please help I am close to doing something stupid. my bcr-abl are 74% surely this is dangerous have been on imatinib for 2 weeks and wbc are down to 10 but did not realise the significance of bcr-abl
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Dear @karencreasey,
I am so sorry that you are worried, may I ask who gave you the BCR-ABL results? I would suggest you speak to your treatment team for reassurance and context regarding this result.
It is important to consider what your BCR-ABL was before starting the Imatinib therapy and comparing the two results. If there was a concern I would expect your Haematology team would call you.
Your molecular response is based on how much of the BCR-ALB1 gene a PCR test finds. PCR stands for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This is the most sensitive test to measure your response to treatment. The PCR test can detect tiny amounts of the BCR-ALB1 gene even if other tests show no signs of CML: Monitoring treatment response | Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) | Cancer Research UK
Would you like to speak to me tonight? I am here until 19:00.
Blood cancer information and support by phone and email | Blood Cancer UK
Take care
Gemma
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Hi my cancer nurse who is adorable told me that the results before any treatment was 74per cent is thi normal
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Hello Karen
So glad we got to talk and I am sure when you speak to your team on Friday they can answer in more detail. I would write down your questions about the BCR-ABL levels they would expect after one months treatment, then at 6 months and onwards. This will only be approximate but useful for you to be aware of. Keep talking to your Clinical Nurse Specialist when you have concerns and you can also call us.
Take care
Gemma
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treatment response | Blood Cancer UK
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) first, second, third line treatment | Blood Cancer UK
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Hi @karencreasey I am so glad that you have posted your concerns on our forum and that @GemmaBloodCancerUK was able to get back to you so quickly and respond so well to you.
All I can do is to remember so well my concerns when aspects of my tests come back and they are going in the wrong direction, I am getting a yukky feeling in my stomach just remembering them.
I always believe that if something is worrying me that I need to contact the person who ordered the test or my cancer nurse.
I also write down all the questions I want to ask beforehand and I have learnt to be ‘pleasantly assertive and persistent’ till I am satisfied.
The main thing is that you really look after yourself and be very kind to yourself and please keep posting.
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Dear @karencreasey
Just thought I would check in to see how you are feeling today?
Please do let me know if you need to talk things through any further.
Take care
Gemma
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Hi Gemma am ok still worried but ok karen x
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