Re: Re: Anyone with big edema issues?-

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/22/2006 2:09:24 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

ncogan@... writes:

and it was especially sluggish where I noticed

the edema, like my inner knee area........the edema, like my inner knee

Gleevec edema which is often superficial (and you can see it) is in the

Dear , thanks for bringing this up. I am trying to find a way to cure

the edema in my left knee which is causing me to limp in pain quite a bit,

walking with a cane is so lame.

An x-ray revealed some " bony growth " in the knee, with fluid build up. I had

a cortisone shot but it did not work. The doctor wants me to do PT, but I

find that horseback riding does the same thing, I ride with lower stirrups and

do exercises with my leg on the horse. For two days afterward I had NO pain,

the muscle tightening is helping the knee. BUT, I have to ice it three times a

day nonetheless.

Would you say that a massage therapist could help this situation? LMT means

what? Lymphatic Massage Therapist? If that is the case, I should try and

find someone here who does that.

Also, are you doing well on the BMS drug? Thank you, Lynne A.

[Guest guest]

At 08:08 AM 7/25/06 -0400, you wrote:

> BUT, I have to ice it three times a

>day nonetheless.

>Would you say that a massage therapist could help this situation? LMT means

>what? Lymphatic Massage Therapist? If that is the case, I should try and

>find someone here who does that.

>Also, are you doing well on the BMS drug? Thank you, Lynne A.

Hi Lynne,

Ice is always a great home treatment. It doesn't just give pain relief

(from numbing). It also aids healing, from increased circulation. We would

often advise people to ice 3 to 5 time a day, just until you are numb to

the cold.

LMT refers to licensed massage technician, which tells you they have gone

through a qualified training program. Apparently they all learn lymphatic

massage (and there are at least a couple different techniques) but I would

try to find someone who is doing it more regularly....like maybe someone

working with cancer patients. With breast surgery and removal of the lymph

nodes the edema is a big problem........so you should be able to find

someone. Maybe ask the Cancer Society, etc.

The Oriental Medicine custom of dry brushing might also help and you might

find that described in a book or on the internet. You use a dry brush and

the pattern is from the ends of the extremities toward the body....very

lightly, to move fluid along. Follow this with a warm bath or

shower.....and a final cool rinse (the colder the better) which reduces

superficial circulation.

I have now been on 100mg BMS for 9 months. I have seen some decrease in my

ph+ %.....Dr. Druker says I am 'also a dasatinib turtle!! "

At first I had some definite side effects (body aches, congestion, etc) but

that is mostly past now. I read that you are thinking about switching drugs

in the Fall and I think that is a good idea for you, with all the Gleevec

problems you have had. You won't know if BMS is better until you try it.

Like Dr. D told me....you can always go back on Gleevec.

Take care,

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/25/2006 4:09:46 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

ncogan@... writes:

now been on 100mg BMS for 9 months. I have seen some decrease in my

ph+ %.....Dr. Druker says I am 'also a dasatinib turtle!! "

At first I had some definite side effects (body aches, congestion, etc) but

that is mostly past now. I read that you are thinking about switching drugs

in the Fall and I think that is a good idea for you, with all the Gleevec

problems you have had. You won't know if BMS is better until you try it.

Like Dr. D told me....you can always go back on Gleevec.

Dear Dasatinib Turtle, you mentioned " some congestion " early on in

therapy. Can you explain that to me and how did you treat it? Thank you, Lynne

A.

[Guest guest]

At 08:00 AM 7/26/06 -0400, you wrote:

>Dear Dasatinib Turtle, you mentioned " some congestion " early on in

>therapy. Can you explain that to me and how did you treat it? Thank you,

>Lynne

>A.

Hi Lynne,

I did just get my 8.5 month PCR and it is down a bit, nothing to write home

about but movement in the right direction!!! Us turtles don't like to get

turned around and heading in the wrong direction.

The congestion was odd for me.....it was nasal and sinus (which I never

have). I started doing daily nasal flushes with a Neti pot and saline water

which was very helpful. I think I was coughing a lot also....but it was not

in my chest. This has cleared.

C.