Mum Has CML Diet Advice PLEASE?

She was diagnosed approx 4 weeks ago, shes 67. So far the 400mg if Gleevec gave only puffiness around the eyes as a side affect however teh last few days she has stomach cramps, diarrhea, lethargy and just generally feels like crap (her words). Please can someone help me, especially in the best way diet wise to deal with the diarrhea? Many thanks ...... Tinamarias

On 8/7/2008 tinamarias wrote:

She was diagnosed approx 4 weeks ago, shes 67. So far the 400mg if Gleevec gave only puffiness around the eyes as a side affect however teh last few days she has stomach cramps, diarrhea, lethargy and just generally feels like crap (her words). Please can someone help me, especially in the best way diet wise to deal with the diarrhea? Many thanks ...... Tinamarias

Hi Tinamarias I hope this information will be of help to your mother. Of course she should check with her healthcare giver to make sure it is compatible with her treatment. If so, this natural substance can be purchased at most health food stores. It has been most beneficial for me personally when I have had to take antibiotics which can cause an imbalance in the good and bad flora in one's digestive tract as can chemotherapy................ "Supplementation of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria will crowd out unwanted bacteria by repopulating the gastrointestinal tract. Lactobacillus salivarius, which triggers an anti-inflammatory response, has been demonstrated to be beneficial in inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Major imbalances of friendly bacteria may result in severe abdominal discomfort, extreme fatigue and yeast infections. It helps to recolonize the intestinal walls compromised during and following the use of antibiotics, chemotherapy and radiation. It is indicated for acute and severe intestinal disturbances, dysbiosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and for autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, AIDS, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis" ...........Best wishes for a quick return to good health for your mum.

Hi:  I just read your post, and your Mom is new to all this, therefore, she might just experience some of these things till she adjusts to the Gleevec.  As far as the puffy eyes.  I have been on Gleevec since 2000, and I have the puffy eyes every morning.  Its Edema which is a side effect.  It goes away after your up for awhile.  I sometimes use a cold pack on my eyes if they are bad.  I do not know how she takes her dose of Gleevec.  Most people like myself take one 400mg. tablet with a good breakfast.  If I do not eat a good meal before I take my pill, then I have nausea.  If that does not work for her, she can ask if she can have 100mg. Tablets and just take 2 in the morning, and 2 with her dinner.  A lot of people have to get their own routine.  Just know that she has been put on a good treatment compared to what we had available years ago.

Just post a message if you have any other concerns.

                                                            Take Care

The vegetarian diet is advised for all cancer patients.  No meat, dairy products, nor coffee.  It is advised to drink green tea - 4 to 10 cups a day, to cut down on the acid.  Cancer vegetables are kale, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, leeks, and radishes.  The fruits are cranberries, black rasberry, and bananas.