Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support
I was recently diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia, a rare incurable blood cancer. Platelet count aside, I am asymptotic. This current condition morphed from (constitutional) thrombcytosis, something I’ve lived with for 25+ years. While the new diagnosis was the result of a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, my age was an additional factor, which was completely disarming, having been walking around unwittingly for the past 8 years! While at the low end of risk for clots, heart-attacks and stroke, nothing has truly changed - except the “C” word. No chemo yet, but active discussion about hydroxyurea. Uncertainty about ET is anxiety provoking and swoethatl, but I’m feeling betrayed by my blood. I’m looking for all information about ET, the chemo and support.
Thanks!
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May I ask what the term AI drugs means?
Thank you, Eileen
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1 ReactionIt sounds like neuropathy in your feet but you need a neurologist to confirm it. I have had neuropathy in my feet years before I was diagnosed with ET.
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1 ReactionI did ask my haematologist about the bone marrow biopsy and he said not at this stage ? I was told by the first haematologist I seen that I would have to have one if the ct scan was clear.
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1 ReactionGo figure! Just like you, I often flip off the covers from my feet. They feel hot and swollen from the inside, but "normal" when I touch them. Not hot. Not puffy. Just different.
I used to wear socks at night bc my feet were always cold, but not in the past couple of years which is coincidentally about the same time I was diagnosed. Sounds like another interesting relationship w/ET. I'll mention that one to my heme doc next visit.
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2 ReactionsAbout feet. My toes hurt 3 years before my ET diagnosis. It's not joint pain, it feels like pain is in bone (also in my shins) Dr don't seem to know what is causing the pain, and I don't like taking tylenol or advil every night, but there are nights when pain keeps me awake and sometimes awakens me from sleep. Before I was diagnosed, I would take one aspirin every night, but now can't do aspirin (baby yes, not full size), I get black and blue marks too easily.
Leukemia Lymphoma Society go to LLS.org A wonderful organization, with very important information. Just sign up your email on their website
MPN encompasses 3 "levels" of disease LLS will explain it all
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1 ReactionYes, I have that. I fill my hot water bottle with cool water and put my feet on it under the covers. Keeping feet moisturized and using drugstore hydrocortisone cream on the prickles seems to help me. ET patients also seem to be associated with erythromelalgia. Would be interested in what your doc says!
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2 ReactionsRecently diagnosed with ET with JAK2& in a few months of daily HU my platelet count has dropped into the normal range so I'm feeling hopeful, but I know there's a lot to learn. What kind of "worse neoplasm/cancer" might it progress to? What email list are you referring to & how do I get on it? Many thanks to all.
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1 ReactionHave any of my other ETers had any problems with their feet? I am one for wrapping up at night and for the past few months I have had to have my feet out from under the blankets. They do not hurt but feel as though they are asleep without the pringly/pricklyl feeling. If I close my toes it feels like my feet are swollen but they are not. Last night they felt very hot on the inside. I see my hematologist Tuesday I will mention it to him but wanted to ask you guys first
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2 ReactionsI have asked my hematologist several times was this a type of cancer. Each time he says no, not now. Very puzzling!!
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