Being Diagnosed with a RARE Blood Cancer: "My Symptoms Were Easy to Ignore" | Nick's Story

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Nick almost didn't get the physical that eventually led to his cancer diagnosis of polycythemia vera (PV), a rare, chronic blood disorder. He had always been relatively healthy but he decided to take the day off to get a work-sponsored annual physical. After the exam, some numbers were flagged in his blood work and he knew something was off when the doctor wouldn't share his results over the phone.
In this story he shares the journey of his day-to-day life living with a rare blood cancer, the emotional and mental toll of his diagnosis and the importance of seeking and seeing an MPN specialist.
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[@user-mg8tw7yo4f]

Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocytosis, and Myelofibrosis '' Being the most serious are a group of Blood malignancies called '' Myeloproliferative Neoplasm'' I had ET, and it transformed into Myelofibrosis. When waiting for my Bone Marrow Transplant, I was lucky enough to also develop Acute Leukemia. It has been 3 years since my Bone marrow Transplant, and still free of cancer.

[@ThePatientStory]

So glad you are still NED - thank you for sharing your own experience. -Stephanie

[@shaynarich6635]

Im so worried about this? How was the transplant process?

[@user-mg8tw7yo4f]

@@shaynarich6635 Everyone is different. I developed Sepsis, but the hospital is well equipped to deal with that. Took me a year to fully recover actually. You will have no immune system for some time. I don't know what your situation is.

[@ChokkaraManisha]

I have chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm should I worry about it ?

[@russrandolph]

Im going in for a lymph node biopsy soon. Im pretty scared but God is with me. Im more scared for my loved ones then myself. Thank you for discussing your experiences. God bless you and your family.

[@adhdnatedog]

My Mrs just had one 6weeks ago she had no time to wait they told her on Friday and biopsy Monday! They only told her after she may not get complete feeling back ! Her blood cancer turned out to be a rare blood cancer called plch

[@adhdnatedog]

Good luck to you 🙏

[@reninmohan2303]

How are you now?

[@lauraw3338]

I was diagnosed with P. Vera back in 2002. It’s now been 23 years and going strong. I only have a pint of blood drawn once a year to 1 1/2 years. Your body adjusts. I’ve had a World Authority doctor at Johns Hopkins who told my hematologist where my numbers needed to be here in Virginia. It is difficult getting the diagnosis but you learn where your blood levels need to be.

[@marconiki6302]

Which test do you recommend to do? Strange symptoms here...

[@francoisperez4046]

You seem so young ??? How high were u number how old are u now ? Thanks

[@Matty12787]

@@francoisperez4046 I don't think cancer discriminates by age anymore. I was diagnosed a month before my 36th birthday with leukemia but after 12 months of testing, it turned out to be P. Vera.

[@dorotaskrzypczak5609]

Thank you for sharing your story. I’m your PV sister and I share all your worries. Stay safe.

[@ThePatientStory]

Hi there! I would love to learn more about you - if you're interested in it, please fill out our Intro Survey: thepatientstory.typeform.com/to/OJfTUC. Thank you so much! -Stephanie

[@carolyn85930]

Nick your kind and forthright personal discussion is so much appreciated.

[@bobs1356]

Shirley here, just saw your video. Cancer scares me. It why is it always the good people get it. U look healthy and strong u will get through it.

[@meganjarvis7970]

Don't feel bad, I had a GP, she waited so long, I was near death by the time she sent me to oncologist. My sister is RN, read all the blood work to her, she stated my doctor waited so long that I was walking on death's door..... doctor couldn't keep taking blood otherwise she'd be walking on the court system from my family. Luckily my oncologist took my situation much more aggressively than my GP. The family practitioner just kept taking blood test after blood test and couldn't figure things out. Then she made stupid joke that I was her only patient with polycythemia vera. How dare her make jokes after near killing me. 🤔😳😡 You're blessed you have a wonderful wife that had the common sense to set you on the correct path. Blessings to both of us, and others with this crazy illness. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@bobbyhousley9877]

Describing me exactly. Severe pain. Tired. Itching. Push myself just to keep going.

[@marks8052]

that last sentence is key

[@Dannsandiego]

What an excellent speaker and ambassador for the channel. Thank you, Nick, for being so thoughtful and forthcoming.

[@jamiebee408]

I was diagnosed with PV four months ago. Thank you for spreading awareness. This was a great interview, good luck to you on your journey!

