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ET: What are acceptable platelet numbers?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Dec 7 4:25pm | Replies (47)Comment receiving replies
I have ET, diagnosed in 2022, and (almost) 72. I have not reached 600-currently at 587(!), but my danger number is 600. I too am concerned with soon needing to go on a drug. I feel tired enough all the time without adding to it. Also, other side effects look really scary to me.
As far as the safe number goes, it may be an individual thing, depending on the Dr and the individual patient. Wishing you the best.
Replies to "I have ET, diagnosed in 2022, and (almost) 72. I have not reached 600-currently at 587(!),..."
I started taking Hydrea 500 Mg every other day. I was anxious about taking it so agreed on every other day.
Thankfully, No major side effects other than on the day I take it Fatigue hits hard about
3:00 p m. So, i take a nap and am not real active the rest of the day. So, i adjust my schedule. It has brought my platelet numbers down to 400 which is normal according to my lab reports.
And they move down more each time i have labs. So, it does work for me. I finally decided to try it and see what would happen. I was fearful, but more fearful of blood clots.
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This is just to say that for me (ET, MPL driver, 70 years old), HU gave me my energy back. In the summer of 2023, I could hardly push the lawn mower.
I was diagnosed and started taking HU in October 2023. This summer, I had no trouble mowing. Same heavy lawn mower -- it's my energy level that bounced back.
On HU, I also have fewer debilitating headaches. And although I take 10 500-mg capsules/week, I have no side effects.
I hope you will find a good path forward too.