Hello capacity.......I have had ET and myloproliferative neoplasm for almost three years now. The 500mgs of Hydrea seem to work okay for me. I take one every day. I understand what you mean about the blood Doctor being evasive about the disease and the treatment. When I ask questions he tells me to let him do the worrying and that he will take good care of me. That is why I joined the Mayo Clinic forum, to get answers and feedback from others with the same problems. For the most part I think I am doing well but I still have fatigue and a bit of itchiness, my face is always red with pinpoint marks and I have tried every cream available and nothing works. Do you have any symptons such as mine. I have heard from others that the doctors do not like to discuss details they are just interested in the blood work. If you have any questions that I might be able to answer please contact me.......Claire39