- Essential Thrombocythemia
- Interviews
Liz's interview
How did all start?
My brother's ET had evolved into Myelofibrosis and his treatment was not going well. It was determined that he would have a stem cell transplant and I would be the donor. My stem cells were tested positive.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
My diagnosis was the result of a bone marrow test, preliminary to be a stem cell donor for my brother, not the result of a blood test indicating high platelets.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I see a hematologist semi-annually, blood tests every 2 months.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Hydroxy urea.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
I have not had difficulties.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
No change
What things have you stopped doing?
Nothing really
What do you think about the future?
I don't worry, since life expectancy is said to be normal, but it concerns me that my brother (Myelofibrosis) and mother (leukemia) both passed away at the age of 63. I just turned 64. I seriously consider their early deaths the result of chemo, not the disease.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
I have thoroughly enjoyed retirement for the last 10 years.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I don't feel restricted by the disease, so far.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Pleasant and mostly stress free.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
I would advise to follow their doctor's direction.
