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4 week lab results
I haven't been posting much this treatment round, but I thought I'd share results from my 4 week labs. After 28 days of Tx, my assay results are as follows:
HCV RNA Quant, bDNA < 615 IU/ML
HCV TMA Qual, >5 IU/ML
So, undetectable per bDNA quant, but detectable by TMA qual. According to the hepatology nurse at Cal Pac Medical Center, this meets their criteria for RVR.
Additionally, my ALT/AST have both normalized to 27 U/L, for the first time in years. Both a virological and bio-chemical early response are extremely encouraging, especially considering the luke-warm results I experienced during my previous treatment.
Here is a brief overview of my treatment history:
51 year old Caucasian male
Genotype 1a
Grade 2, stage 3.5
226 lbs
Diabetes M. type 2
Dx with HCV 12/04
Treated with Pegasys/ Copegus total 56 weeks, from 2/05 through 3/06.
Slow viral response at 12 week assay, so increased riba from assigned 1200 mg/day to 1800 mg/day.
Became undetectable to <50 IU by week 20.
Relapsed within 30 days post Tx
Began treatment again on 9/15/06 with Peg-Intron 150 mcg/week, and ribavirin 2000 mg/day. (I've actually been squeezing the vial, and injecting .67 mL from the assigned 150 mcg/.50 mL vial, giving me an unassigned dosage of approx 202 micrograms/week. I disclosed this at last week's appointment, and so far, the poop hasn't hit the paddles!).
Hemoglobin has taken an expected hit, down to 13.2 from the baseline value of 17.3; however I feel really good from a subjective standpoint. I still walk 4 miles twice daily, much of which involves grades of 10-12 %, and don't feel "winded" yet. The nurse I spoke with this afternoon said they'd leave it up to me to cry uncle for EPO, but I don't feel any need as of yet. The rest of my labs are unremarkable, so I suppose I'll continue with the off-label dosing unless something comes along that substantially changes the equation.
One thing of interest: I intentionally waited 10 days after receiving my meds from Curascript pharmacy to begin Tx, to allow a cushion for shipment delays over the course of treatment. This has already paid off, because Curascript dropped the ball between the first and second month delivery due to off-label dosing. By the time we got re-approval from my doc's office and got back on track, we had nearly exhausted the extra days I had built in. I'd definitely recommend that all folks contemplating beginning treatment strongly consider this approach to assure an un-interrupted flow of service.
My best to everyone at MH, and I'll continue to stop in from time to time to say hello.
Be well,
Bill
HCV RNA Quant, bDNA < 615 IU/ML
HCV TMA Qual, >5 IU/ML
So, undetectable per bDNA quant, but detectable by TMA qual. According to the hepatology nurse at Cal Pac Medical Center, this meets their criteria for RVR.
Additionally, my ALT/AST have both normalized to 27 U/L, for the first time in years. Both a virological and bio-chemical early response are extremely encouraging, especially considering the luke-warm results I experienced during my previous treatment.
Here is a brief overview of my treatment history:
51 year old Caucasian male
Genotype 1a
Grade 2, stage 3.5
226 lbs
Diabetes M. type 2
Dx with HCV 12/04
Treated with Pegasys/ Copegus total 56 weeks, from 2/05 through 3/06.
Slow viral response at 12 week assay, so increased riba from assigned 1200 mg/day to 1800 mg/day.
Became undetectable to <50 IU by week 20.
Relapsed within 30 days post Tx
Began treatment again on 9/15/06 with Peg-Intron 150 mcg/week, and ribavirin 2000 mg/day. (I've actually been squeezing the vial, and injecting .67 mL from the assigned 150 mcg/.50 mL vial, giving me an unassigned dosage of approx 202 micrograms/week. I disclosed this at last week's appointment, and so far, the poop hasn't hit the paddles!).
Hemoglobin has taken an expected hit, down to 13.2 from the baseline value of 17.3; however I feel really good from a subjective standpoint. I still walk 4 miles twice daily, much of which involves grades of 10-12 %, and don't feel "winded" yet. The nurse I spoke with this afternoon said they'd leave it up to me to cry uncle for EPO, but I don't feel any need as of yet. The rest of my labs are unremarkable, so I suppose I'll continue with the off-label dosing unless something comes along that substantially changes the equation.
One thing of interest: I intentionally waited 10 days after receiving my meds from Curascript pharmacy to begin Tx, to allow a cushion for shipment delays over the course of treatment. This has already paid off, because Curascript dropped the ball between the first and second month delivery due to off-label dosing. By the time we got re-approval from my doc's office and got back on track, we had nearly exhausted the extra days I had built in. I'd definitely recommend that all folks contemplating beginning treatment strongly consider this approach to assure an un-interrupted flow of service.
My best to everyone at MH, and I'll continue to stop in from time to time to say hello.
Be well,
Bill
what did Greg finish? I hope this is it for you guys, what test will he have at 6 month? not the 50Iu one? not after the last time. maybe a whole blood qualitative test? or TMA? keep us posted and best of luck!
A quick note to say I'm happy about your results. These long roads traveled seem endless without signs of encouragement, so I'm glad you've got some for company. My husband takes his 6 month post tx PCR on November 3rd, I hope this time around he had those better angels accompanying him.
Debbe
Debbe
Good luck Bill. While I was reading your post I felt an old disbelief that interferon can do anything at the dose that we use. If you weigh 220lb and you shoot 200mcg it's diluted to 1ppb. How does your body know it's there? If you had to buy an instrument that would detect 1ppb of anything it would cost a million bucks. A grain of table salt weighs about 100 mcg, BTW. Amazing.
Hey, Bill, can't believe you are doing that well on 1800 ribas a day but you sure did condition yourself beforehand.
I am really encouraged by your numbers. Can't they run a more sensitive quantatative? ARe you due for PCRs every 4 weeks?
buckeye bean
I am really encouraged by your numbers. Can't they run a more sensitive quantatative? ARe you due for PCRs every 4 weeks?
buckeye bean
bill glad to see your post..thanks for sharing the GOOD news..!! definately responding to good ol peg-intron (UGH)...GOODLUCK
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