Essential Thrombocythemia and Hydrea

Hello. I am 37 yr old female diagnosed in 2001 with ET. I was on Agrylin for almost 5 yrs. Side effects included migraines and hear palpitations. Now I moved a year ago to Colorado and the new doctor took me off Agrylin. New studies suggested no meds until platelets reached 1.5 million. In the past month it has gone from 1.2, to 1.5 and in the past week has reached 1.7 mi. I was told by my doctor I need to start Hydrea today. I am very reluctant to start. I have heard so many bad things about the meds. Hair loss, leg and mouth ulcers,etc. I have been dieting the past month to get ready for a wedding that I am in on Sat. I have gone back to red meat for the protein and have lost 10 lbs. I work out every day.. weights and walking,etc. My chol...