Regular Checkups
Regular testing and checkups are important
Your doctor will want to see how you are being affected by your treatment. It is also important to make sure you are not experiencing any serious side effects.
Here are some additional tests that may be conducted to check on your progress and see if your dose needs to be adjusted:
Test
Purpose
Physical Exams
Your doctor will check your overall health and see how you are dealing with any side effects you may be experiencing
Kidney and Liver Function Tests
Your doctor will regularly weigh you and monitor your kidney and liver function to watch for swelling and other signs of fluid retention. Rapid weight gain may indicate that fluid retention is severe. In some patients, treatment may be adjusted or temporarily stopped based on the results of liver function tests
Blood Cell Monitoring
Your doctor may also regularly monitor your blood cell levels for reductions in the type, or number, of blood cells
- Low blood counts can lead to susceptibility to infection and other complications
- Anemia may occur either as a result of treatment or from your condition. The uncomfortable digestive tract symptoms of KIT+ GIST sometimes make it difficult for people with KIT+ GIST to get all of the nutrients they need. When you do not have enough nutrients like iron, folate, and vitamin B12, anemia can be a problem
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)/
Blood Level
Testing
Blood Level
Testing
Your doctor may wish to measure the blood level of your medication from time to time. This information is important because blood levels can vary from person to person, even with the same dose of medication.
Set aside some extra time at your next appointment to talk to your doctor about these tests and any other questions you may have.
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