http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/ Question1188233.html

[horseshoes]

Reporting back It was results day today. I have primary thrombocythaemia caused by a gene that seems to have gone bonkers! It seems it's on the first step of the leukaemia spectrum. Not cureable but manageable, so now I'm taking oral chemotherapy. Had a little cry, but I'm being pragmatic (or at least I'm trying to be), and I'm telling myself - it could be worse:-)))

[horseshoes]

I will Owd, and I appreciate them all. X

[seadogg]

My admiration and best wishes horseshoes. Having reached the age when these things can happen its good to see you being positive and engaging with friends.

[yogi-bear]

Oh horseshoes, i'm so sorry about your news, be strong if you can, and am glad it is manageable....we are ALL here for you, if you need us at all, and someone to talk too at any time.

Hugs and love to you, my dear sweet man. x ( a man peck ok? )

[DTCwordfan]

try hitting horseshoes' avatar, yogi......rofl!

[marval]

I am sory to hear your news horseshoes, but I am glad you will still be with us.xx

[yogi-bear]

Oh crikey....:(


In that case, come here, you lovely minx...........pucker up XXXXXX :0)

[DTCwordfan]

horseshoes will be wetting her feet with that, if I know her, yogi; take heart!

[horseshoes]

LOL LO LOL Yogi:-)

I'm puckered. In fact I'm SO puckered that I'm off to bed:-)))

Night night all, and thanks. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[yogi-bear]

Night sweetie xxxxx

[marval]

Good night, sweet dreams.xx

[askyourgran]

Big hugs horseshoes x

[Euphemia]

My thoughts are with you, Horseshoes. I know what you are going through but you'll keep cantering on! xx

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

I'm not going to lie to you, chemo is tiring work, but you will find genuine love and support from almost everyone involved and beyond. It can restore your faith in human nature that's for sure.
Cry if you want. Break your heart over it if you want. It's all part of accepting it.
I wish you all the good health in the world and the very best of luck with your treatment. It's amazing these days.
Oh and take the free wig. I recommend the silver Gary Glitter number ;)

[chrissa1]

Best wishes horseshoes. ((hugs))

[DTCwordfan]

actually on that one, Mojo, a friend of mine on private avoided the loss of hair, using an ice bucket head immersion for 45 mins before every chemo session (she was tertiary breast). She said it was more painful than the chemo effects but worth it, keeping her hair (aged 49 at the time) - just a loss of brunette sheen that has since come back.

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

Yeah I was offered that DT but I really hate being cold and anyway, I look great bald. :)

[DTCwordfan]

Sinead O Connor look like - I'm on my way over............

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

...gets the pledge out.

[lady-janine]

very siorry to hear this horseshoes. always here for you if you need to have a chat about anything or even just a moan. ts of hugs (((((())))) with both arms.xx

[LazyGun]

Sorry to hear your news Horseshoes - Cannot be easy having such a diagnosis confirmed, but take support and comfort from family and friends.

From your information, it sounds like it was Essential Thrombocythaemia as a consequence of a misfunctioning JAK2 gene, which accounts for around 50% of the cases.
It is a chronic myeloproliferative disease, but it does tend to develop slowly, and has a minimal impact on lifespan.

One of the things they will be keen to treat is issues around blood clotting, so if you are not already on it, I would imagine they will be prescribing enteric asprin and/or warfarin. in an effort to reduce the risk of blood clots.

And as you say, oral chemotherapy - usually hydroxycarbamide. which generally has side effects that would be classed as mild.

Definitely manageable. Fingers crossed....