I got 4 opinions before I started hydrea

[Sunnylesser]

It’s a scary thought to be taking a chemo drug . I am 70 still running half marathons very active and did not want this in my body. Saw specialists in NY -MA -CT And they all said this drug should be called something else because it’s not a chemo drug like other drugs for cancer. The name scares everyone but it isn’t the same. I finally started three months ago along with phlebotomy and my counts are already within normal range and I can honestly say I have not had any side effects. They are even considering having me take it every other day now. I don’t want to have a stroke or heart attack and I am glad I sought out MPN specialists and heard the same words over and over.

Hope this information helps you. Thank all of you for your support along the way ! I appreciate all your responses !!!

Sunny

[hunter5582]

Glad to hear your are responding well to the HU. The good news is that if that ever changes there are more options. Hopefully we will be able to access Rusfertide before too long which should be a big improvement over phlebotomies and iron deficiency. The progress being made on MPN treatment is very encouraging.

[Mostew]

Good to hear you are having positive response. We just have to try and see. ..

[GrammyG]

Hi Sunnylesser. I was nervous to start Hydroxyurea, too, but had to take it to lower my platelets before surgery. Like you, my numbers normalized quickly and I had no side effects. I was so relieved to find it so much easier than I expected it would be.

Sounds like you’re in GREAT shape! Keep trekking!

[SueWhitt]

Hi. I've been taking Hydrea for a bit over 2 years now (I'm 66 with ET) with no side effects but massive improvement in my well-being. Six months ago , my bloods were so normal that my haem opted to reduce dose from 7 days per week to 5. I've just had a review of that and unfortunately my platelets have gone up considerably so it's Hydrea every day for me once again. I don't have a problem with that because it keeps me feeling so well and energetic. Hope it does the same for you.