Polycythemia Vera: Just been diagnosed

Posted by atir @atir, Nov 30, 2018

Have been diagnosed with polycythemia Vera recently, Any feed back

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@bharty615

<p>I was diagnosed with pv and put on hu plus baby asprin. Had a few phlebotomy done, ok foe a while also has cll which by some miracle is now in remission with no meds. My dr did a pbs and did not tell me results and now has done another. My cbc was very high platelets and high rbc. they had ne do a phletomy and since i did not hear from dr assume all is well. Does any one know if there is any hope for pv?</p>

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I have had pv for over a year and on hydroxyurea and blood thinners.In the beginning blood drops every week for 3 months and then numbers came down .from 12 hydroxyurea pills a week now down to 3 a week .It takes time for Doc to balance it all out.Be patient and take care.We all go through this and it is a pain.

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@bharty615

<p>I was diagnosed with pv and put on hu plus baby asprin. Had a few phlebotomy done, ok foe a while also has cll which by some miracle is now in remission with no meds. My dr did a pbs and did not tell me results and now has done another. My cbc was very high platelets and high rbc. they had ne do a phletomy and since i did not hear from dr assume all is well. Does any one know if there is any hope for pv?</p>

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My husband has been diagnosed with PV for 24 years. His has been treated with frequent phlebotomies and medication successfully. His oncologist keeps a close watch on his labs and reviews symptoms every 3 months. There are advances in treatment that can prolong life expectancy so I have learned to only review stats written within the last few years.

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<p>I was diagnosed with pv and put on hu plus baby asprin. Had a few phlebotomy done, ok foe a while also has cll which by some miracle is now in remission with no meds. My dr did a pbs and did not tell me results and now has done another. My cbc was very high platelets and high rbc. they had ne do a phletomy and since i did not hear from dr assume all is well. Does any one know if there is any hope for pv?</p>

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@wendy517

I couldn't agree more, Lori has and I know will continue to be a huge support to all of us, thank you Lori!
I was a blood donor for YEARS and when I found out I had the good "baby blood" it motivated me to give as much as possible. About 5 times a year, it was easy peasy for me, I'd fill the pint in less 10 mins and had no probs with walking out 10 mins later after a juice. That had kept my PV in check, who knew? Then we head to covid...no blood drains as I called them or now, jokingly, Vampire Visits 😉
Prior to the PV diagnosis, I went through a horrible gastrointestinal few months, lost close to 40 pounds and finally diagnosed myself with the help of my health coach with SIBO - ALL the years of goastro docs telling me I had IBS. Nope, had SIBO which is the #1 cause of IBS and here's the kicker - curable! I was kind of furious, I've had these issues since a kid. One bout of food poisoning can cause it, if you have IBS - research, read and I can give you books and podcasts to follow etc. I educated myself. Apparently gastrointestinal docs don't tell us this because most don't want to do the work involved to fix it, they want a pill. It's not easy but I had NO doubt I was putting in the work. I've healed my gut and can actually enjoy a cup of coffee now and then. Well worth the work to me, not for coffee at all, but for having a normal life.

Sorry for novel, moral of the story is, do your research, get in tune with your body, don't expect doctors to "fix you" but you need their guidance and advice. Push back with questions, ask them and be your own advocate.
I've been dealing with the fatigue and other not great side affects of PV, next BP spiked and it's looking like because I need to be more active....like I used to be and LOVE. I'm on a plan (thanks to my best friend) to build my endurance back up to go out west and ski for 2 weeks this winter. Of course that comes with not skiing like I used to ski and may need to get CBCs done and blood drawn, easy peasy. I will not give up what I love to do if at all possible and continue to live life to its fullest! I'm a young 60, my Dad is 88 and mom 83 (who ski's with me) and they don't run like they used to but kudos to them to always wanting to do the right thing health wise and keep active - body, mind & spirit. That's key.

End of novel....ps, I'm not reviewing so I'm sure tons of typos 🙃

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Good morning, Wendy. We are all part of a big family here in Connect, aren’t we? Some days I feel like that elderly auntie who sticks her nose in everyone’s business…just like my favorite Aunt Charlotte. But she was a fount of information, using her experiences and knowledge to help family, friends and community members. I learned a great deal from her and my mom. They were both helpers.

