Liver Biopsy tomorrow

[bew1018]

Man, this is really moving fast. I just talked to the nurses assistant Wednesday and she said I needed a new biopsy. I never dreamed they would call me on Friday and schedule the biopsy for Monday morning. I am a little nervous a bought it, but am planning on going forward with treatment. I found out also on Friday that because I met my maximum out of pocket for insurance last year, I am covered this year at 100%. That will really put the now or never statement on the bottom line. I will not have to pay a dime for treatment. I am not sure I am really ready for this, and am extremely worried over side affects because, like I said earlier, I really can't afford time off work.
By the way, even though these people seem to be in the dark ages, I feel I must do treatment here instead of the 2 hour drive to Las Vegas...once again..to much time off work.
I will be taking my wife with me to the next doctors appointment and that means I will be able to tell you much more a bought levels and results. She is much better at insisting then I am and she is ready to take no prisoners if necessary.
Wish me luck...Bill

[pigeonca]

I know this is all incredibly anxiety producing.  You'll be fine.  As an old "pro" now (on week 7/24), let me give you my best advice - if you want to continue working:  Watch those blood counts, esp. hemoglobin.  My HGB dropped 4.1 (from 15.6 to 11.5) in 4 weeks.  The drop is more incapacitating than the actual number, but many docs don't know this and will not treat until HGB reaches 11.0 or even 10.0.  Don't let them do this to you.  Get helper meds ASAP.  (Procrit, Aranesp, Epogen)  Also watch for Neutropenia, etc. and take care of it.  Then you MAY be able to continue working, but there will most likely be a day or two here, a week there, when you just will not be able to get up from bed.  Or you may be one of the lucky ones who breeze right through treatment.  Or most likely, a combination of both, with good weeks and bad.

But you have great insurance,  a loving and helpful spouse.  You'll do fine.  Don't obsess, and learn to accept a little less than perfection in your business life.  Also, sometimes it's worth a two hour drive, at least for a second opinion.

Best of luck - you can do it!!

pigeon

[painterlady13]

Good Luck this morning on your Biopsy.   Paint

[nygirl7]

I think continuing to work probably saved me.  Having a "real life" and getting up and dressed every day was the best thing I could have done. Otherwise I would have sat on my bed and watched tv and felt just MISERABLE. Coming in to work also takes your mind off it all.

I needed to to keep my insurance so I did, wasn't always easy but it is possible.

Good luck with your bio. I truly believe they are totally cruciaL and even though we almost have a breakdown before we get one...since they aren't painful it's just like we have to suck it up and hold our breath and it's over. But the knowledge we get lasts the course of treatment so it's worth it.

[antman]

hi bill,
don't worry about the biopsy. it's over before you know it. i've has 3 over the years and never had any problems. the worst part is the boredom of laying on you side for a few hours afterward. as far as the tx goes, i'm on my 4th week of 48. interferon and riba. i haven't missed any work yet. while i may not feel 100% it's no worse than having a mild bout of the flu or a bad cold. you can make it through. at least that's my experience so far. the thing is, you won't know what the side fx are or if the tx will work unless you try. try not to worry, you'll be fine. and , depending on your bx you may even delay tx if your damage is low. your right on track. good luck.
antman

[nick m]

Good luck re biopsy. I've had three in 8 years. 2 i didnt even feel and one where the guy was a bit clumsy. Even then i was fully recovered within an hour and able to leave in 5. As for working, i was terrified about not being able to function yet I've been ok just tired - the odd day off, but nothing like i expected. For me there was a psychological advantage in engaging with the illness after all this time that offset or partially lessened the physical stuff. I've done 6 weeks of a 12 week course (peg and vx - no riba)so i've had an easy option compared to the majority of people on here. But, like you, i've struggled to be assertive re info from doctors and remember nothing less its written down but through support, guidance and info from this forum i've gained the confidence to ask the right questions and now have an increased understanding of how my treatments going. You're in the right place. Best wishes with your treatment. nick m