Welcome to the forum @Mandylee73 and @daveinleics and hello again @SBgsy, really sorry to read of your Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') diagnoses. I’ll just add the Blood Cancer UK information about Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') here for you, should you fancy a read: Essential thrombocythaemia | Blood Cancer UK
Isn’t it interesting how varied the treatments can be even with a similar diagnosis? In 2023 I was diagnosed with Polycythaemia vera ('PV') which is very closely related to Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') as they’re types of Myeloproliferative neoplasms ('MPN'), and funnily enough @daveinleics I also take aspirin and hydroxyurea and have occasional phlebotomy.
I know exactly what you mean about pin cushion skin! If it’s any comfort my haematologist likes to remind me that he’s trying to free me from phlebotomy. Perhaps it’ll be the same for you. I found that once my medicine slowed down the blood cell overproduction I needed phlebotomy far less. Perhaps you’d like to read about Myeloproliferative neoplasms ('MPN'): What are myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN)? | Blood Cancer UK
It may be of interest to read about the different gene mutations that are linked to Essential thrombocythemia ('ET'), usually JAK2 and CALR: What is essential thrombocythaemia (ET)? | Blood Cancer UK
If any of you would like to find others living with Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') just use the search box at the top or Related Topics below. I know there’s a lovely thread of folks who share their experiences here: ET diagnosis finally sinking in
Do please keep us posted abut how you get on.