Blood cancer

[kp27kathleen]

Is ET cancer or not?

[Swede]

HI,

I think this question has been asked by everyone and yes it is.

[kp27kathleen in reply to Swede]

Thank you I'm kind of new

[Rachelthepotter]

Yes. Its a chronic blood cancer.

Rachel

[Elab]

Yes it is def blood cancer. Been diagnosed this year as well.

[BloodZero]

The definition of cancer is "a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body."

So by that I would say yes it is.

[kp27kathleen]

Thanks so much. When I have to fill in forms I needed to know for sure. Oh rats!!

[socrates_8]

Hey Kathleen...

Welcome to our little community...

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO):

MPNs were called Myeloproliferative Diseases until 2008 when the World Health Organization reclassified them as blood cancers and renamed them Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

There are three main types of MPNs:

Polycythemia vera (PV)

Essential thrombocythemia (ET)

Myelofibrosis (MF)

Certain leukemias, including chronic myelogenous leukemia, are also now considered Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

Although myeloproliferative neoplasms can pose health risks, people with these conditions often live for many years after diagnosis. The choice of treatment and how well it works depends largely on the type of MPN.

Hope this helps...

Steve

(Sydney)

[chrissie1959]

Yes it is blood cancer ,you can get a form from your doctor of hemotolgy for free prescriptions too x

[Ebot]

It is (as you know by now). But don’t panic! It’s chronic not acute. MPNers live for years! Useful though for free prescriptions (UK) and Critical Illness Cover claims and protection under disability discrimination legislation. Less helpful with regards to travel insurance etc. But we have ways and means around that one so just ask! All the best.

[Meatloaf9 in reply to Ebot]

Can you really get free prescriptions if you have a ET diagnosis? Or PV or MF?

[Ebot in reply to Meatloaf9]

You most certainly can! There is a form (it has a number - don’t ask me which one!). Your GP surgery / pharmacy should have a stash or check the NHS website. You may need it signed by your haem, it depends how amenable your GP is. You’ll get a little exemption card. It applies to all prescribed meds not just the ones you take for your MPN.

[111xxx888 in reply to Ebot]

IS THIS AVAILABLE IN THE USA

[Ebot in reply to 111xxx888]

No idea. But I’m not sure whether any healthcare is ‘free’ in the USA??? Am sure us Brits are thanking our lucky stars for the NHS.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to Ebot]

it is FP92A form

[Mackydee123 in reply to Ebot]

Is there an equivalent for dental?

[Ebot in reply to Mackydee123]

There was an exchange earlier and the answer seems to be ‘no’. Dental charges apply as usual.

[Mackydee123 in reply to Ebot]

Thanks

[lavender007 in reply to Ebot]

Insurance from MIA covers all chronic conditions and not expensive, this company is managed by people who themselves have chronic illnesses.Check them out I have had great assistance from them.Good luck

[Elab]

U can pick the form up from your gp surgery.( no need to book an appointment) Fill it in and give it back to reception desk. I have done it last week.

U still need to pay for your dental appointments.

[Wyebird]

Yes. Definitely x

[Tico]

WHO,the world health organization,defines it as a "myeloprolifertive neoplasm,therefore a blood cancer.but unfortunatley some drs are so ill informed about this rare condition that a lot of us wait ages for a diagnosis.then some drs refuse to believe a lot of the terrible symptoms we suffer with r all in our mind.that's why being on a great well informed site like this with people going through the same will bring u some comfort & feel like u r amongst friends.all the best & remember think positive u r not alone.x tico.