HI!

[hopiangel]

Hi, how is everybody?  I miss you all and all the support.  I've been "undetectable" for 2 yrs now.  And thank you all for the support when I told you all about my nephew needing the kidney/liver transplant.  Finally, they are looking for the organs for him. He's very ill now and hopefully he will have strength to wait the long wait until they find the appropriate organs.  Again, thank you all for all the support for myself, husband when we were on TX for HCV and for my nephew as I said.    Take Care and Be Well, HOPIANGEL

[Tallblonde]

Hi Lauren,

Thank you so much for your good wishes.  I can't wait to join the Mommy Club!

Hope you're having a good summer, in spite of being on treatment.

Take care,
Susan

[rearfang]

I am so happy for you!!! My own daughter is going on 4 and I can't believe how time has flown. I know how hard you have worked for this and I pray things will keep going ahead in a positive direction for you.
Lauren

[Tallblonde]

Men can do it???!!!  Heck, maybe my husband and I can BOTH plan on breastfeeding.  Everything else about this conception/birth is unconventional, so why not?

Seriously, thank you for the links.  I agree that breastfeeding is such an important thing.  

Susan

[cuteus]

I have done the breastfeeding thing twice, and they were different experiences each time, but the most wonderful and rewarding event in my life. It provides for a closeness and bonding not achieved by any other means. It is not easy in every case, but worth the effort.  Even men can do it, I heard some tribes make them, lol.
In any case, here are some links:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/adopt.html
http://breast-feeding.adoption.com/nursing/stimulating-breastmilk-production.html
http://www.mamadearest.ca/en/info/newman/induced-lactation.htm
you can see how serious I am about this suggestion...
be well

[louisep]

Susan!  At last your dream has come true!!!!!
Your wonderful news brought tears to my eyes!  I'm so happy for you & your hubby!
Keep me posted please.
Love & big hugs
Louise

[Tallblonde]

Ina -- Very funny, and probably true!  And I can't wait!!!  Hey, I hope you're feeling better today than earlier this week.  It sounds like you've found a solution to your insurance problem.  I'm a little concerned about the 3-year treatment plan, but I trust that you and Dr. Cecil know what you're doing.  You're a strong lady, Ina.  Somehow, someway, you'll beat this thing into submission.


Cuteus -- Breastfeeding...hmmmmm, I'll have to figure that one out.  Maybe our surrogate will consider providing us with some pumped milk.  That would be better than nothing.

In the 20 months or so that I've posted here, I got pregnant once on my own, but miscarried at about 5 weeks (the numbers doubled at first, but then stopped).  And one of our surrogacy attempts (Nov. 2004) produced a postive home pregnancy test but the beta test a few days later was negative (the embryo just fizzled out after implantation).

This time does indeed seem much different.  I think I'll rest easier once I see a heartbeat (about 2-4 weeks from now).  I just can't seem to shake the expectation of failure that's resulted from so many miscarriages. I hope I reach the point where I can simply trust that everything will work out.

Thanks again for your support.

Susan

[Tallblonde]

Can we trade numbers?  You take the 143 and I'll take the 273.  I think we'd both be happier that way.  Oh gosh Sue, I wish I knew more about how all this works.  It seems absurd to me that 273 would be considered a "bad" number, when you started out with more than 50 million three months ago!  I think it's a good idea to run this past Dr. Cecil.  I'm sure he'll put your mind at ease.  

Isn't it amazing how all these numbers on a sheet of paper have become so powerful in our lives now?  I almost feel like one of the gladiators in the ancient Coliseum waiting for the thumbs ups (good numbers) or thumbs down (bad numbers) from the insane Roman emperor.  Oh what a drama these numbers create!

Sue, thank you for your kind comments about our good news.  It'll be awhile before I relax and rest easy about all of this, but at least it looks like things are moving in the right direction.  I really think your situation is also moving in the right direction.  Please let us know what Dr. Cecil says.

Susan

[cuteus]

I think this one is it! remembering last year's event, correct me if I am wrong, you did not get the numbers you are now getting.
looks mighty good that you will be up every night with bottle feedings. Or you could try and breastfeed, it is possible even if you are not pregnant. Just a thought, it is a wonderful bonding experience.

[BostonGirl]

Hi Susan;
         Well, we finally got this whole thing straightened out. My insurnace requires a 90 renewal of the authorization for the meds. When the new RX for the next 90 day order was put in, some one put my husband's name of the order ( Norm Roberts ) instead of Susan. I am insured through my hubby's work.

So they saw Norm Roberts on the rx and it got rejected. After many calls, we found out why. But at first, no one seemed to know why we were denied. They just kept saying that we had reached our limit for our meds and were denied.

