There are so many things that you did not tell us about yourself. The internet CML support groups are the very best place to gain up-to-the-minute information about treatment and also about all the side effects of the medications that are available. I was diagnosed with CML in 1998 and have been on Gleevec since December of 1999. It took 5 years for me to each cytogenetic remission, but that can happen much quicker with those who start Gleevec immediately. At the time of my diagnosis, the life expectancy with CML was 5 years. With Gleevec for many CML has become a chronic disease. I took 6 pills a day for 8 years. Just recently my dosage was decreased to 4 pills a day. Most of the symptoms from the medicine will get better, but they won't all go away. Please feel free to contact me privately if I can answer any questions or help in anyway. You have, even though sadly, become a part of a very caring, knowledgeable community. I am a recently retired high school math teacher who feels very blessed to be a part of the "Gleevec" era.
Sincerely, Gay Bratton San Antonio, TX -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of kellyelise Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 7:24 AM To: CMLHope Subject: [CMLHope] Somewhat Newly Diagnosed I went to the ER in October for chest pain. They found an elevated white count. After several bumblings with my PCP, I was referred to an heme/onc specialist. Bloodwork Nov 14. Bone marrow bx Dec 14. Treatment started Feb 8 - with Gleevec. Okay, I feel terrible. My eyelids are swollen as well as my hands, feet, legs, everything! I am so tired and I hurt all over. Is this normal? Do these symptoms start to dissipate? I must mention that my abnormal white count was detected at the same time I was living with my parents helping care for my father with pancreatic Ca. My father died Nov 27. I was told there is no connection whatsoever to the pancreatic Ca and the CML. Prior to my parent's generation - there was absolutely no evidence of cancer in my family. Two uncles on maternal side with colon Ca (both uncles are in their 80s and faring reasonably well having beat the Ca) and then my father. As of last Friday - I went to a psychiatrist as I was having trouble functioning emotionally (anxiety/depression). I can only attribute this to a delayed response to what I have been through the last few months. I have a very demanding, stressful job. When I finish work, I have nothing left. I am completely wiped out. The psychiatrist put me on 8 weeks of medical leave. My disability insurance WILL NOT keep the wolves from the door. But, I refuse to worry about it. My employer has already called me and "threatened" my job. My question - with a diagnosis of CML - can you qualify for SSD (social security disability)? I already feel as though my quality of life is crap as I can't even go to the grocery store without being totally wiped out. Can anyone offer some advice, facts, reference sites? I would greatly appreciate it. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ [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 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
