Anyone want to talk about Myelofibrosis?

Posted by wellness3070 @wellness3070, Jan 5, 2017

Anyone out there wishing to discuss above diagnosis?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.

Profile picture for 1pearl @1pearl

From @1pearl,
I just came across my own post from last July, about nine months ago. I guess I have been blessed that I still have no symptoms, just high platelets and slightly high white cells at 13.9 shown on my recent did lab work with my new insurance I took 1/2026. Last year I did go see the bone marrow transplant specialist my old insurance O/H sent me to about three hours away from my house. He said it is not true that a bone marrow transplant must be done by age 70. It can be done at later age as long as person is in very good health. He said I did not need one and may never but he just did not know for sure as no one knows what will change in their future. He just told me to stay in very good health like I am and have always been. As I feel just fine like I always have, I decided to wait for my next appointment to follow up on my possible myelofibrosis situation with someone I suspect is a true MPN expert dealing with myelofibrosis patients including those with my specific mutation. She is the lead doctor at UCSD in myelofibrosis. I have an appointment with her scheduled and it is covered by my new insurance. In the meantime, I have an appointment at the end of April to see a new hand specialist regarding my initial complaint of a very enlarged right ring finger joint that is still not painful at all but makes writing neatly a challenge. I am so glad I changed my Medicare insurance to a different plan and finally I have an awesome primary care doctor who actually listens and makes appropriate referrals promptly.
Does anyone else any update in their myelofibrosis journey? Hope everyone is doing well enjoying the Spring season.

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@1pearl
Hi~I was diagnosed with SMF June 2025, after having ET for 33 years with HU treatment for that for about 5 years. Completely healthy until a year ago. I’m 76 and periodically have malaise, inflammation in my gut and swollen ankles, headaches (mild) and fatigue. I eat really well, walk, and Pilates 3 times a week, and take plenty of supplements, and let’s not forget prayer! Not sure if it’s helping keep me healthy, but can’t hurt. I take no medications and am grateful. My platelets are in the 700’s and red counts are a little low—-I think 10.8. I go for a check up next month. I try my best not to have stress in my life. Sometimes it sneaks in. One of these reasons I’m not always on Mayo connect. I wish you well!

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Profile picture for rivieramaya2009 @rivieramaya2009

@1pearl
Hi~I was diagnosed with SMF June 2025, after having ET for 33 years with HU treatment for that for about 5 years. Completely healthy until a year ago. I’m 76 and periodically have malaise, inflammation in my gut and swollen ankles, headaches (mild) and fatigue. I eat really well, walk, and Pilates 3 times a week, and take plenty of supplements, and let’s not forget prayer! Not sure if it’s helping keep me healthy, but can’t hurt. I take no medications and am grateful. My platelets are in the 700’s and red counts are a little low—-I think 10.8. I go for a check up next month. I try my best not to have stress in my life. Sometimes it sneaks in. One of these reasons I’m not always on Mayo connect. I wish you well!

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Hi @rivieramaya2009 ,
Thanks for your post. I agree with all you said and do. May I ask how it was decided that you changed from ET to SMF?
Stay positive, pray, do things that make you happy, and avoid stress when possible is what I try to do myself.

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Profile picture for 1pearl @1pearl

Hi @rivieramaya2009 ,
Thanks for your post. I agree with all you said and do. May I ask how it was decided that you changed from ET to SMF?
Stay positive, pray, do things that make you happy, and avoid stress when possible is what I try to do myself.

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@1pearl I was due for my 6-month bloodwork last April 2025, but noticed I felt “off” and checked blood in March. Malaise and fatigue. Platelets in 700’s. BMB confirmed SMF. I’ve always been active, playing tennis, Pilates, walking. You are 100% correct about avoiding stress. For many reasons I had been under extreme stress for five years. In my heart, I believe it caused the disease to progress to MF. I was having digestive issues and kept telling myself I had to get that under control, which caused more stress. I had oxidative stress for too long! Through prayer and doing whatever I can to stay as healthy as possible, I’m taking life a day at a time and enjoying each day! I wish you the best!!

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Profile picture for sharonm2024 @sharonm2024

I can relate to blindsided, I was diagnose with Primary myleofibrousis (anemic) in July 2023. I put on Jakafi in September of 2023. 10mg twice daily. I decided not to let this define me and trying to keep my life in order. My question or maybe just a statement--it seems like the oncologist only looks at my blood counts and asked about symptoms only related to Jakafi and myleofibrousis. I also have hypothyroidism, but only my GP looks at that. It seems like no one is looking a whole person approach. Just wonder it there is any relationships to the two diseases.

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@sharonm2024 that’s a good thought! I wonder how many of us have thyroid problems. I know I do. I wish these doctors would put things together more. The only question asked when diagnosed was. Were you exposed to radiation?

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Profile picture for karla987 @karla987

@hopeful33250
Hello,

I was diagnosed with APS, Jak2 and Myelofibrosis about 7 weeks ago after having horrible pain in my abdomen. Went to the emergency room to fi d out i had blood clots, and enlarged spleen and liver. BMB confirmed scarring in the the bone marrow. Heading to Mayo in AZ next month to meet with MPN specialist.

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@karla987 will you see doctor Palmer? She’s awesome.

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