Failed treatment for genotype 3a

[Maria]

Hi.  I am a 35 yo female diagnosed with Hep C in 5/99.  Initially, my PCR was 2 x 10E + 5/ml, AST and ALT levels slightly elevated,genotype 3a, biopsy showed mild inflammation (HAI score of 3/18, chronicity score of 0/6).  I started combo tx in 8/99:    all enzyme levels normalized within 2 weeks and PCR (quantitative and qualitative became negative within 2 and 1/2 months.  After 10 months of treatment, PCR bacame weakly positive.  My MD told me over the phone that viral load is "probably less than 150".  He had originally put me on combo tx for one and 1/2 years (I find no support for this in the liturature I have read).  Now he wants me to increase my interferon dose from 3 mil units TIW to every day.  I weigh around 100 lbs , am 5'2" and frankly am worried that I can't tolerate this increase  (I am already experiencing many unpleasant side effects).  Please advise on: 1-Tx options at this point  2-how does my no longer "naive status" change the efficacy of possible further treatment(s) ie: peg interon etc..? 3-How has my prognosis changed now that I have had a "breakthrough"?  4 Do you know of any evidence supporting a 1 and 1/2 year treatment protocol? 5- can my virus amplify due to immunosuppression from the drugs if I go off treatment and wait for peg (hopefully 12/00)?  Please help.  My physician does not answer these questions or return my calls and I am at a crossroads as to what to do!