Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support

Hi my name is Sylvia nice to meet you all . I have the same blood cancer . I take 1 baby aspirin 81 mg and hydroxea was taking 2 capsule every other day but it made me so tired so I cut down to 1 capsule daily but on Sunday and Wednesday I take 2 capsules .My platelets were up at 1,202 around April first diagnosed 2021 then October dropped to 636 . I want to say that at first I also was scared and brought a lot of emotions but I come to understand that this is part of my every day life now . around that time i recall as if something was terribly wrong I felt my body full of pain and inflammation . I remember getting bruised easily as well . I cut down on red meats and caffeine for I feel as if it triggers my bc ( blood cancer) now that my numbers have dropped but not as to where my oncologist needs them they are around 484 now . I take walks ride bikes and sometimes I get on my treadmill . I still get tired at work around 3 pm I feel as I want to take a nap the weird thing about that is that on my days off I feel exhausted but was not able to sleep back then .. now my Dr. told me to take my medication at night that has really changed to a positive .. I’m tired but it is manageable during the day and get to sleep at night now … I also have tingling in my hands on my fingers as I’m laying down texting you .. I haven’t told my oncologist as I forget .. Keep us posted stay positive and I know things will look brighter.. big hugs prayers to all of you 🤍🙏🏼

"I can do anything I want, just not for very long before I want to sit down."

That's familiar territory for me, too! No afib, but a mitral valve they tell me needs repaired. I told them not until they agree to do the transcath procedure instead of cracking my chest open. I think they'll cave in at my October appt.

I am scrubbing tile on the kitchen counters today. It's going about 3 feet at a time. Then a short break to let one section dry before starting the next.

I used to be a super high energy person, and I get disgusted at the pace I have to work now. It's often hard for me to accept limitations.

I’ve been taking Hydroxyurea for at least 30 years and last year or so was switched to Anagralide with no problems or changes. I also have Afib and take a prescription for it. Don’t remember the name of it. My hematocrit ranges between 27 and 22. When it gets to 22 I get a red blood cell infusion and that’s good for at least a week but usually 2 and so 3. I can do anything I want, just not for very long before I want to sit down.

I have been on Hydroxyurea since 2018. Although it has many side effects, such as fatigue, itchiness, mouth sores and headaches, it is essential and manageable.
Good luck with your journey……..Claire

Thank you for the reply!

I’ve taken Anagrelide since 2018. Every morning and evening after taking the pill, I would have palpitations, migraine, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. So many times my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest. The symptoms would last for several hours, except for the palpitations. I went to work sick every day.

I told my oncologist my symptoms but he had no advice for me. My numbers were all over the board. After researching, I found out that certain foods increase platelets and guess what, they were my favorites, all dark leafy greens, amongst other things. So I cut all those out. My numbers dropped but I was still getting sick. I figured out that after taking the medication for so many years that my gut biome was depleted. I was right, so I started taking a pre and probiotic with every meal. All my symptoms disappeared within a month. I had forgotten what it felt like to be well.

If you can avoid the anagrelide, certainly do so, it’s more potent than the Hydrea.

Best, Phyllis

Hi Phyllis,
We live in the suburbs of Philadelphia and do not have a Mayo Clinic in our area. I see a regular hematologist who says my goal is 450 or less. As much as I hate Hydroxyurea I am very hesitant about Anagrelide as I have AFib. It seems some get palpitations taking it.

What was your experience with Anagrelide?

Thank you, Eileen

I started on 500 mg hydroxyurea back in April, taking one capsule daily. My platelet count was 636. Latest bloodwork showed a platelet count of 418, so my oncologist agreed to see if taking it every other day will keep the count down. I'm hoping that will minimize the side effects of headaches, brain fog, etc.

Wondering if anyone has experienced a venous stasis ulcer from taking Hydrea?

Phyllis

Eileen,
Is your hematologist from the Mayo Clinic?

I live in a small rural town and work for the local hospital. My oncologist said that the new standard low platelet count for ET is 600k. Anagrelide is a more potent drug than Hydrea. I know because I’ve been on both.

Injoy,
Phyllis

I also have headache issues with Hydroxyurea. I am now only taking 500:mg on Mon/Wed/Fri. I still have headaches but usually just mild. My platelets are down to 509 but my hematologist wants to get them lower. Some talk about Anagrelide. My next lab is in six weeks.

Best wishes, Eileen