ET and now Prostate Cancer

[Stephen399b]

I was diagnosed in 2016 with ET Jak2+. I have been on HU and clopidogrel (asprin did not agree with me) and have platelets under steady control.

As part of my routine blood test (and as I have just turned 70) I had a PSA test, which was high and have Prostate cancer diagnosis. My haemo and the urologist and oncologist all seem to working well together and I am just starting on hormone therapy.

I am just wondering if any others on this site have same problem and any tipadvice or experiences? Otherwise I am fit and active, but pretty fed up with 2 forms of cancer now.

Stephen

[Trueblue8]

Hi Stephen,I was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 5 years ago, thankfully it's only stage 1 at the moment. 2 years ago I had a routine scan to check for signs of progression. This showed up a possible lesion, which meant I had to have a trans perennial biopsy done under GA. As part of the pre op assessment I had bloods taken, which showed high platelets.

I was then referred to Haematology and following more tests and a few weeks wait, I was diagnosed with ET JAK2 pos!

I take 1000/500 hydroxycarbamide alternate days plus aspirin.

My prostate cancer is closely monitored with 3 monthly bloods as is my ET.

ET side effects are fatigue, occasional dizziness, lower limb bone pain and rash flare ups from time to time.

I've had the odd moments of thinking 'why me' but I hadn't had the biopsy they might not have found the high platelets, which potentially made me a ticking time bomb for a stroke.

My biggest worry moving forward is ET progression to MF and for that reason I've asked to have my care transferred to the RD&E in Exeter, where there is a MPN specialist.

I hope this helps

Regards

Ian

[Stephen399b in reply to Trueblue8]

Sorry Ian

Only just caught up with this. Well at least there are 2 of us. I am starting hormone therapy and one issue they are trying to avoid is having chemo, as this would conflict with the hydroxycarbamide.

Certainly worth finding a good haemo. I have one here in Worcester.

As you say, I do think 'why me' as I have always been fit and active and still work. Had covid as well after Christmas which was horrible, but compared to many not too bad. Just completely wiped out for a couple of weeks. Anyway we'll crack on and look forward to some sunshine

Take care

Stephen

[Camelian in reply to Stephen399b]

Hi StephenI too have 2 cancer's pv and Lymphoma diagnosed following a BMB which was done to find out if my then ET had changed to PV, which it had.

I was really scared when I was told the news and then went through a period of almost feeling numb like it wasn't real. My hemotologist spent time trying to reasure me that although both cancer's were not curable they were treatable. I'm thankful to my hemotologist for taking the time he did to try and ease my fears, he said there are lots of people who are managing 2 or 3 or 4 other conditions like, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol etc etc and he said think of it in those terms it's another condition and one that can be managed -that helped me a lot and I felt lucky I only have the 2 conditions to manage. I still get days when I'm really scared of what the future may hold and I sometimes feel alone like I don't fit in the mpn group or the Lymphoma group as I have both and I haven't managed to find a group for both, however what I do is try to bring myself into the present and I remind myself of all the things I'm grateful for that always helps me. I'm very sorry to hear you also had covid but it's good you're feeling better now. Take care.