Re: [CML] (CML) re: Gleevac vs. Transplant

[Rob]

Transplants are not successful for every patient no matter what their age or what type of match is found. This group has lost many young, healthy patients over the years who were unable to survive the transplant and others are in poor health from complications. Mortality rates vary greatly depending on where the BMT is done. We have a number of patients in this group who have relapsed after having a BMT so it is not a "cure" for every patient who goes through the procedure nor is there any guarantee they will not relapse.   I posted an article not long ago on the CML blog on some recent research where BMT patients who have relapsed with CML have encountered mutation problems they did not have before the BMT. While more is not yet known the article implied the BMT itself may have had something to do with the development of mutations.   While Gleevec is not a perfect treatment neither are BMT's.   Rob ----- Original Message ----- From: Michael L To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, September 10, 2004 4:42 PM Subject: [CML] (CML) re: Gleevac vs. Transplant Tonya   I have to strongly disagree with your decision. Back in 2000 I was diagnosed with CML.  At that time they were still doing trials on STI which is now Gleevac.  I too had a perfect match 6 out of 6 plus the other indicators.  I wanted a cure.  The only cure is a transplant.  I hesitate to talk about Gleevac in a negative way because so many people on this group use it including you.  Gleevac is great for older people and others who are waiting to find a donor. It is a great breakthrough.   If you have a perfect match....I don't see why you would choose Gleevac.  It has been over four years and I am cured.  I have no hesitation saying that.  My counts are now HEALTHIER than the average person.  I take NO medication.   The option of Gleevac is easier than a transplant.  The only cure is a transplant.  So m many people would kill for the chance to have a perfect match.  Don't throw that away.  I was blessed to find an unrelated perfect match donor.  Don't take the easy way out. I won't lie.  A bone marrow transplant is very taxing on the body and the mind.  But unlike people on Gleevac I have the piece of mind that my cancer is gone.   The long term side effects of Gleevac are unknown.  Very few people on Gleevac lose the Philadelphia chromosone.   In closing, I hope that I have not offended anyone, but Tonya struck on a subject close to my heart.  Please get the transplant.  It has given me back my life.  A normal life without doubts or fears about CML.   Michael Diagnosed 10-2000 Transplant 5-2001 Cured 10-2001 New! Sign up for local CML support group meetings in your local community at http://cml.meetup.com Apply for Commercial Real Estate loans online and submit your deal to dozens of hungry lenders in just minutes. Loan programs for all types of business and commercial real estate. Apply anytime at http://realestatezoo.com CML (Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Support List) --------------------------------- Part Of CMLHope.Com An International Community Of CML Patients For more information: http://cmlhope.com Post Message: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe:  [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe:  [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change To No Mail/Web: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change To Digest: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change To Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] List Help: [EMAIL PROTECTED]  CML Group Web Site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CML Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ADVERTISEMENT Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CML/   To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]   Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.