Anxiety of outcome of Tx. builds as I get closer to the end.

Morning Team,
   I took shot 46 of 48 last night and am starting to see my spirit getting better as I reach the end. I am in fear and worry at times of the outcome of tx. These are times when I need  to remember that I did what I needed to clear the virus and if that does not happen be prepared to deal with the emotions as they come naturally and know that everything will be ok as long as I keep puttin one foot in front of the other and put principles before my personality.
   Tony

[madbrad]

I can do ALL things thru Christ who Strengthens Me.....
   You'll be fine Brother.

[madbrad]

Oooops, Almost forgot to add...Good news! It's the END......SVR FO U.

[Myown]

I would imagine everyone experiences those feelings towards the end. I feel them now and then  and I'm only half way through, so I can imagine it is even harder towards the end. Whenever I get those thoughts I usually express them to my husband and he pulls me back on track to try to think positive.

[OnAPrettyPoison]

Everybody feels the reluctance to let go of the safety of the treatment meds at the end, even as awful as they make us feel.  We think that as long as we are on them, we are "safe" from the virus.

But letting go is the only way to get to SVR!  

[jmjm530]

Very normal feeling. As to prayer, etc -- as they say, no atheists in foxholes or for that matter at week 48 of treatment. I certainly did a lot of praying then.

Be well,

-- Jim

[nick m]

I identify. Had my last shot thursday (of 12) and i finish VX-950 next thurs 29th march (Day 85 of Prove 2 trial - group D). Reluctant to let go of the optimism of limbo and though I strongly suspect I've cleared, my next thought is how much surer that clearance would be with another 12 or 24 wks of SOC. But thats not the deal and in good moments I'm still up for the short haul whatever the outcome. So I alternate between stoicism and self-pity - and i pray. Best wishes and SVR to you
nick m
Ps stopping the interferon is reward enough in itself just for today!  

[tonybuck]

Thanks for the support !!!

[Myown]

you're absolutely right. letting go of the worry is the only way. Holding on to hope even if just a 'little hope" is still holding on.

The chorus to a song that I find very encouraging goes like this:


Cause when you're hanging by a thread,
still you can climb life's mountain

though the cliffs look rough and jagged
you can cope

if you should slip and reach ropes end
you'll find the hem of HIS garment

so don't let go of that last thread of hope.

[ladybug52]

I don't blame you for being anxious, 48 weeks is a long time to give to clear this virus. I have a good feeling about you though. You've been a fighter through this whole tx and I still remember words of encouragement I got from you before I even started.tx. I know you've heard this before, but I'll reiterate the fact that you have helped heal your liver and slowed down the progression of the disease. Have you had a pcr done lately?
Good luck.

[wyntre9]

Only TWOOO more shots!

YIIIPEEEEE!

I predict you're gonna be fine!  

[madbrad]

Hey whats a PCR??????

[Htownwife]

Hi Tony!
Congratulations on getting so close! I understand your fears completely. My hubby is right behind you; he took shot 43 on Friday. We're prepared to continue one day at a time after TX is over.  You've both put up a good fight, and you're going to come out ahead one way or another!

I'm seeing a whole new energy in my hubby as he reaches the end of this. He's feeling better both physically and emotionally. How are you doing physically? I know I've read that for some the SX gets worse towards the end, but you sound like you're doing well except for the tension of finishing.
I'm pulling for you!! Keep us posted!!

[tonybuck]

ladybug52
Hope all is doing well. My next pcr will be done at the conclusion of tx at 48 weeks the last one was done at 24 weeks due to the study guidelines. They will also do a pcr at  4weeks post and 24 weeks post. Take care

Htownwife
Great to hear from you. Glad to hear your husband is still doing the deal. I bet you both are looking forward to the end. I know that my wife and me are ready to put this phase of life behind us. In some odd way I know it has made us stronger and closer. The sx towards the end for me have been as every bit as challenging as thru the whole tx. take care

[wyntre9]

PCR is a Polymerase Chain Reaction test that quantitates HCV RNA.

I believe it's the test to measure your Viral Load and to see whether or not you're Undetectable.

That's the brass ring, here.  Achieving UND (undetectable) and remaining SVR (sustained virologic response) - meaning the virus can't be measured or detected in your blood.

If I said anything wrong, I apologize!  

[madbrad]

Thanks Wyn,
  My next question is ...If I'm less then 50 copies how is that UND???
I'm not griping about it...lol...But I'm kind ignorant of the terms and such...

[wyntre9]

Uh-oh.!

I'm in over my head, here.

I'm flagging one of the resident experts for you.

If he doesn't respond, just look for his name on a thread and ask the question there.

I saw him posting at the top of the page.

Good luck!

I certainly don't wanna give you ANY wrong info!

[ladybug52]

t started to answer but decided to let Jm do the explaining. I requested heptimax from my dr as it is sensitive to < 5, I first heard about it from Jmjm. My doctors, didn't know about the test, but now my Pcp uses it when he requests blood work for me.

[wyntre9]

You don't wanna get in trouble either, I take it.  *LOL*

OK, On the count of three.

1 --- 2-----3----


JIMMMMMMMMMMMM!  Where are ya????

[ladybug52]

You were doing so good too. Really your first response was good!
I'll take a shot at it and if I'm wrong jm can fix it.
There are several tests to dtermine viral load. Some are more sensitive than others. Some detect anything over 615, which means if you have 600 copies if the virus, you can be told you're UND but it's not a very sensitive test to make that determination. Anothe test is sensitive to <50 copies, and the one JmJM recommends is the Heptimax because it is sensitive to <5. The Heptimax is a 2 part test. First they test to 50 and if that comes back psotive they don't do the second portion of the test. If it's negative, they run the 2nd portion to see if you are UND to <5 copies.
Jim correct my mistakes, thanks!

[wyntre9]

"Er........" (clearing my LB throat)

Ummmmm.... I don't quite know how to put this - BUT, the test I get is from 10 to 100,000,000.

But, hey, I think ya ACED it!  CONGRATS!!!!!

Do you get that eyes-glazing-over-CD-stuck-in-the-groove sensation wheever:

A) trying to EXPLAIN this stuff
B). Trying to READ this stuff
AND/OR
C) trying to COMPREHEND this stuff.

Or is it just me?  (Don't you dare answer that unless it's with lavish praise)  hahahaha


JIMMMMMMMMMMMMM!  

[madbrad]

Thank you both....I think ya cleared it up for me...I guess I'll be asking my HepDoc if they will do a heptamax test...But first things first at this point...But it's kinda like the cart before the horse thing..I haven't had a biopsy..So tomorrow I'm requesting one...The bubbling sensation in the area of my liver has gotten my atttention...And yes it is my liver not intestines...If you start at the U of your sternum and follow to the right the ede of your ribs it in this area is where the sensation is...I used to be just right of the U,but now thats stopped and now its a couple of inches down from that. The outer lower lobe area.