[@ThePatientStory]

Jamie, so glad you found Nick's story helpful! If you want to become part of our PV community and perhaps share your story → www.thepatientstory.com/share-your-story/

[@pvwhatsup8539]

Great interview! I relate to much of Nick's feelings/experiences. Diagnosed 5 years ago Jak2 positive ago at 49 yo. PV is so much more than just monitoring labs. Fatigue and other symptoms are often invisible, you don't look sick, yet you can feel horrible. I often feel I'm not managing the disease but rather "tolerating" it. Enjoy your videos Stephanie, great job!

[@francoisperez4046]

How high were u numbers ?

[@bungeyedsniper1391]

Great interviewer loved how she dived into his responses and wanted more detail out of his answers. Great questions great answers. Thank you both

[@bohochic2459]

Stephanie is incredible! She is such a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul. 🌷💐🩷

[@user-gf3ln6bs9x]

22 years with PV definitely relate to this gotta stay up and busy

[@ThePatientStory]

We would love to get to know you better especially if you'd like to share your own PV story - if so, please message me at [e-mail]. Thank you so much.

[@gillmiller3702]

Thank you for sharing I’ve just been diagnosed with PV at 69.

[@Matty12787]

I was diagnosed 16 months ago with Leukemia and after 12 months of test after test they diagnosed me with Polycythemia, I have never gone looking for videos about it and somehow this video came up in my feed!? This video has helped a lot! Hearing from another person with all the same symptoms and then the diagnosis part to the thinking I'm going to die, the depression, my kids etc. Gives me a little hope, thankyou.

[@rlove3222]

Diagnosed 20 years ago when they knew nothing about PV in my area. Re-diagnosed 10 years ago when symptoms couldn’t be ignored any longer. It’s exhausting.

[@aarhav9193]

Did you had symptoms 20 years ago?

[@francoisperez4046]

How old are you and were you at diagnosis

[@kimrucklos5608]

My sister was just diagnosed. She is currently in a hospital due to her anxiety and depression. I don’t know how to help her but listening to this helped me to understand

[@Fireguy65]

Fortunately, this is a cancer that is incredibly manageable. If she does phlebotomies and monitors it she will have a normal life. Hopefully her anxiety is eased, I know how it feels.

[@user-zw7mh6iv8p]

Wow! What an honest testimony. Thank you and good luck

[@jaslady22]

Thank You, Nick, for telling MY story and yours! The fatigue, is SO deep (Yes, bone deep)! The mental confusion over: is this real, or is this all in my head, is also real! The doubts the denial, the okay, what CAN I do? When family just thinks you are coming up with excuses to not be with them, when it is SO exhausting and just breathing is an effort, they don't GET THAT! My adult son has this, yet we don't have the JAK2 gene, so this is even baffling? Finding out our blood type after our blood donation, he seems to have a doctor who quickly recommended for him to have phlebotomy. Meanwhile, I see an oncologist and it's been wait and see for the last 8 years! Frustrating, that nothing is done, so I walk away, thinking, this was not really real or no big deal? Without being an alarmist and trying NOT to panic, finding a reasonable happy medium? Not treating a patient, is doing harm! Doctor hopping, seems to be my history, until I've realized, I have SEVERAL RARE conditions, none of which ANY doctor is familiar with and the so called experts have ONLY seen 1 other patient in 50 yrs. of their practice offers me NO hope that any of them know ANYTHING! I'm in this alone to figure it out. It's easier to face this alone, as it seems we are figuring it out, as we go. The Journey is before us, to be kind to one another, because one ever realizes what the other is dealing with? Blessings in the Journey!

[@michelles9897]

thank you Nick for helping and sharing. 😊

[@Craftingmomof4]

I was just diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera in March 2023 (I’m 48 years old), my Dr put me on a daily Aspirin immediately. Mine is not advanced.

[@jenniferfuertes2668]

Im 46 and the Onco hasn't said much since my last labs. Just to take a baby asprin. I see him next month and if my labs are still up, he'll order a BMB.

[@scarletCT]

Thank you so much for this video. I’ve just had a bone marrow biopsy done, my results should be ready next week. So far everything is pointing to an MPN. Over the past three months symptoms progressed with the worst being indescribable fatigue and blurry vision. I’m hoping for a good outcome of my labs and if it’s an MPN for it to be on the lower part of the spectrum (ET). This video calmed my anxiety a little. Thank you so much.

[@kimboeskeim397]

How are you?!

[@4BarbaraJ]

Excellent interview. Thank you both.

