Blood Cancer

[tey_joanne_1984]

Is ET, CARL positive consider blood cancer? I saw other patient from the other forum mentioned this is one type of blood cancer. But if i am not mistake, i remember my heamotologist told me this is not CANCER~~~ Can anyone answer my question?

[mol56]

I have E.T. calr positive , jak negative. I asked the same question of my consultant when I was diagnosed 11 years ago.

Her reply was that yes, it was but is a chronic form of blood cancer.

This was before the world health organisation changed the name of these conditions from blood disorders to blood cancers.

There is very good information explaining this much better and more accurately than I can, that can be got from MPN Voice. Ask Maz on this forum.

Most importantly, don't panic at the word Cancer. It is just a word. I have managed with E.T. quite well, adjusting my lifestyle a little and trying to be positive about things.

[tey_joanne_1984]

It seems like so scary when i saw this sickness is CANCER.... i felt very very sad now...

[Aime in reply to tey_joanne_1984]

Hi Joanne, the word used to describe our condition makes no difference to living with it and dealing with it. I have only had PV since 2012 but many other forum members have had ET, PV, MF for ages and are still here. They will tell you better themselves. Being classed as a cancer means you get free prescriptions if you live in England and critical illness policies pay out. There is always a positive to every negative.

Follow the advice already given and look at the MPN Voice website and contact Maz the editor with any medical questions. Keep in touch with this forum, you will get loads of support from people who understand what you are going through. Kindest regards Aime xx😺

[piggie50 in reply to Aime]

Hi Aime,

I was obviously typing at the same time as you! Ha Ha!

Hope you are ok?

Judy xx

[Aime in reply to piggie50]

Yes not bad thank you. PV is behaving, arthritis isn't but at least I'm 50% lucky. How are you? Aime xx😺

[piggie50 in reply to Aime]

Ok PV wise but I slipped on the ice two weeks ago and fractured my elbow, so off work at the moment. I am starting to be able to move it now and the pain is less so onwards and upwards...

Xx

[Aime in reply to piggie50]

Ouch! Take care of yourself.xx Aime 😺

[funnyfeet]

I too have ET, I was only diagnosed last November and I have been led to believe it is NOT a cancer. I read that the WHO classified it as a Neoplasm but it wasn't strictly a form of cancer. Really confused now!

[piggie50 in reply to funnyfeet]

I don't normally get involved with this discussion, Maz is the expert at explaining it, but, the fact that it is now classed as a neoplasm (cancer) not disorder has enabled everyone in the UK with a mpn, to apply for free perscriptions, which I did before turning 60 and many people to claim on their critical illness policies. Most insurance companies now agree it is a cancer and pay out.

Best regards

Judy

[funnyfeet in reply to piggie50]

Hi, yes I read that but I also read that although it was classified as cancer for insurance purposes (as you say,) It wasn't actually cancer..........

So my question still is, is it being classified as cancer or are they now saying it IS cancer.

Sorry if I'm being slow here, I just need clarification.

thans.

Karen. X

[Hidden]

I never tell anyone I have cancer. It's too melodramatic plus I've seen too many people who are fighting serious battles with different types of cancer. In England it will help you get free prescriptions.

Maybe I'm lucky not to have too many symptoms from the disease. I know it can cause serious complications if not treated properly but I would not get too caught up by a label. It's still the same illness as before the WHO reclassified it as a neoplasm.

[BeckyM4]

I have PV, and have finally gotten the answer to that question myself- Yes, PV is a form of blood cancer. From what I've read, but I could be mistaken, ET is also considered cancer. I was a mess for a few weeks after I heard the "C" word. I have gotten past it, and realized that I am actually lucky that I'm not worse off. I have symptoms, but they are being managed as well as possible at the moment. My brother-in-law fought Hodgkin's Lymphoma this past year. We talked a lot about what it means to have cancer and dealing with the social aspect. I told him I felt terrible complaining about my situation when he was battling full-blown cancer. He told me "cancer is cancer, and there is no one kind worse than another" as far as he's concerned. Gotta love him! In other words, when it's happening to you, it's bad enough. No one understands what you are going through better than yourself. Keep your chin up! I won't say "stay strong", because we all need to break down once in a while. And that's ok!

I've rambled long enough! Learn all you can and stick to your guns about a second opinion!

[Hidden]

I had same my heam told me its not Cancer, im ET jak 2 pos ,i wonder why some same yes and some say No to cancer !

My own Gp told me its a form of cancer!! i guess anything that involves cells s to grow abnormal is Cancer but stays in bloodstream ? regards Holly

[BeckyM4 in reply to Hidden]

One of my doctors told me basically: old timers stick with the "not cancer" answer, while younger doctors go along with "yes", since the WHO changed it's name to Neoplasms. I wish everyone would get on the same page!!