Hi, my nana has been diagnosed with Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') around a year ago now, she has been taking Hydroxycarbamide which she is having a break from For 6 weeks due to some side effects. She has now been given the option to have different medications which are anagrelioe or pegylated interfium, which is the best one for her to take?
Any advice appreciated please, thank
You
Hi @chloe.f
I’m sure other forum members will share their experiences with you. However, each journey and treatment is different for each individual so it’s best to talk this through with your nans medical team.
You may already have this information but if not, it might help to have a look through,
As I said in my other reply, the helpline is there if you need it and I’ve copied in the @BloodCancerUK_Nurses again as they may be able to offer more support and guidance.
Please keep us updated on how your nan is doing.
Nichola
Hi @chloe.f, and welcome to the forum - it’s great that you’re helping your nana find information and support.
Our lovely Forum Support Volunteer @Nichola75 is right that this is a question for her medical team, as the best option will depend on your nana’s individual health picture. Our community members can share their personal experiences of these medications, which can be really invaluable, but they’re not able to advise on what’s right for any individual (that’s why having the blood cancer nurses on the forum is so helpful!).
It’s worth knowing we also have resources specifically for people supporting someone with blood cancer - you can find them here - because it can be a lot to navigate as a family member too. We also have a lot of members who have lived experience of supporting someone with blood cancer, including another Forum Support Volunteer, @alisonnoble, who I’m sure will pop by to say hello.
And if either you or your nana would like to talk things through with someone, our Support Line is there for both of you - call for free on 0808 2080 888 (option 1) or email support@bloodcancer.org.uk. It’s staffed by the previously mentioned blood cancer nurses, and they’re wonderful.
Do keep us posted on how your nana gets on.
Take care,
Ceri - Blood Cancer UK Support Services
Hi @chloe.f Welcome to the forum 
I’m Alison, one of the Forum Support Volunteers, and I’ve supported a loved one with blood cancer myself (a different type), so while I can’t advise on the specific medications, I really relate to how hard it can be being on the carer side of things.
Something that often doesn’t get said enough is how much you’re carrying too. Trying to understand treatments, support your nana, stay positive, and manage your own emotions at the same time can feel overwhelming.
A few things I found helpful as a carer:
It’s completely normal to feel unsure, worried, or even a bit out of your depth at times. Supporting someone you love through this isn’t easy, and it’s okay to need support yourself too.
You’re already doing something really important by reaching out and being there for your nana. And you’re very welcome to keep posting here. There are lots of people who understand what it’s like from the carer side as well
If it helps, there are also some really supportive resources for people looking after someone with blood cancer as Ceri has signposted. I found it reassuring just having something to refer back to in my own time and have used these two a lot:
Blood Cancer UK (support for family & friends): https://bloodcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/
Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/
No pressure to look at these now, just there if and when it feels helpful.
What a brilliant reply @alisonnoble, thank you.