@dragonflylynda Oh, i’m sorry, I must have mis-read a reply…nothing wrong with my brain! LOL
Well, actually the same information applies to you with ET as I wrote previously. Except that you have excessive platelets instead of red blood cells. But it is still caused by the same defect in the JAK2 gene, not allowing the ‘off switch’ to work properly in controlling the production of platelets for you.
The hydroxyurea (HU) helps the body to put the brakes on proliferation of the platelets to bring them down to a normal level.
You might find this article interesting from Very Well Health on the JAK2 mutations: https://www.verywellhealth.com/jak2-mutation-5217909

I just noticed a reply by our Community Director @colleenyoung was posted to another member newly diagnosed with ET. You may want to read through these conversations as well.

Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1464606/
I know that having to start new meds can be scary. I’ve had that too. When in treatment for leukemia, one of my pills, (not the actual chemo infusions which required full safety suits) still required the nurse to hand it to me in a cup, while she was dressed in a hazmat suit, twice a day. 😅 We had some pretty amusing conversations during that time…but here I am on the other side, 7 years later and my nurse/now friend and I still go out to dinner a couple times a year to celebrate.
HU is effective but with a reduced intensity compared with aggressive chemo meds. So I hope you’ll get more comfortable taking it after you get the first couple of days past you. These meds can work well to help prevent serious side effects from having too many platelets.
Did you take your first pill yet?