients.

>

> Thanks so much in advance- I am trying to read up on everything but

find it very particular to

> each person and how they tolerate the drugs, and overall health I

suppose..

>

> Have a wonderful day everyone!

> Shalyn

>

[Guest guest]

> Most people with cml did not know they were sick....it was often discovered

> with a routine blood test. They can be pretty sure from the blood test that

> it is cml......but it takes a bone marrow biopsy to confirm it (to actually

> see the chromosomal change, the Philadelphia chromosome).

Thanks alot - I tried that question on the Dr - " what else could

it be " but she really didn't give me answer. He has the bone marrow

biopsy next tuesday.

Gleevec is a 'home run' of a cancer drug....this is actually what Dr.

> Druker (who developed Gleevec) told a TV news program in the early days!

> You will find lots of information and support on this list....

> and also at www.newcmldrug.com

Thanks again- I have read a lot now about Gleevec and it looks amazing-

Shalyn

" Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you

burn. " - Wesley

[Guest guest]

Thank you Adrienne! I really appreciate everyone's responces! I am

sure this was caught very early and we are excited to get the show on

the road...I mean to say - just deal with it and get on...I know easy

to say but as eeveryone here - we were so caught off guard...thanks

again!

Shalyn

> My husband had a similar experience when he was diagnosed. He had

> no symptoms. He was otherwise very healthy, active and athletic.

> He went in for a routine physical and his doctor told him, after

> they repeated the blood work, that he suspected CML. It was later

> confirmed with a BMB. That was 3 years ago. It is not at all

> unusual for people to appear healthy and strong when they're in

> chronic phase. The good news is that, if the diagnosis is confirmed

> with the BMB, he likely caught it early and will have an excellent

> prognosis on Gleevec. Good luck to both of you, you'll find lots of

> caring people and useful, accurate information on this site.

>

> Adrienne

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much! My husband was real happy to hear your post- He plays

hockey like crazy, and snowboards every chance he can as well as

wanted to take up kiteboarding next summer..so after hearing your post

- he was happy that he can do everything and live pretty normal. I

read the stats on Gleevec and apparently 90% of patients do well on it

for at least 1 year or more...so its very encouraging. Thanks again!

Shalyn

> I felt healthy as can be when I was dx'ed in July. An enlarged spleen

> was the only symptom I had which I didn't notice either. I found it

> obvious after the doc pointed it out though. My wbc was 200.

>

> The weekend before my dx, I was working out, riding my dirtbike,

> working my butt off in the yard. 2 months after my dx I am working

> out, riding my dirtbike, and working my butt off in the yard. Gleevec

> is a real miracle! It all comes down to how you handle CML mentally

> and staying positive.

>

> Actually, now that my blood is normal and I'm no longer anemic, I've

> had great strength at the gym. Endurance seems better too.

>

> If the BMB confirms CML, Gleevec will be the next step. Your husband

> sounds like a healthy, go getter type. He will do awesome I'm sure.