Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) Support Group
Chronic myelogenous leukemia affecst the balance of blood cells in the body, disrupting the normal balance. The cancer cells eventually begin to outnumber and push out the good cells, and could lead to anemia and easier bleeding/bruising. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with CML, this is the community to discuss your experience.
This site http://www.cmleukemia.com consists of conferences on CML, testimonials from patients and doctors, links to websites and forums on the subject...
thanks for the link - found some interesting info on a couple of more fruits that you're not supposed to eat while on Gleevec - mullberries and star fruit, already knew about the grapefruit. Good to know as I have a mullberry tree, but had missed the fruit season as I was away (lucky me).
Did a bit more research and apparently you can add Pomegranites to the list as well.
Thank you very much for the information. I just find this information in the WEB
Several fruits can also cause problems and patients
should not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruits. Other
fruits available in Australia which should be avoided
include star fruit, mulberries and pomegranates.
For more detailed information please talk to your doctor
or visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CYP3A4 (this site lists
drugs that interfere with the bodys ability to metabolise
the drugs).''
WHY GRAPEFRUIT INTERFERES WITH GLIVEC
Chronic myeloid leukaemia patients being treated
with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), such as Glivec,
are warned not to eat grapefruits or drink grapefruit
juice. Grapefruit is one of several fruits and herbs
which can stop TKIs from working. Grapefruit
juice induces the lining of the stomach to produce
cytochrome, which in turn metabolises the drug
before it can reach the blood system.
Extract of http://www.leukaemia.org.au/fileadmin/dl-docs/booklets/Carer_Feb09.pdf
Susan
I had to laugh when I read a comment on one of the Cancer websites - apparently the Glivec side effects should only last about a month - I think someone forgot to tell my body.
I've switched taking my Glivec to the morning as I don't always like a big meal at night, but the one thing that has appeared is a bit of fluid retention in the ankles. I keep to a low salt diet, but women are apparently more prone to it and sitting at a desk all day long is the trigger for me as it doesn't occur on the weekends. The specialist gave me a script for diuretics, but I haven't taken them as yet. I probably should just elevate my feet at lunch time, but haven't gotten round to trying that.
I've also found a bowel of cereal isn't quite enough for breakfast, so combine it with a banana. That way breakfast stays down and the banana seems to help with the diarrhea.
But in reading Susan's comments - treatment for CML before Gleevec was a lot worse.
Hi Susan quick question -
Do you know if can they tell from the BMB whether you are likely to have one of the mutant strains that the Gleevec doesn't work on or stops working on? I keep meaning to ask my specialist that question, but won't get a chance till I have my second BMB next week.
Hope everyone is doing well
Geraldine