the cure.

Gleevec is not a curative drug. Howevever, a recent study showed that with Gleevec, 86 percent of patients are still alive after 7 years (I know, that also means that 14 in 100 still die in the same time frame).

An article on CNN.com (click here) talks about approaching cancer more as a chronic condition vs curative treatment. In short, treating cancer more like we treat heart disease and diabetes. For me, that's kinda what we're already doing. I often talk about the challenges/mortality of the stem cell/marrow transplant which to date is the only cure. Most doctors seem to think that managing chronic conditions is natural progression in medicine and one that can benefit overall patient outcomes.

So, what do you think?

Hemo Update.

Still on Gleevec holiday and my counts remain pretty solid.

Whites - 3,400 (stable)
ANC - 1,700 (stable)
Hemoglobin - 13.9 (stable)
Hematacrit - ? (forgot to ask)
Platelets - 159,000 (relatively stable)

Since these results were processed by a different lab (and immediately), I am curious if the results are directly related. I know that platelet readings can vary based on how long the samples sit.

Oh yeah, my liver. So my bilirubin at its high point 2 weeks ago was 4.9, last Monday it was 4.6 and on Monday it was 3.9. In short - its heading the right direction. It sounds like they'll keep me off the meds for another 2 weeks. They expect my PCR-ABL test to be back by then and we can talk about continued therapy.

I'll take it.

I hate liver.

So my docs think I have something called Gilbert's Syndrome - it essentially is a just an elevated bilirubin level coming from my liver. I've probably had it my entire life - and its pretty benign, you can read about it here if you're so inclined. Most people have a bilirubin level of 0-1, mine happens to normally be around 2.4.

The problem is, lately mine has been just shy of 4.9...which is a big deal. So, I am officially on a Gleevec holiday for at least a week or two. They want to see the levels drop back down to 1.5x my normal level (somewhere in the 2 - 3 range). If the Gleevec holiday achieves this - they will lower my dosage to 300mg daily from 400mg.

Honestly, I'm a little relieved. I've long felt that my body is really sensitive to meds (I'm one of those people that can take a single tylenol and feel better) and am hopeful that going to 300mg will make me less immunosupressed and keep my white levels closer to normal.

Needless to say, we don't want my body to build up a resistance to the drug so going on and off the Gleevec frequently is something we want to try and avoid. That being said, we also want to avoid destroying my liver so in this case it is warranted. Going off the Gleevec for a couple weeks shouldn't affect my white counts too much since women have been known to be off it for months while carrying babies.

I'll keep you guys posted.