I'm much older. I was diagnosed almost 4 years ago. My father had elevated platelets which were thought to be from a symptom of aortic abdominal aneurysm, Then he had a stroke. When my platelets kept increasing for 3 years I went to hematologist who diagnosed ET. So I decided to take a chance on HU (hydroxyurea) with baby aspirin. My platelets have been nicely within normal range since I began medication, but I admit, I wonder what HU is doing to my body, but my fear of a stroke or heart attack keep me taking my capsules. I have blood tests every 3 months to make sure this blood cancer doesn't advance to a more risky one in the MPN group (myeloproliferative neoplasm). I try to keep up with advances in the MPN group of blood cancers