I remember watching an interview with Mr. Rogers.(Mr Roger’s Neighborhood) His mother told him in times of crisis or when you get scary news, 'Look for the helpers’.

So many members join Connect because they might be frightened of the unknown after receiving a diagnosis, they may need a shoulder for support or just to be able to talk with someone who has ‘been there’ and understands what they’re going through.
All the members in Connect can be helpers for each other. By sharing our stories, medical experiences, personal perspectives, coping skills, etc., we all play a vital role in supporting each other. We can offer hope to each other.

So thank you for sharing your story about perseverance in finding an answer to your health issues and what you’re doing to continue pushing forward each day by adapting and rolling with the punches! You never know how many people you may have helped or uplifted today…me being one of them. ☺️
Keep up with your endurance training! I hope you get back out west to ski this winter! I’m blown away that your mom, at 83, still skis!! I see where you get your tenacity!

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@chella65

Ms. Lori, you are such a gem!
I too have had some fear and believe fear is a good thing if it motivates not stagnates. Information is power, there are a lot of different views I think to fit different situations and we are all different and have different needs and treatments. Ms. Lori has been tremendously helpful and level-headed. I'm in a not know stage of PV. We can't find the cause so far, we have checked my stomach organs, and nothing significant. I found labs from 2015 where my RBC and HT were elevated if not high. So I've had it for a few years now. I've been referred to a cardiologist now and also referred to a sleep apnea test. I understand from my doctor that sleep apnea can cause this elevation. I know I have not slept well since my cervical injuries and surgeries in 2003 and 2006. So we are still looking for the cause and again if I understand correctly, if we don't find an obvious cause then I could still have PV and my body or bones or bone marrow could just be screwy. The issue is when you don't have a clear-cut gene-supportive diagnosis or have clear-cut damages. I've got damage but it's age-related or injury-related so I don't have a clear-cut PV result at least yet.
We have tried one phlebotomy to see how I respond to it. I just had that done this past Friday.
We are all different, and this disease is different and has variations and versions, and well not all is known about it either. There isn't necessarily a finite answer or diagnosis or treatment for all. I hope everyone finds that perfect individual treatment that makes them feel better and has a good doctor and support. If I can help anyone to listen....I'm here! slow sometimes but I'm here.
Thank you Ms. Lori for all your level and supportive words and all on this site. It gives me lots of resources and a comfort.

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I couldn't agree more, Lori has and I know will continue to be a huge support to all of us, thank you Lori!
I was a blood donor for YEARS and when I found out I had the good "baby blood" it motivated me to give as much as possible. About 5 times a year, it was easy peasy for me, I'd fill the pint in less 10 mins and had no probs with walking out 10 mins later after a juice. That had kept my PV in check, who knew? Then we head to covid...no blood drains as I called them or now, jokingly, Vampire Visits 😉
Prior to the PV diagnosis, I went through a horrible gastrointestinal few months, lost close to 40 pounds and finally diagnosed myself with the help of my health coach with SIBO - ALL the years of goastro docs telling me I had IBS. Nope, had SIBO which is the #1 cause of IBS and here's the kicker - curable! I was kind of furious, I've had these issues since a kid. One bout of food poisoning can cause it, if you have IBS - research, read and I can give you books and podcasts to follow etc. I educated myself. Apparently gastrointestinal docs don't tell us this because most don't want to do the work involved to fix it, they want a pill. It's not easy but I had NO doubt I was putting in the work. I've healed my gut and can actually enjoy a cup of coffee now and then. Well worth the work to me, not for coffee at all, but for having a normal life.

Sorry for novel, moral of the story is, do your research, get in tune with your body, don't expect doctors to "fix you" but you need their guidance and advice. Push back with questions, ask them and be your own advocate.
I've been dealing with the fatigue and other not great side affects of PV, next BP spiked and it's looking like because I need to be more active....like I used to be and LOVE. I'm on a plan (thanks to my best friend) to build my endurance back up to go out west and ski for 2 weeks this winter. Of course that comes with not skiing like I used to ski and may need to get CBCs done and blood drawn, easy peasy. I will not give up what I love to do if at all possible and continue to live life to its fullest! I'm a young 60, my Dad is 88 and mom 83 (who ski's with me) and they don't run like they used to but kudos to them to always wanting to do the right thing health wise and keep active - body, mind & spirit. That's key.

