High platelet count: What does this mean?

Hi, my son also takes 81 mg aspirin and nothing else. I just hope his platelets don’t keep increasing from current 870,000. I agree not having to take Hu is a good thing. I have no idea what possible side affects it would have. I’m not sure at what level a person would have to take Hu? We’ll continue to wait and see. Good luck to you also.

I had genetic testing at GW University's Cancer Center. Last summer, I worked with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and an additional panel of advanced genetic tests -- 400, were performed, to uncover gene mutations.

Sounds very thorough. Did the testing reveal anything new? Or is it still and wait and see?

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Essential Thrombocytoss (ET) and Jak2 mutation, after elevated platelets over a period of a year. This through extensive blood testing. I have been on Hydrea 3 times a week at 500mg each and daily 81mg aspirin. I don't feel any different before or after diagnosis and have to look at it as a positive not a negative. I will die with the disease not from it! I strongly advise your son to seek another opinion so that he could benefit from medication to lower the platelets. Well wishes to him!

At that count I started taking aspirin, and check up for blood test platelets count and that was it. Hope this helps.

Thank you for encouraging news. Will pass this along to him.

Thank you. Looks very similar to my sons situation.

Recently my son tore a calf muscle exercising. He asked his doctor if his recent increase from 750,000 to 870,000 could be result of healing process. His doctor said very possible. That was somewhat of a relief. Hopefully his next blood tests in July will indicate same.

I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocytopemia at the VA Hospital based on a platelet count of 847,000 and a positive JAK2. The VA said I didn't need s bone marrow until my platelet count was about 1.2 million. I didn't believe a word of that so I went to Sloan Cancer Center and had a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy along with a molecular panel that looks at 400 gene. My final diagnosis is MDS/MPN overlap with Thrombocytosis. Also JAK2 and SRSF2 positive. On Hydroxyurea for 4 months and my platelet count is now 243,000. I suggest you consider the molecular panel. Good luck.

A high platelet count suggests Essential Thrombocythemia, but you need to confirm if that is the real diagnosis or if something else is going on. The only way to confirm his diagnosis is to see a Hematologist and have a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy done along with a molecular panel. The molecular panel will provide clear evidence of any gene mutations. Only when you have a final diagnosis can you properly treat a disease. Good luck.