Hello all, new to the group 
its been 3 weeks since my confirmed diagnosis and 6 days since I started Inimitab, i had been feeling ok apart from the wmotional rollercoaster, today i have crampy aching calf muscles and was just reaching out for any hints, tips and words of wisdom 
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Oh @Helenw26 a great big welcome I am so glad that you have found us.
Yes, I don’t think you should underestimate the emotional rollercoaster most of us are on.
I often say that my emotions have been on high alert ever since I was diagnosed, I am far more emotional now.
But I would say give yourself time to come to terms with your diagnosis, for me my diagnosis came as a complete shock and it took a while.
As for hints, tips and words of wisdom I would say to always keep your medical team aware of any symptoms you get as they need to know and might be able to help you.
I attach the Blood Cancer UK information on Chronic myeloid leukaemia
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) | Blood Cancer UK
There is also quite a lot of information on the Blood Cancer UK web site and their support line is also there for you on 0808 2080 888.
I look forward to hearing more about you so please do keep posting.
Be ever so kind to yourself
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Hi @Helenw26 and and a big welcome to the forum.
The emotional roller coaster is often the hardest, especially at the start of your journey when things happen so quickly with no time to process things.
@Erica has given great advice. So important that you keep your team informed of everything and writing it all down, along with your questions is the best advice I recieved. Are you able to contact your team or do you hadve an appointment coming up?
I hope the cramps ease a little soon.
Keep us updated on what your medical team advise and how you are feeling.
Take good care of yourself
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Thank you bith, i am going for my bloods Tuesday so will speak to my team then, yes its a lot to take in from being perfectly fine 3 weeks ago to now, i am trying my best to be positive and have an amazing husband and family but its a lot to digest x
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So much to digest for you and you and your family. You just need to take it at your own pace. No right or wrong way and no time limits.
I’m glad you have them to support you X
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Hello @Helenw26
A huge welcome to the Forum. Thank you for posting a little about yourself and also what is going on for you at the moment.
Apologies for the delay in replying to you, but Erica and Nichola have given you some great peer advice in their replies.
May I ask if you still have the cramp in your calves today or has this eased?
There could be several reasons for this happening and so it is best to get checked out sooner, rather than later. Do you have a contact number for your specialist nurse, or a helpline number for chemotherapy nurses?
It maybe something simple like being dehydrated (have you increased your fluid intake since starting the Imatinib?) or it could be blood clots, this is rare, but would need ruling out, so best to speak with your team or at least your GP if you can’t get hold of anyone else.
Even though you’re going for bloods tomorrow, do call them today and at least they can make time to see you, or order extra tests if they think it is necessary to check your clotting blood tests.
I hope I haven’t panicked you, but we just want to make sure you get the right advice and treatment.
Keep us posted, take care, Heidi.
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Thanks Heidi, i have called and left a message, cramp not as bad tiday and it goes through the night when i sleep, i am drinking 3 litres water per day as instructed by my consultant, I will call them again if they dont call me back.
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Hello @Helenw26 - how are you doing today?
You’ve received some excellent support from @Erica, @Nichola75 and @Heidi_BloodCancerUK. And I’m so glad you are in contact with your care team. Never be shy in telling them about any symptoms you are experiencing. It is always worth getting things checked out.
I can relate to what you have shared. 12 years ago I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia. I’m now in a very good place and have been off the medication for two years after reducing it gradually over a period. I’m closely monitored but so far so good. But I do understand what it’s like, particularly at the start of the journey. I experienced aching in my legs / bones after starting imatinib. This did ease after a few weeks. I believe in my instance it was a case of adjusting to the medication, but I too checked with my care team. I also got a lot of cramps especially at night - this took longer to resolve but sounds like you are getting some good support on how to manage this. Just keep monitoring symptoms and don’t be afraid to tell your team.
The emotional roller coaster is entirely normal. You are dealing with an incredible amount both physically and psychologically as you try to wrap your head around your diagnosis. Like you it was a complete shock and I felt that I was fine before diagnosis, although in retrospect there were a few clues that something wasn’t entirely right. Just remember that you are not alone and that there is no right or wrong way to feel. Keep talking - we are here and it sounds like you have a good support network too .
Let us know how your appointment goes today and please just shout with any questions you might have. I’m more than happy to share more about my experience.
Take care
Maggie
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Thank you for replying maggie, you message has cheered me up this morning, its hard when you only have family and friends who, dont get me wrong are trying their best to help and support, but cant quite understand exactly how you feel, i am pretty postive as a rule so its lovely to hear from someone 12 yrs on their journey, my cramps are slightly easing and i have joined active against cancer excercise classes and a meditation session run by our local cancer unit, i cannot thank our lovely cancer team enough in harrogate for the amazing support and swift action once diagnosed, it was like taking a bullet when i found out as i had been perfectly well, working and travelling, looking after my family , but as you say in hindsight, there were tell tail signs, mainly weight loss and slight fatigue, thank you once again for reaching out , H
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