Imatinib

Hi again Malone ….. let’s see if any group member who is on or have been on Imatinib will pick up on your post.

I did a check on the Blood Cancer UK site and I am not surprised to see that Tiredness and weakness (fatigue) during and after treatment is seen as a normal side effect.

I am also encouraged to see that they encourage doing gentle, regular exercise each day can help keep your energy up.

I have a totally different blood cancer (2 types of rare Lymphoma) and obviously have had different chemo…… but my great CNS kept telling me (and my wife) that I had to keep some activity going…..

It’s totally counterintuitive but she kept saying the less I did the worse the fatigue would get and the longer the recovery would be especially as fatigue accumulates as the effects of the treatment accumulate.

The other thing my CNS said was having naps during the day was fine, but not to go to bed but find a comfortable chair, set an alarm for day 45 mins, have the nap then go for a little walk after…… my aim was walking up my street to the first lamppost and back…… and the fresh-air works wonders physically and mentally tally.

During my second Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) unfortunately put me in critical care for about 3 weeks in total (a heart issue)…… I went into SCT fit as a fiddle but left the SCT unit 4 weeks later in a wheelchair as I lots all my muscle mass in my legs as I was not active…. 

These signs are everywhere in our hospital and it’s is totally correct…… I was 60 when I went for SCT but had a body that was 90 when I left - the rebuild took a rather long time.

Hi there! 

I am sorry to hear you are feeling fatigued at the moment. 

I was diagnosed with CML 2 years ago. Tiredness and fatigue definitely goes with the territory and it is hard to know what causes it. Probably a mix of the disease and the meds. 

I was only a short while on Imatinib but TKIs in general can definitely cause fatigue.

Definitely speak to your haematology team and tell them how you’re feeling and they will help you manage the fatigue.

Most importantly be kind to yourself and allow yourself to feel this way. I promise it will pass!

Ali 

Hi ila48,

I have been kind to myself but im finding it hard as usually so much energy but im sure it will be manageable. 

Thank you

Nick 

Hi Highlander,

Thank you for your reply. Its just difficult as i cant work and have no energy, i usually have so much energy too but hopefully it will pass and/or become manageable. 

Nick 

It’s hard when you’re so used to having the energy and have it taken away from you but you will get it back. Unfortunately it takes time but your medical team are there to support you and help you manage it! 

Ali