JAK2 Mutation - Effects and Questions

Posted by ettap @ettap, Mar 29, 2018

Have JAK2 mutation verified twice; one year apart and from different labs. As I understand, it may cause polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, or leukemia. My hematologist has not provided any real info on this mutation so I've been researching via internet. I knew leukemia is cancer but was disappointed to find out today that the other 2 are blood cancers as well. I have been seeing a hematologist every 3 mos. about this since my 2nd blood clotting event in 09/2016. To date, all my blood factors have been in the normal range. Here are some of my questions: 1. Is it typical to verify this mutation well before it triggers one of these diseases? 2. I know early detection of cancer can be a real plus, but is there any research or experience that supports proactive steps that can be taken to deter the onset of any of these possibilities? 3. With polycythemia vera and essential thrombocytosis, is blood letting the primary treatment? If so, can the blood be donated? 4. Since none of my blood factors have ever been out of the normal range to date, no specific result of the JAK2 mutation has raised its ugly head. Is this normal? I'm not typically a worrier. In fact, I do really well with things like this once I know what I am dealing with. Information becomes my sword which allows me to take worry and nip it in the bud.

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@jackiecarey

It's my understanding that PV IS a blood cancer, it's a progressive disease with no cure..There are medications to help with the symptoms and slow the disease and clients who have it can live many years under the care of a hematologist...I also understand and experienced that general practitioners are not aware these cancers exist and don't pick up on the diease..even after a TIA or clotting incident. I wish things were different but the reality is as I said. So your question on prevention, there isn't one since they don't know the cause that causes the Jak2 mutation switch to get stuck on the on position. For now, if your lucky enough to get it diagnosed is get under the care of a specialist and treat the symptoms., slow the disease and crave out the best life as I promise you even though we're living with the symptoms everyday it could be much, much worse....Accepting the realities is a first step....

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I have pv and when first diagnosed was oh HU every day developed anemia and was taken off and put on iron . now take HU 3x week with baby asprin and count is in control. Pv is a rare blood cancer was told no cure just take meds . You can live for a long time with this just enjoy your life.

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No blood cannot be donated they discard it. continue to see your hematologist. Keep a list of your symptoms and talk to your dr.

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I have Polycythemia Vera Jak2. I all of a sudden have my platelets go up and down like a roller coaster with my red blood and hemocrit staying stable. I was taken off of hydroxyurea but it hasn’t made a difference. Is anyone else dealing with situation.?

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@1995victoria

Any one else told ....not to take ibuprofen......not at same time as HU & baby aspirin.......but never heard this warning

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I take HU and ibuprofen fairly frequently. I will switch to Tylenol and ask the pharmacist next time I am in there. Thanks for the heads up.

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@1995victoria

i wonder why? do you know? did dr say?

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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can inhibit platelet function and aggregation, which can increase bleeding times. NSAIDs do this by blocking the formation of thromboxane A2, a platelet-activating eicosanoid, by inhibiting platelet cyclooxygenase (COX). Aspirin irreversibly acetylates COX, while nonaspirin NSAIDs reversibly block it. So the small amount of aspirin to keep the platelets from being sticky and Tylenol if you have pain. Ibuprofen can cause bleeding problems. Also, tell your hematologist ALL medicines and supplements you are taking...your pharmacist can tell you about adverse reactions to medicine combinations, but your specialist needs to know everything, as well.

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@bosmac

I have been on HX 500mg for last 2 weeks now plus 100mg Aspirin. I have been on Aspirin since Nov. 23 when my platelets were 840. Early this month when Hematologist started me on HX, she insisted i continue taking the Aspirin as well as they both work differently, the aspirin is watching on the clothing part of the equation but HX is reducing the excess production of platelets. My 2 cents!

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Thank you so much for your reply and info. Yes, I'm convinced the baby aspirin 'two-step' approach is needed. Still baffled by not having been told this sooner by that former doc, very disturbing. Thank you again:)

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@bosmac

I have been on HX 500mg for last 2 weeks now plus 100mg Aspirin. I have been on Aspirin since Nov. 23 when my platelets were 840. Early this month when Hematologist started me on HX, she insisted i continue taking the Aspirin as well as they both work differently, the aspirin is watching on the clothing part of the equation but HX is reducing the excess production of platelets. My 2 cents!

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What changed in your symptoms/lab values to initiate reasons to start HX?

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I'm Jak2 positive also verified by 2 separate labs..I wasn't happy with my first hematologist not because he didn't know what he was doing but because he said straight out on 2 separate occasions don't ask me those questions? Enough, I went to MDAnderson where I was treated for breast cancer years ago. I also had a bone marrow biopsy at MDA..I'm 75 diagnosed 18 months ago on hydrox and a baby asa,,Because of my age I'm considered high risk. I had phlebotomy (blood letting) twice in the early days but the hydrox has been controlling my symptoms. I was told my blood would be discarded and I can't donate blood for obvious reasons. You don't mention which myloproliferative neoplasm you have but if your lab work is normal then I understand why...Something led your doctor to do the Jak2 lab test,(not a typical lab test) was it your two clotting events? Clotting events are typical of all the MF neoplasms that's why baby asa is given and told to drink lots of water. to thin the blood. have you asked your Hematologist these questions? It's strange you've had 2 clotting events, JAK2 positive twice with all normal lab work and testing..I understand your not a worrier however clotting events can be life threatening.... I would get down in the weeds and figure this out with your hematologist Good Luck....

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@cindy7

What changed in your symptoms/lab values to initiate reasons to start HX?

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Thanks Cidy7. My platelets have been higher than normal since 2021. My lab work history has been 528, 642,730, 677,730,713,786 ,640, 593 and lately 848. Early this year, I started getting endless fatigue and tiredness and that is when the hematologist put me on HU.
Also i have other medical conditions(chronic kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension) and all these pose a risk for cardiovascular risk and this may have contributed to my being put on HU

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Does anyone else have severe itching and tingling all over really bad at night
I have poly Vera and jak2 and am on hydroxy with monitored bloods

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