I haven't seen willing's biopsy results here. I could have missed it but I doubt it. I too am very interested.
My serum:
I had another Heptimax last week and still undetectable. I haven't had a detectable result since April 2003 and I stopped TX in June 2004 and I test monthly with Heptimax. Hard to figure - isn't it?
ALT is 90 as of Tuesday down from 110 the week prior and 342 6 weeks ago. I'm borderline anemic - hmg 13.0 and platelets at 85 from 185 6 weeks ago.
Prograf dose at 3 mg per day. Was 2 mg. per day during & post TX. Reduced to 2 mg every other day just before this last episode began.
The opriginal game plan was 6 months low dose Pegasys/200mg Riba and the present Prograf dose. I am working on running an idea past my surgeon whereby I'd up TX doses and begin reducing Prograf and try to train my more stimulated immune system to tolerate a new truce with the tiny bit of HCV that remains - or maybe eliminate that, though I kind of doubt that's possible with just Peg/Riba. I'm studying some "immune response to HCV" articles trying to get a grip on this idea but it is a very complex subject and it's taking me a lot of time to familiarize myself with the vocabulary. It's a daunting task.
From the enthusiasm expressed by my surgeon for Vertex-950 I assume PIs are a possibility but I haven't asked that question directly so I am speculating. But, I doubt he would have acted so enthusiastically about a drug that I'd be unable to take.
My leg will never be quite the same but I walk without a limp. I have some residual facial pain and numbness that will probably be with me forever - however long that will be. But, it's not all that bad and I am happy to be here complaining about it.
I hope this finds you and your family happy and healthy. Stay well my friend. Thanks for asking about me. Mike
Thanks for posting those.
My AFP was slightly elevated beginning in the year before I began tx. In fact, that was the largest reason I decided to re-tx. But once on tx - and so far since ending - it has normalized again. All the literature I have read - and all the medical folks I have spoken with - say that AFP can become elevated via the viral activity itself. My concern was that the elevation could potentially be a sign of increasing inflammation - possibly onto progression.
So, how have your serum results been as of late? And what level of anti-rejection do they have you on now - compared to prior to your "event"? Do they have a strategy mapped out for the future based upon previous patients experiencing the same sort of thing? Down the road, would they consider you to be a candidate for any of the PI's or small molecule tx's now in trial? And how is the recovery from the bike accident doing?
Oh and on the "willing" question, do you know if he posted on here the results of his most recent bx?
I hope all is good an well with you and family these days, Mike.
TnHepGuy
Thanks for the links.
Here are a few more sites re.HCC & HCV and AFP marker:
http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/16136646?queryText=afp%20hepatitis%202006
CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with advanced chronic hepatitis C, serum AFP values are frequently elevated, even in the absence of HCC. Factors associated with raised AFP include severity of liver disease, female gender and black race. Serum AFP levels decline during antiviral therapy.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/516215
Enhanced Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Posted 12/09/2005
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/502871_1
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/525168
Clinical Features of Hepatocellular Carcinoma That Occur After Sustained Virological Response to Interferon for Chronic Hepatitis C
Posted 03/20/2006
Mike
I had an eye exam two weeks ago. My current rx is too strong now. Go figure?
I too was excited when I first ran across this COMPARE study as it seemed to be the first head to head study of the two tx's. Then I learned of the strong Shering connection and became very sceptical.
A similar thing was done with Ivermectin monthly heart worm meds for dogs, particularily because many Collies were dying from it. The manufacturer backed study found it to be safe, yet dogs were still dying. Then a University in
Washington found that there was something to the brain barrier of subceptiple dogs which did make the recommended dosages letheal for them. Last I heard they were trying to come up with blood test to pre-determine which dogs might be at risk.
Hence, my sceptism of manufacturer backed studies.
there is one out there for every claim, huh?
look at this one
http://hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2004/11/pegasys_better.html
there are no true head to head trials out there. In order to be, both drugs would have to be wt based, same dose of riba, and same length of tx. If Pegasys is given by wt in certain individuals, it seems to be just as effective or more so than brand X.
all we have is "my dr said one was better, per what he has seen in his practice"
the only good drug is the one that gives YOU the coveted SVR.
don't worry, all those recently planted trees are sending good vibes your way, a sort of praying for you.
What are vascular opthamalogical sides? Floaters? Cotton wool spots? Fuzzy vision? I have various versions for years but vision lots worse after treatment. Anyone finding its getting better?
awww man,i was elated(for a moment) by the affirmation of my toxic drug of choice...ohh well,back to being a doubting thomas...good detective work for a tree,harvesting any leaves yet?
First link is the Shering study I mentioned in a post below with 7 of the 10 authors being employees of Shering-Plough.
Thanks for posting study info...and thanks for sharing your contnued SVR status-BRAVO!!!
<a href="http://www.natap.org/2006/HCV/071006_01.htm">Diagnostic and Prognostic Role of