We needed a new authorization > but with the correct name on it, of course. Anyway, I was so upset & so frustrated yesterday, I just felt like quitting tx. My husband spent this morning on the phone making sure it all got straightened out. They are overnighting the meds to us.

So I'm still in the game. I will keep you posted on that 20 week vl. And I will also be sending many positive prayers to you & your family today. I say family because that is what you will become. Amen!

God Bless You Susan ((((((((( Big Hugs )))))))))))Sue

[BostonGirl]

PRAISE GOD FOR MIRACLES!!! I am so happy for you Susan! We will continue to pray that this child will just thrive in the womb and the he/she will enter this world very happy & healthy.

Well, I got my call today. My 20 week vl is still 273. Man!! This bugger is hard to kill. I was really expecting zero, but I guess starting at 55 million, I am doing OK.( just a little frustrated )

I will re-test again at 24 weeks. If I am still showing some numbers, I'm not sure what to do. I guess I am going to post and ask for feedback from late responders, also do lots of reading.

My doctor & nurse tell me because I am so close to being undetectable, that I should just continue. But I am wondering if 18 months is long enough?

I am going to ask the famous Dr. Cecil what he thinks. He's advised me a few times during this tx.

Again, Susan I rejoice with you in this new life! The Bible says that your Children will rise up and called you blessed! You're gonna be a Momma!! Hallelujah!


(((((( Sue )))))))

[Tallblonde]

Hi Sue,

Oh, I'm so glad you got that straightened out!  Whew!  



PREGNANCY UPDATE:

Praise God....good news again!  The beta today was 143 (by the way, for those who don't know, a beta test measures the pregnancy hormone -- HcG-- in a woman's blood).

I gasped at first because it wasn't the "magic 164" number I was praying for.  But the nurse quickly put my mind at ease and said that a rise of 66% or higher during a 48-hour period is very indicative of a viable pregnancy.  This was a 75% rise from Tuesday's baseline of 82.  She reassured me that my husband and I have every reason to be optimistic.  She went on to say that she wasn't the least bit concerned about this number.

They're going to do another beta test on Monday (standard procedure), along with a check of our surrogate's progesterone level.  An ultrasound will follow a couple of weeks after that.  

All the worrying I've done just in the past week has already taken at least 10 years off my life.  This baby better hurry up and get here because at this rate I'll be dead soon from all the worrying!

Thank you again for your continued prayers and good wishes!

Susan  

[honey1616]

Glad to see you clear for 2 years!  Now,,,if we can get your hubby that way,,,,Life will be wonderful right?  How is he doing these days and will he be doing tx?  Your nephew is in my prayers!

[BostonGirl]

Hello Susan;
            Yes, you will definately be in our prayers. When you get the good news, please post as soon as possible. OK. I know you will be getting great news. I am really happy for you Susan, no one desereves this blessing more than you : )

Thank you for your gracious comments on my tx journey. I try to be a positive about the tx. I keep my pity parties for God & my hubby. They both have allowed me to cry on their shoulders on more than one occasion.

Also, it's people like you that have encouraged me, as well. There are many here at this BB that keep me going & thinking positive. I would like to thank you all!

I am currently waiting for the 20 week vl results. At 16 weeks I was still at 1600. But I am believing it will be undetectable by now.

My doctor & I both agree that if I am not completely clear by 24 weeks, we will stop. But I am not thinking in terms of stopping, but just pressing forward and doing this whole thing for 18 months. Whatever it takes.

God Bless ((((((( Sue ))))))))

[louisep]

Ooooooooooh my god!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Susan!!  I'm absolutely thrilled for you & your hubby!!!!  What fantastic news!!!
The numbers look brilliant!  Now just take it easy, eat well & stay positive!  I'm so excited for you!  This is just what the doctor ordered....some wonderful news!  You deserve this Susan, after all you have been through!  I just know things are gonna be okay!!
You know here in the UK it's National twin week!!!  Yikes!!!!  Wouldn't that be lovely!
It would be wonderful to be able to go through pregnancy together, wouldn't it?  Lets keep our fingers crossed!
I'll be thinking of you on Thursday.
Lot's of love & big hugs
Louise

[BostonGirl]

Yes, we both need those numbers and I promise to post mine as soon as I get the results.

On a different note, my Pharmacy called today & informed me that my rx for my Pegasus was denied. I asked why and she only said that I had exceeded the limit in presciptions ( according to my PPO )

But that does not make sense because when my doctor first wrote out the rx for the Peg combo > my presciption said 48 weeks and they approved it within 1 week.