End of novel....ps, I'm not reviewing so I'm sure tons of typos 🙃

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@treeore

Lori, You have a good memory! My medical leash is longer, perhaps because the new doctor is of a different frame of mind, perhaps because my HCT levels have (as of last test) remained in good zone. My platelets swung right back up during this drug free interlude, but, as I have said before, my platelets have been that high for decades, so I am not so prone to freak-out. I consulted with a Mayo doctor, and he and the local oncologist agreed to try me on a much lower dose of Besremi. I was at 300 when the liver enzymes exploded up. I won't go back to that level. I hope the 100 will be more than maintenance, since my platelets still need taming. Perhaps duration will make the difference, time will tell.
So far I've only used my SUP board as a kayak, as all my local water sources had too much movement in them for a beginner. (My 22 year old can stand on it, tho!) I'm learning but being cautious, as I've lost some vigor through this PV ordeal. Don't want to paddle out and struggle to return to shore. It's been lovely out on the water, though, and the inflation process is good for upper body exercise, I warrant!
Be well, stay cool! It's going to be over 100 degrees F here in Oregon for quite a few days. Hopefully you are in a cooler zone.

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I’ve had to reduce levels of meds too to keep my temperamental liver happy. Sometimes that reduction is all it takes to treat the disease and keep all the organs chipper. ☺️.
I applaud your efforts on the paddle board! I wouldn’t be too keen on anything less than a lazy lake either. But sitting with feet dangling or paddling about ‘like a kayak’ would be fun and cooling. Oy, I’m not good with high temps anymore and tend to lose my cherub-like demeanor. Thankfully we’re struggling to reach 60 today and a light drizzle in the north woods of Wisconsin. Stay cool!! And best wishes going forward with your treatment! Keep us posted. ☺️

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Lori, You have a good memory! My medical leash is longer, perhaps because the new doctor is of a different frame of mind, perhaps because my HCT levels have (as of last test) remained in good zone. My platelets swung right back up during this drug free interlude, but, as I have said before, my platelets have been that high for decades, so I am not so prone to freak-out. I consulted with a Mayo doctor, and he and the local oncologist agreed to try me on a much lower dose of Besremi. I was at 300 when the liver enzymes exploded up. I won't go back to that level. I hope the 100 will be more than maintenance, since my platelets still need taming. Perhaps duration will make the difference, time will tell.
So far I've only used my SUP board as a kayak, as all my local water sources had too much movement in them for a beginner. (My 22 year old can stand on it, tho!) I'm learning but being cautious, as I've lost some vigor through this PV ordeal. Don't want to paddle out and struggle to return to shore. It's been lovely out on the water, though, and the inflation process is good for upper body exercise, I warrant!
Be well, stay cool! It's going to be over 100 degrees F here in Oregon for quite a few days. Hopefully you are in a cooler zone.

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@treeore

Hi Lori, I'm waiting to hear the results of a "financial aid" application for Besremi. I guess I'll go back on it staying at a low dose for as long a duration as possible, if the cost becomes reasonable. I think the oncologist suggested 100 mcg twice a month, watching blood counts monthly. (I'd been checked every two weeks up to this point.)
Glad your liver is well. My qigong teacher says "smile to your liver and it will smile back at you."

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Good morning, @treeore. I hope you’re able to catch a break with the cost of Besremi. When the insurance approval went through for one of my meds a few years back, the drug came from a specialty pharmacy. The person assigned to my case from the pharmacy mentioned that there were grants depending on income level. I didn’t meet the criteria but it was a substantial and appreciated break for anyone that was eleible. I know some of our specialty meds can come with a high price tag. So best wishes on that!

