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JAK2 Mutation - Effects and Questions
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Jun 19 5:59am | Replies (303)Comment receiving replies
You have elevate number of thrombocytes, also known as platelets, due to a cancer gene mutation (JAK2). Platelets are one of the many components made in your bone marrow and released to your blood stream as needed. JAK2 interferes with the proper production of these blood components such as white cell, red cells, platelets. The roll of mature platelets is to stick to injured tissue to stop the bleeding. You do have other blood clotting factors, but platelets tend to plug the hole.
Aspirin has been known for years to make platelets less sticky. So it is your best defense against blood clots. You may find that cuts or nose bleeds take longer to stop when on aspirin.
I too have a JAK2 mutation with elevated platelets and white count. A bone marrow study revealed that I have Primary Myelofibrosis. My marrow is filling in with scar tissue. There is no simple fix, but I continue to take aspirin to avoid blood clots or stroke because of the elevated platelets.
In case you are wondering, I’m a retired clinical scientist. I worked in hematology and in cancer genetics for over 40 years. Talk about irony.
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So I have a quick question for you, knowing your background. I was diagnosed with polycythemia vera in June. I had increased red blood cells for almost a year before be diagnosed. my red blood cells when diagnosed was 23/68. I went through 7 weeks of weekly blood letting to get levels back to normal, and just went two months without having to have phlebotomy. Need to have 1 yesterday because my hematocrit was 48. The hematologist I have, was a intern doctor and didn't really take the time to explain best course of action. He really just asked what I wanted to do, said I could be put on medication or just continue blood letting if I tolerated it ok. My question is, what is the best route of action for longevity. I hate taking medication, but if it turns off the mutation so I don't cause more damage to my bone marrow and cause scarring, is that a better route then just removing blood? He basically just told me to take 325 mg aspirin and continue cbc every month. I had to ask him if I should be taking an aspirin after joining this forum. Surprised he said 325 and not the 81 mg (baby aspirin). Any suggestions/info is appreciated.