Hi Steve & Becky. I’m a little late in reply and see that @janemc said exactly what I would have, that it can take months to find the effective HU dose. We’re all unique. So while a particular medication may be the correct treatment for a condition, we may not all react with predictable outcomes to a specific dose. I found that out through my own pharmaceutical history with the bone marrow transplant and chatting with fellow BMT patients. We were all pretty much on the same meds but many of us different dosages or different periods of time. Most patients are off their immuno suppressants in 3-6 months. It took my new cells 2.5 years to decide they’d tolerate me! LOL. Now we all play well together. But it just shows ‘one size does not fit all’ in a manner of speaking.

So stay the course. Since ET is generally slow to progress, Becky’s frequent blood work will pick up any changes along the way. Her doctor will help regulate her dosages to find that sweet spot. And if it’s not HU, then there are other options.

It’s not a bad idea to have the ultrasound of Becky’s leg to rule out involvement of a blood clot. Edema can be caused by a problem with how blood travels through the body but there can be other reasons as well.

I’m guessing Becky is feeling a little deflated or defeated right now with the past few months of not being at 100% of her game. It hits us when we think our body has let us down after ticking along just fine for years. Distraction and diversion are keys for climbing out of a funk like that. I hope she can find some normalcy daily, fill her days with positive activities & events to let her know this is a momentary glitch in her life. When the newness of the diagnosis wears off, she’ll learn that nothing has radically changed. She’ll get used to the meds and realize she can enjoy a full and happy life not worrying about ‘what if’ or waiting for the other shoe to drop. Every day is a gift and shouldn’t be spent worrying. Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes away today’s peace. ☺️