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I have CML Does anyone else suffer from major purple (blood) bruising?

Posted by kateross @kateross, Jan 27 6:28am

I was diagnosed 2 years ago with Chronic Myloid Lukemia. Gleevek seems to be keeping it under control. Lost 60lbs. 1st year, now weight loss has tapered off. I'm a young 69 and now look it. I've got alot of purple bruising on my arms and hands. I've tried Arnicare bruise cream and Hirudoid forte from Sweden I think. Was told that was the best topical cream in the world! I know it sounds purely cosmetic but these bruises hurt. Anyone going through the same problem?

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kobebeef2026 | @kobebeef2026 | Jan 27 7:04am

I have CLL & on Brukinsa to treat it, one side effect is bruising. They are annoying but go away in a few days.
Don't waste your money on topical creams.

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jan 27 9:48am

Welcome to Mayo Connect, @kateross. You have my empathy with the bruising on your arms and hands. No matter how much you try to avoid even the slightest injury, it doesn’t take much more than a little bump when we’re on medications that can lower platelet levels. Also, the weight loss can also impact the underlying tissue. At least it did for me. I lost 50+ pounds with another form of leukemia while going through treatment. Managed to gain back a little. But the ‘fat’ under my skin was gone and I think that contributed to the fragility of my skin at that time, too.

I’m not sure if the topical creams will be of benefit? Sometimes if you ice a newly bumped area it can help keep the blood from spreading into a larger bruise. Also, it may be a good idea to check with your hematologist or pharmacist to see if the creams contain anything which may interfere with the meds you’re taking. I had to avoid certain products because of the absorption into the skin.

Since you’re new to the forum, you may want to check out some of the CML discussions. Here is one that you may be interested in reading through.
~I've had CML for 20 years and want to encourage others
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chronic-myelogenous-leukemia-cml/
Here is a link to the search results: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/

The positive news is that the Gleevec is working well to control the CML! Have you discussed the excess bruising with your hematologist? Is your platelet level in the low range?

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1 reply
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vickiezupo | @vickiezupo | Jan 28 9:36am

I also have CML and was on Gleevac and had lots of bruising but had to switch to Sprycel because of nausea now I have no bruising.

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1 reply
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kateross | @kateross | Jan 29 1:33pm
In reply to @loribmt "Welcome to Mayo Connect, @kateross. You have my empathy with the bruising on your arms and..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt

Welcome to Mayo Connect, @kateross. You have my empathy with the bruising on your arms and hands. No matter how much you try to avoid even the slightest injury, it doesn’t take much more than a little bump when we’re on medications that can lower platelet levels. Also, the weight loss can also impact the underlying tissue. At least it did for me. I lost 50+ pounds with another form of leukemia while going through treatment. Managed to gain back a little. But the ‘fat’ under my skin was gone and I think that contributed to the fragility of my skin at that time, too.

I’m not sure if the topical creams will be of benefit? Sometimes if you ice a newly bumped area it can help keep the blood from spreading into a larger bruise. Also, it may be a good idea to check with your hematologist or pharmacist to see if the creams contain anything which may interfere with the meds you’re taking. I had to avoid certain products because of the absorption into the skin.

Since you’re new to the forum, you may want to check out some of the CML discussions. Here is one that you may be interested in reading through.
~I've had CML for 20 years and want to encourage others
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chronic-myelogenous-leukemia-cml/
Here is a link to the search results: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/

The positive news is that the Gleevec is working well to control the CML! Have you discussed the excess bruising with your hematologist? Is your platelet level in the low range?

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@loribmt Thank you Lori. Yes I read the text from the person who's had CML for 20 years. Gives me hope.

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kateross | @kateross | Jan 29 1:42pm
In reply to @vickiezupo "I also have CML and was on Gleevac and had lots of bruising but had to..." + (show)
Profile picture for vickiezupo @vickiezupo

I also have CML and was on Gleevac and had lots of bruising but had to switch to Sprycel because of nausea now I have no bruising.

Jump to this post

@vickiezupo Hi Vickie. Gleevec makes me nauseous too. I take Reglan to help...yet another pill to take. I just saw my Oncologist yesterday and she is happy with the results with Gleevec. I'll definitely talk to her about Sprycel though. Thanks for the input.

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