What's OK for me may not be OK for you. Please check with your own doctor to be safe!

That being said . . . a couple of days ago, an oncology physician's assistant approved my using topical lidocaine (creme, spray, patches) for pain. Applied to the back of my neck, lidocaine does help with headaches. It works through the skin, so it doesn't interact with medicines we've taken by mouth.

She also was OK with my taking a daily loratadine (Claritin) to ease my breathing.

The P.A. strongly recommended substituting acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the naproxen (Aleve) I've been using for serious pain. Why? Because Tylenol interferes less with the important work aspirin does on our blood.

She also said I should avoid taking a pain killer at the same time as HU or aspirin.

Our ET diagnosis means we can't be casual about the use of OTC products . . . . aren't we lucky?

Hoping you'll quickly learn what safe for YOU.