Bx results......treat now or wait?

[stacyb321]

Stage 0
Grade 1
Mild portal and lobular chronic inflammation

I'm pleased and very surprised!!  My hepatologist said I'm in good shape if I want to wait for the new drugs coming out - he said they look promising and my success rate will boost up to 80% SVR.  He said right now with the SOC its only 50% with me being a 1A. He said although nothings for sure yet.  He said odds are in my favor to treat now as far as im not overweight and female and fairly young.  Its just a 50-50 chance. He said it just depends how anxious you are to get rid of it.  I do want to get rid of it - should i go for it or should i wait for the better odds?

[meki]

Stacy - with that info --- and with the knowledge that in the next 2 years Teleprivir might be out...

IF you --- IF YOU ---- keep up on your body's health --- take extremely good care of yourself --- get tested every few months ---- and REALLY REALLY REALLY keep an eye on yourself... 2 - 4 years... IF YOU'RE NOT HAVING SYMPTOMS...

With 1a I might just wait for the Teleprivir.. With your BX.

But --- I'd be watchful --- and I wouldn't wait for more than 2-4 years.

And read up on all the trial information - keep in tabs with the people involved... Document their reactions and etc. See how they work...

You can do it!

But --- don't wait too much longer... and if you start getting sides effects or symptoms --- start TX - cause they go fast from the begining.

Just my opinion after reading everyone's thoughts and seeing my own reactions.

Hugs - and GOOD LUCK!

Meki

[tulips27]

Congratulations on your biopsy report! Great! I agree with what everyone said here. However this is such a personal decision with so so many factors. Monitor you liver , eat healthy and do what you think best. Great report.

I was acute years ago and now stage 2--usually a very slow progression especially in your 20's and thirties!

Be happy and good luck!

[tumbleweed1999]

Yaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy!!  Good report.  My 2 cents is just make sure that way all the "odds", meds, sx, time involved, etc.  and then do what you feel is right for you.  We are pulling for you which ever way you go.   Right On!

[mremeet]

Great news, congrats. I'd wait for telaprevir, or if in a hurry go for a phase 3 trial which are coming right up.

[GrandOak]

The decision to treat is an indivdual one.  One thing to consider is that many studies have shown that those with minimal to no damage are 20% more likely to attain SVR than those with advance fibrosis (stage 3) or cirrhosis (stage 4).  As your doc has eluded to, obesity adds another complication factor which further reduces the odds of attaining SVR.

The newer drugs are still a few years out from being approved. I have not seen any agreement on how long that might be.  At best I've heard is 3-5 years yet even for those on the FDA fast track approval process.

Sounds like your doctor has given you all the information and laid it out fairly well.  One thing to consider is that should you wait, you also need to remain diligent where your blood is concerned to not pass your infection along to others.

[jmjm530]

It's not just the odds. Newer treatments promise double the odds HALF THE TIME. That means less exposure to the treatment drugs, especially interferon which can really play havoc with your immune system. As a stage O, you should seriously consider followign the Teleprevir trial data for the next year before making any sort of decision. Your doctor seems to be on the the right track. Sure, we're all anxious to get rid of the disease, but the question is at what cost? My vote is wait for the better odds and shorter treatments. If for some reason they don't pan out, you can always treat with the current drugs. They're not going anywhere soon.

-- Jim