[@breezeh1127]

My gradfather had this for many many years. Kept it quiet from his kids until he died years later of full blown colon cancer. He would.go in to treatments and blood therapies and would tell the family.he just had check ups. I inky recently found out all thus from my mom because my 21 year old son is showing signs.

[@anitafix4053]

When I was diagnosed my Drs. said, we can keep it at bay, you'll take one pill a day with a baby aspirin and give blood once in a while. I feel fine. I was itching but now it's gone. I'm not tired.

[@labiosrojos1473]

Keep strong, thank you for sharing!

[@yinnei1]

Some of the serious illnesses can only be found out by latest stages and scanning on CT, MRI, along with blood tests when symptoms are absent and mild.

[@jacquelineglitter4328]

I foung out I have high red blood cells and the Drs never told me. It makes me mad because I've been having ringin in my ears, dizzyness, headaches hypertension and eye problems.

[@RicardoBirdlegs]

FYI: PV is not considered a type of blood cancer in my country The Netherlands. And in other European countries. It is a rare blood disorder and according to our haematologist and neurologist. It borders on blood cancer and can in some cases transform into leukemia, but as long as it doesn’t, no doctor specifies it as cancer. I’m surprised that when ever I look up something about it, US people refer to it as a blood cancer. My wife was diagnosed with PV in 2004 during pregnancy. Turned our lives upside down. She had a sinus thrombosis with all the bad symptoms. Even an epileptic attack. Two years later another thrombosis in the brain. It’s been under control with the right medication since then.

[@deartuation]

The World Health Organization classify PV and ET as myeloproliferative neoplasms and all MPNs are actually classified as types of cancer. They’re not your usual cancers, but they are still blood cancers considering a DNA mutation is causing the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells or platelets uncontrollably.

[@e.k.w.2117]

Great info from you Ricardo

[@Matty12787]

They call it blood cancer here too in Australia.

[@cmwHisArtist]

Me for Forty years. 76, Don’t feel like doing anything, screaming tinnitus, only eat 1 1/2 small healthy meals a day, 60 pounds overweight, itchy, fibromyalgia, blurry eyes, tiny veins, large blood blisters, borderline polycythemia. Went to Red Cross twice and they wouldn’t take blood because of my high blood pressure. After three years of things getting much worse, I finally called my doctor and INSISTED that they take the damn blood draw. So maybe they’ll comply….my appointment is in two months.

[@francoisperez4046]

You had it 40 years ago???

[@cmwHisArtist]

@@francoisperez4046 ….yep. Actually the body pain, fatigue and tinnitus since I was at least 5 . Never felt like going out and playing. Had ok blood pressure until I was 48 when I stopped being a dance teacher. An interim doctor noticed my high RBC count 25 years ago, and they have been monitoring it. I have very tiny veins (maybe because my mother smoked heavily through her pregnancy) that make it difficult for nurses to get a blood test. I imagine it’s harder for the blood to get through, so my body raises my pressure so that it can get circulation. When I took amlodipine for it, I got so tired and dizzy I had to use a walker, so went off it, much to my doctors’ dismay. With the crazy world we’re in now, I really don’t care anymore. I pray, and if God needs me here, I’ll be around for a while.

[@highhopeslibra]

This is describing me to a T! Including my labs. My dr says it’s caused by yrs of stress and depression . I’m 40. I can barely get out of bed, I was insanely active before.. it’s not a way to live and it’s been yrs. They’re not listening to me

[@bohochic2459]

High Hope Libra - I am so sorry that you are not being heard. You deserve to be heard. Feeling as poorly as you do, while having to deal with being unheard is an unnecessary burden that you shouldn't have to carry. It takes a toll. I hope you are able to find a good support system and to have a family member or friend come to your appointments and be an advocate for you. You can't do this alone. It's too much. Please look into a support group where others can give you the strength and support you deserve. You matter. You are important. You are worthy. You deserve to be heard! Don't let anyone take your voice away. Keep talking until someone listens! Whatever it takes. You have rights. This is your body, your health, your life. Don't settle for anything less. You deserve to be at the very top of your priority list! I am holding you in my thoughts, heart, and prayers. 🙏🏻🫂❤️

[@amymac41890]

What a well said, and heartfelt comment! ❤❤

[@highhopeslibra]

Thank you! Im not going to give up so long as I have the strength. Today wasn’t a good day. I pray for your health as well, and I truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you for sharing your story & experiences through it all. I hope it reaches the ones who needs to see this most, and continues to save others 🙏❤️

[@highhopeslibra]

@@Yvettep777 no

[@melaniecreek386]

Have them do the test for the jak2 mutation!

