Essential Thrombocytosis - what's your experience with Jakifi?

I am 74, diagnosed 3 years ago. Only on one baby aspiring daily. But, my itching burning skin is getting almost unbearable on some days. Dr says Jackifi is a new drug, and has good results in stopping the itching but my insurance immediately rejected paying for it. The office will appeal the decision but I really don’t want to take a chemo drug. I think it would be trading the itchy skin for side effects of chemo drug. For now, I have elected not not to take it. Platelets are 526.
How do we manage this itching? And, what will Jackifi do for me?
Susanflower