Hi Everyone, I apoligize for taking so long about updating this page.  Actually, I am doing very well.  About 3 months ago, my doctor said he was going to take me off of Hydrea and treat me with aspirin only.  My platelets have been consistently at around the 600′s.  The range for normal is below 400.  The reason he didn’t do it is because I had some squamous cell cancer on top of my nose and surgery was scheduled to have it removed.  He said that there may be too much bleeding and that is why he did not  take me off the Hydrea.  I have an appointment next week to see him.  We will see what happens.  I have always felt that stress plays an important part in this disease and I have had a lot of stress in my personal life during the last three months.  For most people my problems would be minor, but for me they are major.  I worry about everything.  If my platelets are up, I will know why.

When my doctor first told me that he was thinking about taking me off the Hydrea, I felt a little uneasy.  I have been taking it for so long that it worries me a little that my platelets may jump way up when I go off of it.  But I guess one would never know unless they give it a try.  Although my doctor did not say this, I think that after a while one’s body adapts to what is consistent.  Does that make sense?   I’ll be posting again after my next doctor’s appointment next week.  Everyone, please take care and God bless all of you.  Kanetta