Welcome to Connect, @mariaalive. It sounds like you’re very proactive in taking care of your health and have two great doctors on your team! I hope you’ll find that your new friends in Connect are part of your care team as well! You jumped right into the perfect support group with other members who the same diagnosis of Essential Thrombocythemia, a condition where your body is producing too many platelets.

There’s no shortage of good conversations in the forum surrounding ET, side effects of the condition, the medications taken, and possible supplementation. I found a couple of discussions you might want to join. (More can be found by typing ET, Essential Thrombocythemia, JAK2 mutations, Hydroxyurea, etc., in the search box at the top of the page.)

Here are a few to get you started:

~What are most common side effects when starting HU (Hydroxyurea)?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hu-side-effects/
~Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/essential-thrombocythemia-1/
~Essential Thrombocythemia (ET): foods, diet, nutrition?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/essential-thrombocythemia-et-foods-diet-nutrition/
One note I wanted to mention is that there is some concern that products containing turmeric or curcumin may affect platelet function and clotting. This can potentially increase the risk of bleeding when combined with medications that have blood thinning effects such as Eliquis. You may want to check with your care team before continuing on with the curcumin, resveratrol or any other supplements that may affect clotting or interfere with your current medications.

Has your naturopathic oncologist prescribed the Curcumin and resveratrol?

The first months after diagnosis are so hard.

We've all been through it -- and we're here for you.

For many of us, HU brings relief from ET symptoms like headache and fatigue. It can take a while to find your effective dose. Just know that you're on the way to better days ahead.

Hi, MariaAlive! I also see a naturopath oncologist and an MPN heme doc. My PCP is a functional medicine doc, so all 3 work together and are in agreement on my care.

72 y/o female, ET wJAK2 for 2 years holding in the high 600s only taking 81 mg aspirin, no HU.

I’ve been on 4-hour time release Resveratrol by Reserveage for probably close to 10 years now.
They’ve said not to use a cheaper brand because of fillers. Also on quercetin and curcumin, Vit D3 w/K2, Vit C, and a B-complex w/Biotin.
Work w/your Docs, talk about your average diet and exercise, and how often you are outside getting fresh air and sunshine. I’m in MI where skies are grey all winter long. Without supplemental Vit D, my levels easily fall below 35. To stay close to 80, I need to take 10,000 IU/day. But here’s the thing, work with your Docs: If I go to Florida for weeks at a time and I’m outdoors every day I stop taking the vitamin D or my levels can approach 100 or more. Delicate balance!

It takes a while to figure it all out. Supplements work slowly, so be patient with your Docs and yourself. This is something we LIVE with. It’s going to be ok!

Blessings for a healthy new year!
Sherry