So, I will have to call tomorrow to get to the bottom of all this. My gut feeling is that they cut me off because I did not go undetectable at 12 weeks. I sure hope that is not the case.

I am so close to zero, yeck I could be undetectable right now. So, I could sure use some prayers on this new crisis.


(((((((( Sue )))))))))

[Tallblonde]

Oh man!  Grrrrr...I hate hearing stuff like this.  As if you don't have enough headaches to deal with!  This just seems outrageous to me!  The treatment for HCV has to be among the most grueling medical treatments in existence and the damn insurance companies can't even demonstrate a little flexiblity for the poor souls who have to endure it?  C'mon!

I'll definitely add this situation to my list of things to pray for.  Hang in there, Sue.

Susan

[Tallblonde]

I promise to promptly post the results of tomorrow's crucial beta test if you promise to post the results of your PCR.  Both our fates hinge on getting the right numbers.  I need a 164 or higher and you need a big fat zero.  I pray that God is merciful and grants us both the numbers we need.

Best wishes to you, Sue!
Susan

[OkieJim1]

I was a 2B. This was why I decided no more PCR's I had it easy compared to the rest of you. Plus I didn't what to continue driving into Tulsa to have more tests.  Thyroid, I've been at same level since I lost it. Haven't had it checked for almost a year. My DR. says he only checks yearly. Country Dr's you know. I'm kinda out in the country far away from the city life. Good to hear from you too. It's so nice to see how many of us made it. In the beginning it was really scary as none of us really new what to expect. Enjoy life.

Love,Peace and Happiness to all

[Tallblonde]

Aw, thank you Sue!  We're still holding our breath because this could all be over by Thursday if that beta number dosn't double. As usual, our fate comes down to numbers -- whether we're battling HCV or trying to achieve a viable pregnancy -- It's all about the numbers.  

I keep trying to remind myself that all the worrying in the world won't change whatever God has ordained for the outcome.  He's sovereign in all of this.  I just pray that his will matches my own because I can't bear the thought of having to let go of this dream.

Hey, on to you for a minute....I'm thrilled that you're doing so well on treatment and that the cryo seems to have evaporated.  You've been a wonderful role model for treatment.  So gracious, so brave, so determined.  Your posts are always inspiring.

Well, I'll let you know how this all turns out.  Thusday is the critical day we have to get through.  Any prayers you might be inclined to say on our behalf would be deeply appreciated!

Take care, Sue!
Susan

[BostonGirl]

Dear Susan;
          Congradulations on the implantation! I am so happy for you. I know you've been through hell & back with this baby thing. The waiting game is the hardest part. But those numbers are looking great and I am sure you & your husband will be wonderful parents. I rejoice with you in this new life that you've waited so for!

God Bless ((((((( Sue ))))))))

[Tallblonde]

Hi Louise!

You must have missed the announcement I posted on Friday.  It's buried in the thread below titled "Anyone Having Trouble Posting."

In a nutshell, it worked.  Praise God, it worked!!

We're still on pins and needles, though, because we have to have doubling betas (HcG) over a 48-hour period to confirm a viable pregnancy. Today's number was 82. The nurse said that at this stage, they like to see a number between 50-100, so this was "perfect."

Please pray for at least a 164 on Thursday.  If we hit or surpass than magic number, we'll most likely be in business. So far, so good!!!!  Boy, this is incredibly nerve-wracking.  I'll keep you
posted.

I'm thinking about you daily and praying that your upcoming procedure is successful.  It would be great to go through the next nine months together!

Susan

[louisep]

Hopiangel,
best wishes & a big hug for your nephew.

Susan,
Just got back from London & all went well, just gotta wait 2 weeks to see if things have worked.
How are you???  How did things go???  Hope you're okay & all is well?
Love & hugs
Louise

[hepcgetlost]

I agree with frank. It's so great to hear from you, and know that you are living your life virus free. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck with your nephew's situation. Good thoughts and prayers for him from me. Judi :-)

[OkieJim1]

It's great to hear your news. Glad you stopped by. You encouraged me to comment instead of lurk.  I'm getting close to two years post TX also. I opt'd not to do anymore PCR once I was undetectable at 3 mos and 6 mos. post. I'm doing great in my humble opinion. Thyroid never came back just taking meds daily and its fine. Doing all the great work around the house again keeping busy. To all on TX keep up the good work it worth.
I haven't been here for quite some time now. I've been bad but I am living a complete life again. So TX was the key and I'm so glad we all went down the road together. Hopi send love to your family and continue on the healthy path of life. Was OkieJim had to change to OkieJim1 since I lost my passwork and forgot what old email I used.