Essential Thrombocythemia

Following a BMB, I was diagnosed with ET in 2012 and treated with daily varying doses of chemotherapy hydroxyurea and aspirin.  Following a change from hydroxy to pegasus interferon 18 months ago, which I had a horrible reaction to, I was taken off all chemo and told that they would keep an eye on my red cell count every six months.

Today, following a further BMB, I have been told that I do not have ET. No explanation given other than tests today are more conclusive than 14 years ago. I am obviously concerned about the long term effects of 13 years of chemo and why on earth I was diagnosed in the first place. 

I guess I’d just like to know if this outcome is common or have I just been very unlucky with the level of care from the outset. 

  • Hi JaniceFiona, 

    What a shock it must have been for you to find out after another bone marrow biopsy that you do not have Essential Thrombocythemia. I can imagine that being told that tests today are more conclusive than 14 years ago will have made you wonder whether you had ET in the first place. You should definitely share these concerns with your medical team and ask them whether they can shed some light on this, that you want to know whether this is a common occurrence and what the long term effects of having had 13 years of chemotherapy might be. 

    I hope that you find out more about this soon as you certainly deserve clarity on this matter and if you would like to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses and get their thoughts and suggestions on this, feel free to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Perhaps other members of our forum have been in a similar place and I hope that they will be along shortly to share their story with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator