A Question for those who have finished Tx or are almost there

[Vic1967]

I was wondering if your side effects got better during the latter half of treatment?  I was under the impression that when I started it would get easier and easier.  Not true.  I am on week 32/48 and have been feeling better.  My blood is up to 11.3, I never ended up on the procrit.  It hovered around 10.1-10.3 and has gone up a little. I am trying to be optimistic that I feel continue to feel better.  Just wondering how you all did.

[justme53]

I am on week 46 (of 72). I have felt great for the last week and a half, but to be honest, the last 12 or so have been really tough. Got my hemoglobin up in the 10-11 range and that helps alot. Weaned myself off Celexa a month ago and have my appreite and energy coming back. Don't know if it's strictly due to that, but the timing is right. I really hope it lasts cuz I love getting up in the morning again. Even during that rough patch, there were glimmers of good days, they just never seemed to last. But reading about others experiences here and on blogs, kept me going knowing I wasn't alone.

Hang in htere.....Pam

[Kathy73]

Just finished 48 a month ago. I seemed to be doing better the last two months, either that or I got used to alot of the sides. I didn't seem to be as tired. My hair did start to really fall out towards the end though. My major side was headache and that was constant throughout. My advice is just to do one week at a time, meaning just focus on the now and then the now will be next week....

Let me know if I can help or encourage. It does get better and you'll be there before you know it.

[newleaf09]

I got to finish TX at 28 weeks.  The concept was that I would stabilize as time went on and my body got more accustomed to the meds but it never happened for me; just got worse and worse (mostly platelets and low neutrophil problems).  I know others on 48 wk. TX who reacted the same, and many who did actually accustom and were able to safely stretch their visits out for longer and longer time periods.  Who know?  

[Isobella]

I don;t know that it gets easier and easier, but in my case, it just quit getting worse.  Leveled out.  But my sx weren't that big of a deal to begin with.  

I'm about 4 months post, but I do remember well those final weeks.  The 30's seemed like I was on the slow boat to nowhere.  That was the toughest part. Like the 40's would never get there.  

My sx didn't get worse, I was just sick to death of txing.  But the good news is....it's worth it for a shot at SVR.  

Hang in there. You''ll be counting down in the 40's before you know it.  

[Trish77]

It's different for everyone.  If some told you it gets better and then it gets worse, you might not handle it as well when it happens.  I find it's best to simply take it a day at a time all the way through and be grateful for the good days, roll with the bad ones, knowing anything goes on treatment and know you're going the distance regardless.  You're MUCH closer to the end now...almost countdown time, so hang in there.