radiation/chemotherapy

[Planting]

I have been on hydroxyurea for 7 years. I now have to have 5 weeks of chemo radiography for another condition which means stopping the hydroxy for 8 weeks. My haematologist has taken a sabbatical and I am awaiting the views of his replacement who I do not Know. I have choices of the radiation or a major op ( bowel removal with no reversal) and wonder which would be the better option. Has anyone any experience of chemo/ radiation and coming off hydroxy? This is taking over my life at the moment and I need to get on with it. I am 81 and fit. I’d be grateful for any help

Planting

[hunter5582]

I would suggest consulting with a MPN Specialist about this question. A random hematologist may not have the expertise you need. mpnforum.com/tsr-the-list/

As a matter of course, I would opt for options other than a resection of the bowel if there were other options. It is unlikely that stopping the HU for a period of time would be an issue, particularly if you will be on other chemotherapy. However, you will need to consider your treatment goals, risk tolerance, and preferences for your desired approach.

Wishing you all the best

[Planting in reply to hunter5582]

ThAnkyou Hunter. Your advice is much appreciated. The cancer is a T1 so it has been diagnosed early and has been cut out. The radiation/ chemo is to deal with one lymph node and I have refused a bowel resection. My haematologist is on a Sabbatical for a year so I was waiting for someone else at the haematology to give me some info. It is holding up radiation at the moment. Your advice is reassuring thankyou

[jointpain]

I'm sure that the doctors will keep an eye on your platelet numbers while this is going on, maybe Anagrelide could be used for the eight weeks? If your platelets rise too much they will probably give you Heparin or similar. All the best.

[Planting in reply to jointpain]

ThAnkyou. That’s very reassuring. Just waiting for Maemo’s before starting treatment