MPNs are a group of rare/chronic blood cancers where the bone marrow produces too many of a particular blood cell. In my case, I have an MPN called Polycythemia Vera where my bone marrow produces too many red blood cells. Too many red blood cells causes thick blood, which can cause clotting - leading to strokes or heart attacks.
I was diagnosed in 2020 and initially treated with a chemo pill called Hydrea, low dose aspirin and phlebotomies. Care team at MD Anderson has recently switched me to an immunotherapy called Besremi where I self inject every two weeks. This drug eliminates the possibility of the disease morphing into Acute Leukemia.
Happy to report that I'm doing very well. I lead a very active retirement lifestyle that includes working out, playing golf and traveling. I'm blessed.
With September being Blood Cancer Awareness Month, keep those in more critical situations in your thoughts and prayers. When walking through MD Anderson, and the Leukemia Center in particular, I'm one of the fortunate ones.

Gig'em' and God Bless!