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DiscussionAnyone living with Essential Thrombocythemia with JAK2?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (281)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "@loribmt Yes I've been taking hydroxyurea since diagnosis, started of on smaller amounts every other day..."
Hi @bobbie1955, Each person’s experience with ET can be unique to them. So it’s important not to compare your medication dosage with that of a friend…though I know how tempting that is! Been there myself. First question, “Am I being over or under medicated?”Right?
Often, doctors will make adjustments to the medication dosages based on blood work and trends in the blood numbers on lab result. Generally they try to give the minimum amount of medication to keep the situation under control. Considering your doctor had you start out slowly and gradually increasing dosages shows they’re keeping track on what may be working better for you. You mentioned that in spite of being on an increased dosage of Hydroxy, your blood numbers are still above normal.
Occasionally, there may come a point when a specific med isn’t quite doing the job as well as hoped and a new medication may be a better fit. At your next consultation with your doctor you’ll be able to talk this over with them.
Hopefully you get a lovely Christmas present of good news. ☺️
Will you please let me know what you find out?
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@bobbie1955
It's great that you were started on a low HU dose. My oncologist did the same, and I believe that's why I've never suffered from any side effects.
It takes a while to find the dose that's perfect for you. And some people respond much more quickly to HU than others. Don't get discouraged!
Be patient and let us know how you're doing!