Don’t look at your new diagnosis as a death sentence. It isn’t! With treatment even at a fairly young age, most people can lead a productive and active life. Study all you can about MPNs and stay informed. Be as active as possible, drink lots of water, and keep a positive attitude.

I know there is lots of controversy about telling your children about your cancer, but let me tell you my story. I have been diagnosed with ET and will see an MPN expert soon. My mother died of AML in 1960, and my family refused to tell my brother and me before she died. She just went to the hospital and never returned. I am, at 75, still dealing with that fact, as is my brother. I never knew how sick she was, and never had the opportunity to say goodbye. I will not do that to my children - they are in the loop, whatever happens. My way of coping is to find out everything I can about this disease and see the best doctors I can find.

Go to the best hem/onc expert you can.

Gosh Shelley, you have a lot on your plate with your health and a young family. Who told you about the 8 years and what was that based on? I know it is hard to settle but anxiety and stress aggravate our bodies. Easier said than done. Remember the Lord dictates our time. My husband should not be around given his diagnosis but we both place our lives in Gods hands. HE is the director of your life. Try to sit and rest in Him. Do not look at circumstances but find your peace resting in His almighty power. I also have not told my kids. They are all adults but my daughter just had her first baby, my son just got engaged. I don't want them worried until they have to be. I want them living life without being concerned about me every day. Maybe you could explain that your blood is out of whack and that and the medication causes you to be very tired. You will know what is best. Check out alternative therapies as well. Do not despair. Chris Wark with square one and Joe Tippens with My Cancer Story Rocks. God bless you xxxxx

You’ve come to the right place for information, support from people who are and have been going through the fear of being diagnosed with something that sounds like a death sentence. My advice to to practice taking some deep breaths every time you get into a spiral of fear, and then to come here to begin reading all of the wonderful resources that will help you immensely in learning about these diseases. We never stop learning here, and there is always someone posing a question that you yourself have been wondering about, followed by many people then chiming in with some valuable tips to make our lives easier.