[CML] Gleevec vs. BMT

[geri]

Just thought I'd add my .02 to the discussion. I had a BMT in 2000.  My awesome, generous brother, John, was a perfect match.  Actually, so was my sister, Nancy.  Very lucky.   The reasons I chose BMT were:  My age (35), My perfectly matched brother, Gleevec was in trials and only for those who were Ifn resistant (I tolerated Ifn just fine), I was in very good physical condition (allthough not a professional athlete, I did compete in triathlons, races, etc.). The transplant center I was near had a good reputation and good results from previous BMT's. I wanted to "go for the cure."   The BMT was difficult, but not impossible.   Then, 18 months later, I relapsed.  As it turns out, my brother is, essentially, TOO GOOD of a match!  Even the subsequent DLI didn't elicit any gvhd or gvl.   I am frequently asked, would I do it again?  Honestly, I think I'd give the Gleevec a year or so to work and if it didn't, then go for the BMT (if you have a good match).  I don't have a great desire to scare the heck out of anyone, but it was disheartening to see so many fellow bmt'ers that didn't make it through the hospitalization or passed away soon after.  It saddens me to no end to see out fellow list members lose the BMT battle as well.     The side effects of Gleevec are not very much fun for me.  As I like to say, I'm personally not a real big cheerleader for Gleevec, but it is helping so many that how can one argue?  I'd like to be able to run 10 miles again, compete in races, but the stamina and strength are not there anymore.  How much can you do with  chronically low hct and hgb and platelets?   So, make the decision that is right for YOU.  And, if that decision is to go for a BMT, embrace it with all of your might.   You are in for the fight of your life and you just might be one of the lucky ones who grabs the brass ring.  You have no other choice but to believe in that, do you?   Gotta go take some anti-nausea medicine.  Again.   Geri Sehnert Rochester, NY            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.