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Essential Thrombocythemia: Making treatment decisions

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Apr 2 9:38am | Replies (214)
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@skossaz

I have been taking hydroxyurea for 6 months and seem to be resistant as my platelets keep rising. My doc upped dose to 1000mg 4 days a week and 500 3 days a week.
I also take low dose aspirin. I try to exercise swim and walk but I am fatigued and cannot be as active as I have been. I am 85 years old. Grateful as I have an excellent cancer doc. I have had breast cancer twice, skin cancer that invaded the nerve and now ET. Radiation twice and meds for 12 years. An attitude of gratitude keeps me happy to be alive. I am blessed with a wonderful family.

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Replies to "I have been taking hydroxyurea for 6 months and seem to be resistant as my platelets..."
my44 | @my44 | Mar 25 11:19am

Hi, @skossaz. Welcome to Mayo Connect! I love your attitude of gratitude despite all that you've been through and continue to go through. You are an inspiration to me. 💕

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janemc | @janemc | Mar 25 4:09pm

Sometimes it seems to take forever to find your effective dose of HU.

When the HU finally tamps down the manic overproduction of platelets, you should get your energy back. Hang in there!

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1pearl | @1pearl | Mar 26 10:19pm

Hi skossaz,
I am so glad you are happy and doing well although your platelets are rising. Honestly, I really do not worry about my platelets and mine are high too and probably have been for years. I have no underlying health concerns or previous issues other than two nonpainful enlarged joints. I just take aspirin but I do understand clots are a concern although I am only CALR mutation. I have never taken Hydrea and resist until I feel it is necessary as it just kills all blood cells as is cytotoxic. It doesn’t slow progression to Myelofibrosis. I am grateful to God that I feel fine and have no symptoms. Yes, you are older than I am and I may change lots when I am a bit older, but I am glad we both have an attitude of gratitude with positivity around us with our families.
Stay positive and happy!

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