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← Return to Myelofibrosis w/ JAK2 mutation
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Myelofibrosis w/ JAK2 mutation
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Nov 11, 2025 | Replies (48)Comment receiving replies
I was exposed to Agent Orange in 1968-69, at the height of the Vietnam War.
I plugged up the pipes around my heart. I had open-heart surgery (5-way bypass) in 2010. At that time, my diagnosis was Essential Thrombocytosis. I began taking Hydroxyurea.
A few years later, my cancer evolved into Polycythemia Vera. My oncologist kept me on Hydroxyurea.
A few months ago, my diagnosis became Myelofibrosis/bone marrow cancer; my bone marrow is making defective blood cells. My oncologist/hematologist prescribed Jakafi. At first, I was weak, but my overall health is improving. I have a Great care team. Coincidentally, I pray a lot more than before.
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Hi @mikefromridgefield. First, I’d like to say thank you for your service to our country. Unfortunately, Agent Orange has taken its toll on so many members of our military. My brother included. So I’m sorry to see you’re another victim.
By the way, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. As you’ve already found, there are a number of members who also have been diagnosed with Myelofibrosis (MF). It can be so helpful to share experiences with others, helping to avoid that feeling of being alone. It’s wonderful that you have a great care team. The knowledge that you can trust your team to have your back often makes all the difference in the world for confidence and peace of mind in the treatment.
It sounds like you’re having a positive experience with Jakafi. That’s very encouraging for you. How often do you have labs?