[@enjoyingmyvodka1013]

I’ve had symptoms all my life I’m heading to a hematologist with or without a drs backup I’m willing to fight until I get in to see one to get confirmation. Of course no one wants cancer but for me I just want to make sure.

[@dannylong1842]

How did it go if you don't mind me asking....

[@kahwana1604]

How are you doing? Can you give an update? I have been on hydroxurea for 19 months. It's helping me.

[@brennadickinson2920]

I have a blood cancer, Multiple Myeloma (diagnosed 7 years), and fatigue is ever-present.

[@ElephantsRock19]

My prayers go out to you! My oldest brother had MM, he was diagnosed in 2001. They have made so many advancements since then it is amazing! There are also so many great stories on A Patients Story! God bless you! 🕊️🙏❤️🕯️

[@ElephantsRock19]

@@Yvettep777 I am not a medical professional, you'd need to ask your doctor. 🕊️❤️

[@ASpectacular3777]

@@ElephantsRock19Is your dear brother still with us?

[@ElephantsRock19]

@@ASpectacular3777 Unfortunately for us, no, but for him, he beat cancer and gained his angel wings Feb 6, 2013. 🕊️🙏❤️🕯️🪽

[@HAIDARAVEN]

April 1st 2021….. Polycythemia Vera …..my red blood cells 3x normal…. Made my heart stop….. great medical service saved my ass……7 stints and Chemo meds have my levels normal

[@deannagross9283]

My Mom is 94 and was just diagnosed with polycythemia. She had a tumor on her ascending colon and her hematologist asked her if she’d ever been told that she has polycythemia. Her father had it and the only treatment at that time was blood letting. The tumor on her colon raised her platelets and hemoglobin to very high levels so she took a drug to thin her blood and lower the levels, hydroxyuria which we found out is a chemotherapy drug. 🤷‍♂️ It worked and she had a successful surgery and is sitting next to me healing. I’m sure she has a good 10 years yet.

[@slackerm1]

Polycythemia and polycythemia Vera are not the same thing

[@deannagross9283]

@@slackerm1 thank you. I didn’t know that but I just read that primary polycythemia or polycythemia vera includes JAK2 which my Mom was told she has. She now is involved in genetic testing.

[@taopaille-paille4992]

it's one of the best cancer to have, long life expency compared to many

[@turbocityenterprisekaranja5434]

It still so frustrating and cold be critical if ignored

[@kc7339]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[@splash6427]

🙏 ❤️ 🙏 For You & All

[@kerriecrewe5267]

I have had multiple blood tests over the last 3 years which show my blood is too thick. I am now 63. I had a JAK2 gene mutation test done which was negative so was told I couldn’t have PCV. I have the symptoms so have kept up the daily low dose aspirin my local doctor put me on before the JAK2 test was done. Still have high values on my blood tests.

[@eleonora78]

Eat garlic

[@kerriecrewe5267]

@@eleonora78 I do and always have eaten a lot of garlic.🤔

[@eleonora78]

@@Yvettep777 it has antiseptic properties and help in fluidizing blood,my mother had cancer for 15 yrs and really help the organism to cope with different infections and I don't know where you from but in Romania garlic is used heavily and very known for his properties ,an option is garlic with honey if you can stand the taste

[@wanpijid]

I thought bone marrow biopsy should be considered in patients with suspected PV with negative JAK2?

[@kerriecrewe5267]

@@wanpijid I was tested during Covid and only had a Telehealth appointment with a haematologist for my results and was just told that it isn’t possible to have PCV if I am negative for the JAK2 gene mutation. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@pslay9324]

still trying to figure out what tests were off. My Red blood cells are high and have been high starting around 2018. High Hematocrit levels and I don't think my PCP ever tested me for low iron, but I have all of these symptoms. I have been dismissed for years when I say something feels off.

[@kathytonagel2332]

His platelets were high also.

[@ElephantsRock19]

​@@Yvettep777I am not a doctor, 425 is elevated high, but not cancer high. Source: myself, my lab results and info from my hematologist/oncologist. I would definitely speak with your doctor about your concerns, everyone is different and your doctor should know your health issues the best. God bless! 🕊️🙏❤️🕯️

[@ElephantsRock19]

@@Yvettep777 Yes, they were high for several years, now normal. That's why I wrote "Source:my labs".

