- Essential Thrombocythemia
- Interviews
Caroline's interview
How did all start?
Needed bloods done for surgery, and platelets elevated; kept rising so a JAK2 taken
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Probably 3 months. Looking back all the symptoms fitted
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Haematology, formal diagosis just 2 weeks ago
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Aspirin
What have been your biggest difficulties?
In the back of my mind is the word, cancer.
The terrible frequent 'silent' migraines
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I havent told my 3 adult children. Wondering whether I should, as they ll focus on the 'c' word
What things have you stopped doing?
Nothing
What do you think about the future?
Im not sure. Depression is a huge part of my life, I dont really look ahead
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The early years of raising my children. I had energy then
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
It hasnt affected me greatly as yet
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Difficult with depression
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Its not a death sentence!
