Hi Jacklyn, I was also diagnosed in November 2023 at age 76 with what turned out to be Ph+CML after some alarming routine blood tests showed platelets at 2000 (normal range tops out at 450). The hematologist oncologist put me on Hydroxyurea 500 mg twice a day which steadily lowered the platelet count to acceptable levels. I had some side effects such as thinning hair, fatigue, mild nausea at times, but overall tolerated the drug quite well.
I had a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. I didn’t have any sedation and honestly, it was no big deal. I’ve had root canals that were worse. In January of this year I stopped the Hydroxyurea and began taking Tasigna in a clinical trial which has some side effects, too, but not too bad.
Just follow your oncologist’s advice and you’ll be okay. CML is very treatable with medication. Best of luck to you.