Hi everone. I have been treated with hydroxycarbamide for Essential thrombocythemia (ET) for 8 years and am now being offered Busulfan to stabilise my platelet count. Has anyone else made this change and was it successful? I would appreciate learning about your experience.
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Hello @Hope3. Thank you for sharing your situation. I was diagnosed in 1992 with an Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) that had features of Myelofibrosis and Essential thrombocythemia (ET). At that time my platelet count was extremely high and I started taking Busulphan. It was effective in lowering my platelet count quite quickly but it did put me into an early menopause. I was warned that this could happen but even my haematologist was surprised at how rapid this was. I was in my thirties at the time. My disease has now transformed to Myelofibrosis and I no longer have high platelets. I took Hydroxycarbamide for many years with not too many problems. I wish you well. Willow x
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Thank you for your reply Willow. The hydroxycarbamide worked well for me for years but it is now proving difficult to keep the platelet/hb balance, hence the change to Busulfan. The early menopause must have been a stressful time for you but will not be an issue for me due to my age. I think I will go ahead with the drug and hope I can avoid other side effects.
Best wishes to you Willow. You have my admiration for your fighting spirit against your illness.
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Thank you @Hope3 for your kind words. I wish you well as you switch to Busulphan. Willow x
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