Donna is
Blood Cancer United

I was diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia (ET), a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), following a routine blood test. 

I was 58 years old and diagnosed on my birthday. I was devastated and very concerned as to how I would tell my two young adult children, whom I have been a single parent to for the majority of their lives. I sought high-level professional help and was referred to a local oncologist who encouraged me to get a second opinion after genetic testing revealed the JAK2 mutation. I have been a patient at MD Anderson in Houston from the beginning, and I get my blood workup to stay on top of this situation. 

I stay active by working out at Orangetheory three times per week and recently completed Marathon Month. I teach classical dance classes and am a commodity broker by trade. I am a national radio personality on Sirius XM Rural Radio and have never had any specific symptoms other than tingling in my toes. 

I currently take 500mg of hydroxyrea alternating one and two pills daily with 81 mg of aspirin. I feel very blessed and am thankful for my ability to continue to live a full and active life. The support of my oncologist, MD Anderson staff, as well as the voices of MPN website and Blood Cancer United, have been invaluable and truly appreciated. Education and being proactive about my health have truly kept me going, along with the prayers of many. Thank you for this organization and platform.