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Essential Thrombocythaemia

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: May 6 7:06am | Replies (19)
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@remo1110

I also was diagnosed with ET given Hydrea 500mg every other day. I have been on this medication for three years.
my platelets went from 700 down to 350.
I still do not understand why they call this blood disease a form of cancer....however, i just listen to my hematologist and take blood tests every six months.

hope this helps.

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Replies to "I also was diagnosed with ET given Hydrea 500mg every other day. I have been on..."
janemc | @janemc | May 3 8:36am

ET is a cancer because our bodies are producing cells abnormally.

For most ETrs, this is due to a mutation of one of the three proteins that govern platelet production. When those "driver" proteins mutate, they push our bone marrow into frantic over-production of platelets.

Cancer is a scary word, and so is chemo.

I personally find that accepting I have a chronic cancer motivates me to take my HU, and to work out every day to keep my cardiovascular system strong.

Knowing I'm not alone with this weird gremlin helps tremendously too!!!

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preacherswife1977 | @preacherswife1977 | May 3 7:31pm

I have asked my hematologist several times was this a type of cancer. Each time he says no, not now. Very puzzling!!

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