Hello, diffend. I do hope the HU will ease your headaches as it brings down your platelet count. That -- plus renewing my energy -- is what it did for me.

What triggers ET confounds us all, experts included. But it's been more than a hundred years since ET was identified as a blood disorder/cancer. There was no Covid, let alone Covid shots, in the 1920s.

Do serious illnesses / times of stress / chemical exposure set off ET? To me it seems the answer is probably yes, but ???

It's always best to check with your own doctor, but I've been assured the Covid booster is safe for me. That's because it's an "inactivated" vaccine. Please ask your oncologist. It seems your PCP (like mine) doesn't have the answers you need.

To better days ahead.

If you are concerned about COVID booster, call your pharmacist. These guys have a handle on drug interactions and contraindications. I have had boosters regularly. I usually feel crappy for 3-5 days after the shot so I am only getting it once a year now. I get yearly flu.

Just before she retired, my PCP said she would ask elderly patients if they wanted a COVID booster, but she was no longer actively pushing it because a) the virus is less likely to cause fatalities now and b) she was tired of hearing patients argue with her by repeating misinformation they heard. "They act like I'm trying to kill them." Sad to lose her. Hope the new one is as good.