Shingrex and ET platelet levels

Hi All! I am a 83 year old female, diagnosed about 1 yr ago with ET. In the past, in my forties, I had breast cancer and underwent a left modified radical surgery.. Six years ago (or so) I was diagnosed with lung cancer of my right upper lobe and that lobe was surgically removed. And then, on my last follow-up visit with the oncologist for that cancer, I was told I had ET due to changes on my JAK2 gene and that I would be placed on Hydroxyurea. What in the world!!!! So..... more later. Just wanted to join in with you and hopefully give and get some helpful feeds!

Hi @divaterry, Well, dare I say welcome? I’m sure the news of having ET or essential thrombocythemia came as an unexpected surprise. In the grand scheme of things you’ve gone through in recent years with breast and lung cancer, ET most likely won’t be as life changing for you.
The mutation with the JAK2 gene, basically bypasses the ‘off’ switch for cell production. In the case of ET it is generally the platelet production that isn’t being patrolled. Without the ‘supervisor’ the cells keep producing at a higher than normal rate. Too many platelets can be an issue with potential blood clotting, stroke, etc. Medications such as hydroxyurea are often used to help control the blood cell levels to a more normal level. So this becomes more of a chronic disease than the cancers you’ve had that require more aggressive treatments.

As you’ve already noticed, there are quite a few members who also have been diagnosed with ET. You’re in just one of many discussions on the subject. Here is a list for links to other conversations: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/
Feel free to join in any of the discussions!

Have you started the Hydroxyurea (HU) yet?

I am supposed to get my shingles vaccine next week. Do you have ET? How much did your platelets drop and were your doctors concerned?

Hi @dewz13 It’s not unusual for blood numbers to fluctuate when we receive vaccines. Most people aren’t even aware this is happening or that it’s a natural response from our immune system as it makes the antibodies to help protect us in the future from things like Shingles, measles, tetanus, flu, etc.. But when we have a blood condition or blood cancer we have more frequent labs and these number changes show up in our results. For most people, numbers climb back to normal within a couple of weeks.

Having recently been diagnosed with ET (essential thrombocythemia) your immune system may not be as robust as it was before this condition developed. So it’s vitally important to receive vaccinations and to stay updated with them to help your immune system fend off an illness. Especially conditions such as shingles. Vaccines, while they can’t always prevent an illness, they can help lessen the intensity should you be exposed.

From my own experince, it’s helpful after the injection to place an ice pack on your arm for 20 minutes or so. It’s reminiscent of a tetanus vaccine. The arm can get a little tender, warm and stiff for a day or so. But again, that’s a normal response. Let me know how it goes for you!