Dear Lori, Barry is right. Doctors have found from Gleevec studies that additional chromosomal abnormalities at diagnosis do not confer added risk to the patient. It is the response to Gleevec that matters. Having said that, younger patients with additional chromosomal abnormalities are sometimes started on a 600mg dose of Gleevec so I agree with those who have recommended you see a CML expert.
Regarding having children, I know 2 female patients on Gleevec who did have children. From animal studies, Gleevec was seen to harm the fetus. So, female patients are not recommended to become pregnant on Gleevec. However, it is natural for young patients to want to start a family. The two patients I know first reached molecular remission on Gleevec when no leukemia was detectable by the most sensitive PCR test. They stayed that way for a while and then became pregnant and went off Gleevec so as not to risk causing harm to the baby. They both remained at low levels of disease during pregnancy, delivered healthy babies and even nursed them before going back on Gleevec. After going back on Gleevec, their disease was controlled again. Both patients consulted with CML experts before becoming pregnant and consulted high-risk OB-GYN during pregnancy. Your first goal is to hold steady on Gleevec, reach good levels of remission and then consult with CML experts about pregnancy. When off Gleevec, you have to accept the risk of disease coming back since most patients who go off Gleevec have disease levels rising. Best Wishes, Anjana caregiver to Roy --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ [CMLHope] A support group of http://cmlhope.com ------------------------------------------------- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CMLHope" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/CMLHope -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
