Approximately 20,000 people are diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) each year. The most common MPNs are polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and myelofibrosis (MF).
Because MPNs are characterized by an abnormal growth of blood forming cells, these diseases are classified as a blood cancer.
Any new medical diagnosis can be scary, particularly cancer. While MPNs are often associated with near-normal life expectancies when appropriately treated, it can still be overwhelming to receive a diagnosis.
Everyone’s experience is different, but these are our top 10 tips that can help you cope with a MPN diagnosis.
- Visit a subspecialty center. Because MPNs are rare diseases with many complicated nuances, coming to a subspecialty center like the Weill Cornell Medicine Silver MPN Center can help ease your mind and help you find the best treatment options, coping methods, and care options.
- Ask your care team questions. Depending on your symptoms, disease stage, and your personal health history, a number of different treatments may be recommended to you. Speak to your care team about any of your concerns and ask questions if anything is confusing or unclear so that you’re comfortable with the plan.
- Manage stress. Take walks, visit with family and friends, meditate, or participate in hobbies that interest you and provide you with a stress-free environment.
- Join a support group. Joining support groups either in person or online. Speaking to others experiencing similar things can be helpful in understanding and coping with your diagnosis. Find support resources here.
- Speak to a professional. Speaking to a professional that focuses on patients with MPNs or other forms of cancer can alleviate some stresses and anxieties that come with a new diagnosis.
- Eat a healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy diet is important for any cancer diagnosis. Ensuring that your body is properly fueled is a key step in continuing to get the nutrients you need.
- Exercise. Even small amounts of exercise can help give you more energy and combat fatigue and other MPN symptoms. Starting with 20 minutes a day and building up can help keep your body fit and active.
- Let others help. It can sometimes be hard to let friends and family help but having a support system around you can help you manage tasks and allows you to focus on your treatment journey.
- Learn about your disease. Reading up on MPNs, treatment options, and more from credible sources can help give you a better understanding of your disease. Read some of the Silver MPN Center resources here.
- Live your life. While it may be difficult after a cancer diagnosis, continuing to live your life as much as possible can help you cope with your diagnosis. Doing activities you enjoy and spending time with people you’re close to can be a great way to take care of yourself in addition to these other tips.