Hello!

I'm not a doctor but to provide some input on your question. Hydroxyurea is a chemo oral pill. How I was told is that ET is a "good" blood cancer, because it can be controlled. This chemo oral pill can help control your platelets and keep them at a somewhat normal level. Any underlying issue you might have it will trigger your platelets and can go up, however taking Hydroxyurea it will keep fighting to control your PLT count.

My mother had been taking it for 3 years but over time it started giving her other symptoms that did not make her very happy to the point where she was not eating anymore, fatigue was extreme, 24/7 nausea, and she was just miserable. Also within a year, her bones started to be more fragile and now she is high risk osteoporosis. I think like any medication over time it can onset something else. But because my moms lost appetite, dropping weight, and barely able to get herself up we considered to switch to Jakafi.

I'm sure it's different for many, but this is why I keep close monitor on my mom and track symptoms, because doctors can only do so much. I think doctors should read this forums because patients can provide a better picture of the different symptoms medications cause.

I hope I shed some light into your question. I hope your journey with ET is smooth sailings and keep yourself active, but listen to your body. Be blessed