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My platelet count has increased after a year on Hydroxyurea (HU)
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Apr 10 12:32pm | Replies (27)Comment receiving replies
ET was formerly referred to as a blood disorder. Our bodies make too many platelets. Doing the right thing, but just too much of it. I don’t know when or why it started getting referred to as ‘cancer’ and I can see on this thread that it really freaks people out. So yes, I do NOT call what I have cancer.
I was diagnosed 27 years ago and am as healthy as anybody else. I am on Anagrelide now, formerly on HU.
My hem is happy if my numbers are under 600.
Replies to "ET was formerly referred to as a blood disorder. Our bodies make too many platelets. Doing..."
Just FYI, about 15 years ago, the World Health Organization reclassified ET as cancer. Clinicians and researchers around the world advised this change because more was understood about how mutations caused platelet cells to proliferate in the bone marrow. ET is actually a bone marrow cancer.
Fine by me if folks don't want to call ET cancer. The designation did cause some controversy with a few researchers and doctors.
Maybe a minor point, but do be aware that your insurance company may think differently. Those who want to increase life insurance, for instance, will be asked if they have been treated for cancer in the past 6 months. I would be wary of answering "no" for fear of jeopardizing the policy.
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27 years is a long time. I am glad you are feeling
well. You must have good medical care in your area.
I live in North East Georgia. Unfortunately in the
more rural areas your care is hit or miss. I was referred
to a great Dr. in Gainesville, Ga. So I do feel lucky.
Why did your Dr. change your medication?