The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Fighting Blood Cancers
4 Replies Last post: Nov 10, 2009 10:02 AM by Cookie  
AnnalynnMS   8 posts since
May 1, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

May 20, 2009 10:52 AM

dacogen (decitabene) for maintenance?

Hi, I was dx with AML last october, Inv 16 FLT3, i had induction then three rounds of consolidation. I just started my first round of maintenance chemo, which is the dacogen. I was wondering if anyone else was on this protocol, Its day 14 for me, my platelets have dropped to 44, but my hemoglobin is staying up, and my white count is normal. I was wondering if this is the case for anyone else? I know the chemo is working its course and what not, I just think its curious that my platelets are the only thing dropping, my doctor said its nothing to worry about, and i'm not worried, just curious

Michael   24 posts since
May 19, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
1. May 21, 2009 6:22 AM in response to: AnnalynnMS
Re: dacogen (decitabene) for maintenance?

Decitabine can cause myelosupression, but there are many variables.  I'd rely on the opinion of your doctors who have your complete counts and history.  I assume they've recommended a maintenance trial due to FLT3.  Are you being followed routinely with PCR assays?

pamd   1,347 posts since
Apr 3, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
2. May 21, 2009 9:37 PM in response to: Michael
Re: dacogen (decitabene) for maintenance?

Are you on other meds, possibly an anti-depressant? I only mention this because I was on an anti-depressant (Remeron) briefly after transplant, and it made my platelet count steadily plummet. I went off it due to the migraines it caused, and my platelet count climbed back up. Later the psych doc told me, yeah, that's a side effect. So I'm just saying, consider all meds you may be taking. Otherwise, I'd rely on your doctor's wisdom, they see count patterns all the time, and if they aren't worried, that's a good thing. Good luck with the maintenence!

Tex   3,881 posts since
Apr 3, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
3. May 22, 2009 12:28 PM in response to: Michael
Re: dacogen (decitabene) for maintenance?

Are you m3 (APL)?

 

Sorry, I have no memory.

Cookie   3 posts since
Jul 26, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
4. Nov 10, 2009 10:02 AM in response to: AnnalynnMS
Re: dacogen (decitabene) for maintenance?

I was dx'd last November with same.  I start round 4 of maintenance tomorrow along with another bmb.  ughhhhh.  Except for the punching bag effect, I'm doing well.  Would love to hear how you are.  My platlets dropped low after round 1 also but now everything drops and takes long to recover.  They've reduced me to 4 day and I'm hopping as of tomorrow it's down to 3 days.  It took 6 weeks for my counts to recover after round 3.  How about you?

More Like This

  • Retrieving data ...