On 1/14/2008 Nightcrawler76 wrote:
Its been a long process since the last time that I posted a message. I have been on 100mg of Gleevec for a few months now after starting out at 400 then down to 200 and finally ending up at my present dose. However now i am having pain that is growing in intensity as well as areas affected and frequency. Is this caused from needing to up my dosage or what? Please let me know of your experiences.
Hi: I am a little confused with the way you are being given your doses. 400mg. is your base dose. I have been on Gleevec 400Mg. since 2000, and I saw the best doctors around in N.Y. during the clinical trials of Gleevec. The one thing I was told was that I would not be dropped below 400mg., but that I might have to be increased. Thank God it did not happen. Please get a second and even third opinion. You mention pain, but your not saying where. Some of the side effects are joint pain. I had a lot in the beginning, but as Gleevec does its job and kills off the cancer cells, and your working your way to remission I feel it lessens in time. You may experience foot cramping, or swelling in your eyelids. You do get aches and pains, but nothing you cannot deal with. May I ask why they keep adjusting your dose. My oncologist keeps close watch on my numbers of my WBC and my RBC. I did become anemic also with the Gleevec, and I get very cold all the time. All I can say is that the side effects are worth it as long as Gleevec is doing its job. I would like to converse with you anytime. Suzzie