“Fatigue can definitely get better … usually via a combination of being on the right treatments for your circumstances and other components, including being physically active, trying to correct challenges with insomnia, eating well, and managing the stress of uncertainty.”

That was one key piece of advice that Dr. Ruben Mesa shared during myMPNteam’s live Q&A on April 6, 2021, hosted by myMPNteam co-founder Mary Ray.

Dr. Mesa answered members’ questions about whether numbness and tingling can go away following successful MPN treatments, if myeloproliferative neoplasms are hereditary, and how MPNs can impact the spleen and other organs.

Members submitted scores of questions leading up to and during the event, with many myMPNteam members curious about whether any upcoming treatments are on the horizon that will help treat essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and primary myelofibrosis.

Here are some of the things Dr. Mesa discussed during the live Q&A:

• How to deal with fatigue — the most common side effect for people with myeloproliferative neoplasms
• Whether MPNs are preventable
• Dietary changes that can be helpful in managing MPNs

Check out the video to see the entire one-hour discussion, and register to be notified about future upcoming live events on myMPNteam.

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Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, information from presenters, text, graphics, images, and other material shared during this event is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard during this event.

Speakers:

Dr. Ruben Mesa is the director of UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of only four National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in Texas. Dr. Mesa’s practice builds on his role as an international expert on myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). He has been involved in MPN research for more than 20 years. He led the development of National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s panel guidelines, the first U.S. guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia.

Dr. Mesa has been the principal investigator or co-principal investigator of more than 70 clinical trials. He co-led the research team leading to the FDA’s approval of ruxolitinib for polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis. He is currently leading the investigation of several other drugs for these types of cancers. After earning degrees in nuclear engineering and physiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dr. Mesa received his medical degree from the Mayo Graduate School at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. He completed his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in hematology/medical oncology at Mayo. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in hematology and medical oncology.

Mary Ray, co-founder and COO of MyHealthTeam, has a deep understanding of consumer behavior and social networking, which has made the company’s mobile and web apps a daily habit for millions facing a chronic health condition. Her innovative vision for digital health solutions has transformed the way people connect with others who share their diagnosis, facilitating unfiltered conversation and accelerating access to trusted information. Recognized for building scalable platforms that drive consumer engagement, Mary was honored as a DTC Innovator and a PM360 ELITE in 2019. She has contributed to Forbes and been quoted in industry publications at the intersection of health and technology. She has spoken at conferences including the DTC Forum on Social Media and Technology, Health Datapalooza, and Digital Pharma. Mary is an advocate for women in technology and has served as a SXSW mentor and a speaker at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. She is a graduate of the College of William & Mary School of Business and George Mason University.