To answer your question, my platelet target is just to keep it in the normal range of 150-400. I've just had two consecutive tests where the platelets were in the range (low 300's), and the white blood cell count is also not elevated, so after 10 months it looks like I finally have a good balance. The doctor has extended my next blood test out to 3 months now, as opposed to 6 weeks. As far as how long it took me to respond to the meds, I was down out of the danger zone from 1700 to the 500 range within a couple of months. It just took many more months of finessing to get the platelet count to stay in the normal range and have the white blood cell count not be elevated also. I've stayed in great shape and drink alcohol in moderation, though I noticed I cannot handle it like I used to. Probably due to the Hydroxy's demand on the liver. Before if I had 4 glasses of wine on an occasion it was not that noticeable, but nowadays I would be plowed drinking that much in a setting.