[@ElephantsRock19]

@@Yvettep777 I am not a medical professional, but I thought thalassemia caused low HGB and RBC. I had low HGB for years, and slightly elevated RBC up until recently.

[@ElephantsRock19]

@@Yvettep777 around 500+

[@connorrhodesmd3236]

I have every symptom of this. I guess I'd better find me a good Doctor to check things out.

[@ste007]

Hope your tests went well ?

[@DadofMars]

I was told by my provider 4 months ago that my red blood count was elevated and did a phlebotomy that day and have been doing the blood tests and phlebotomy for the last four months. He has not detailed any future testing or treatment options. I guess I need to know the steps I need to discuss with my doctor at the next appointment. my hemoglobin and hematocrit have not lowered with the 4 phlebotomys of 2 pints each as well as low dose asprin

[@coach2305]

Thanks for sharing

[@clancycreations]

I hate that people say googling is the worst thing you can do. Educating yourself allows you to be better advocate. People go down rabbit holes without google, too. My kids would have died if I didn’t google. One has to be of basic intelligence as to what sources to look at and what questions to type. “Dr Google” comments are as unhelpful as drs saying horses, not zebras.

[@JosieMuller-j5u]

YES! All the Yesses to this!!!

[@geniferteal4178]

2:36 symptoms list.

[@TheWsa405]

Great share!! I just had a bone marrow biopsy and I'm awaiting the results. PV is suspected however my JAK 2 is negative for mutation...so we will see. One question....before your diagnosis did you have any issues with your kidneys? Not function..but protein?

[@angelaw886]

I have the kidney issue. I am being tested for Jak2 right now.

[@kimboeskeim397]

Feeling extra nervous as I’m awaiting my hematology appointment after my regular labs showed very high platelet counts of 800+ Not many symptoms that I’m aware of… 😢

[@denniswilder3014]

Just got that diag. Years of dealing with symptoms and hundreds of blood tests. First it was infections and low testosterone this that and the other excuse. Finally got to the real reason. Im 51 and want to be a kid again and enjoy life but now im afraid it wont happen. I want to race motocross again race sleds and keep my business growing but this has been holding me back. Doctors are zero help on the out come

[@jarianwarren69]

Everyone is so young

[@velvetfaerie]

Apparently heavy menstruation can mask PV in some women. I find out in 2 days.

[@queenie5891]

I have Polycythemia Vera but no bone marrow cancer... how does that work?

[@user-ei1hy8wo6c]

How do I contact this gentleman I recently got my diagnosis in the er and was told this has been lurking for almost 20years unchecked essentially since I was 15 and my health is continually failing

[@marks8052]

been dealing with it for years. What about gene editing? I know they have been experimenting with some success with Leukemia

[@Glokirk]

My husband had this

[@maykerr4813]

My husband just got diagnosed with ET at 83yrs old.....only when he came out in the Itchy Rash.....no other symptoms.

[@swapnanilchatterjee5264]

I have itching from past 2 months..no medicine is working.. don't know what is this

[@maykerr4813]

Go to the doctor and demand a Cream, this was the first sign of my husbands ET no other symptoms... Cream cleared it up fast.

[@johnandelias]

Does phelebotomy help raise your epo

[@dorothyhopkins8387]

I have PV I am 85

[@Fireguy65]

How have you been feeling? Has treatment helped

[@dorothyhopkins8387]

@@Fireguy65 no

[@Fireguy65]

@@dorothyhopkins8387 so they have not been able to lower your hematocrit levels?

[@crazycanuckmick]

My mother has Myelofibrosis. It's not nice. I hope you avoid it.

[@crazycanuckmick]

@@Yvettep777 Dont know exact counts. I know that she's on Ruxolitinib (chemo) and that makes her platelets quite low. The biggest problem is the cancer is basically killin her liver, spleen and now pancreas - which led to diabetes. The cancer also causes high uric acid and that gives her real painful gout. Not nice. By the time they figured out what was wrong with her (over a decade of her bein sick and drs tellin her she was just bein lazy 🙄) - now she ain't a good candidate for a bone marrow transplant because she has so much organ damage. The transplant surgeon told her a transplant will kill her. She'll live with Myelofibrosis until it ultimately kills her. It's sad.

[@francoisperez4046]

Avoid that kind of comment as some people are sensitive keep it positive! Especially that you seem not being affected by this illness yourself

[@TeeNicole10]

💜🙌🏿🙏🏻

[@delisamontgomery9535]

❤🙏🏽