The good news, from what I’m reading, is that your leash is a little longer now from blood work? That’s a positive sign. Means your doctor is feeling comfortable enough with your blood numbers to give you a little more time between appts. When that started happening for me, I was a little nervous in the beginning but then began to realize it was a very good sign. ☺️
Is the 100 mcg dose you’ll take monthly less than what you were receiving previously? Is this more of a maintenance dosage?
I meant to ask, how did that SUP paddle board adventure/experience work turn out this summer??

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@loribmt

Hi @treeore! Thanks for the update and I’m glad to see your liver enzymes have returned to normal after being off the Besremi. That wasn’t one of my drugs, but through my treatments for AML, my liver was what took the hits too. Amazingly, it has regenerated and numbers are keeping my doctor happy. ☺️
Wow, that drug has a hefty monthly price tag. I really don’t know much about medicare…I’m on it but there was never a question about paying for my drugs. I hope you’re able to have that straightened out with the insurance company so you can get what you need. Thinking back, I do remember one drug I was on initially where I had to speak with my insurance case manager to get approval. It was $20,000 a month and she really went to bat for me. I was able to get the drug though there was a co-pay.
How do they give you something mistakenly 6 times?? LOL. It’s a relief the cancer center is waving the charges, as they should! 😳
So, what’s next for you then? Will you be taking hydroxyurea now?

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Hi Lori, I'm waiting to hear the results of a "financial aid" application for Besremi. I guess I'll go back on it staying at a low dose for as long a duration as possible, if the cost becomes reasonable. I think the oncologist suggested 100 mcg twice a month, watching blood counts monthly. (I'd been checked every two weeks up to this point.)
Glad your liver is well. My qigong teacher says "smile to your liver and it will smile back at you."

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Good morning, Keith. I have to confess that you and I are not on the same page with our opinions of the medical community. I have the utmost respect for my teams of hematologist oncologists and bone marrow transplant team. I learned to trust the research, data, and statistics behind the treatments I was given for my AML and the transplant. These people, the chemotherapy and drugs all served to give me a second chance at life. I am in a durable remission. I am 4 years post transplant, incredibly healthy, feeling as though nothing has ever happened…and back to no drugs or medications.

I truly do understand your consideration for not wanting your wife to take chemo or anything that isn’t a natural product. I lived my entire adult life following naturopathic guidelines. But unfortunately, life threw me a curveball and I ended up with a very aggressive form of leukemia. Bloodwork showed I had acquired 3 mutations which made it very difficult to treat and the odds were definitely not in my favor. This was nothing that naturopathic means could eradicate. So out came the big guns…serious chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant at Mayo Clinic. I was a poster child for big pharma…whom I’ve also learned to respect. Because those awful drugs, well, they are the reason I’m alive today!

I’m so sorry your wife is having to deal with a blood cancer because they can be complex. She’s tested positive for the JAK2 mutation which is the most common underlying cause for a myeloproliferative disorder. https://www.verywellhealth.com/jak2-mutation-5217909

I know you are trying to find alternative answers to spare her from having chemotherapy. Believe me…I really truly understand! But sometimes what we want is different than what is needed.
I hope that your wife’s new hematologist oncologist will help you understand that if your wife needs medication that you’ll both consider this for her sake and that you will learn to trust the education and years of experience the doctor has to offer.
The doctor may also suggest a bone marrow biopsy to get to the blood manufacture center of the body to see if your wife’s bone marrow is able to produce healthy blood products. I mentioned blasts in my previous reply. Those are immature white blood cells and are generally only found inside the marrow. If your wife’s blood work is showing any of these blasts in her peripheral blood that can be an indication for leukemia. So that would be important to find out. I know that you’re preferring to have blood run from an outside lab so you may want to mention that to them when you send the sample…to check for blasts.

I am here to be supportive and I’m genuinely concerned for you and your wife. So please don’t take anything I written to be contentious. I see that you’re earnestly researching and looking for answers for your lovely wife. No one wants to see their loved ones suffer. My husband was/is the same way. But after all was said and done, we learned to trust my doctors. They were my first line of defense against a disease that had me 9 toes and a toenail from pushing up daisies from the underside.
I’m here for you and will help answer any questions based on my education and experience throughout my blood cancer and transplant journey.
Was your wife having any symptoms that led to the discovery of her PV or was this discovered through a routine physical/blood work?

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