Jane has summed up my own feelings beautifully. A diagnosis such as ours really does sharpen your perspective, I not longer put things off, time has suddenly become precious and I no longer waste time on 'plastic people'. We all know them, time to slip away.
And as AgapeLove said, 'focus on what is truly meaningful'

Well Said! Thank you! 😊

Thank you so much for your heartfelt answer to my question. Hearing from others who are experiencing something similar, can be immensely helpful. Knowing others have been where you are and seeing how they deal with it can help me manage my own difficult feelings. Since being diagnosed recently I’ve also shifted my focus on what is truly meaningful. My faith in God is stronger since being diagnosed. I also try to be a better role model for my friends and family and help strangers in need even if it’s just giving them a big smile back. I see more good in the world than I use to. This MPN team is a testament to that!

Your question is truly thoughtful—it touches on something many people living with MPN go through but don’t always stop to reflect on.
Since my diagnosis, I do find myself getting tired more easily now, which makes me realize that my moments of feeling well are limited. Because of that, I try to use that time more intentionally—focusing on things that are truly meaningful and beneficial.I’ve started focusing on myself much more. When you become aware that time is finite, your perspective shifts. I choose to live more lightly and peacefully, and I no longer spend energy on things that don’t truly matter to my life.
I’ve also changed the way I approach learning. Before, I studied to perform better at work. Now, I learn to take better care of myself—both physically and mentally. I also prioritize rest more and try to listen to my body more carefully.
So thank you for asking this question—it helped me realize how much I’ve changed, in a meaningful way.

I was diagnosed with a MPN 35 years ago. For many years it had little impact as I was asymptomatic other than thrombocytosis. When the Et progressed to PV about 12 years ago, I had a huge spike in inflammatory and GI symptoms, My old hematologist missed the progression, so I was not properly treats for 5 years. Fortunately, there were no adverse effects from the misdiagnosis.

I have never had a single incident of thrombosis. I used to experience increased hemorrhage when my PLT > 800. The greatest impact has been the systemic inflammation that is part of MPN disease pathology. Sometimes treatment had more negative impact than the PV. Hydroxyurea was ineffective and caused unacceptable adverse effects. The adverse effects from phlebotomy-induced iron deficiency were worse than the PV symptoms. Fortunately, I have responded well to Besremi. I am maintaining hematological response and my quality of life has improved. My JAK2 VAF has dropped from 38% to 12%. I feel better now than I did a decade ago.

Wishing you success moving forward.