I am responding to TX!!!!

[BostonGirl]

Hi Everyone;
            I do not usually post, but mainly lurk here. Just wanted to share the good news. I am/ was a 1A viral load almost 56 million and also have cryoglobulemia.

Because of the extremely high viral load, my doc was willing to consider doing higher doses of Pegasus > if we didn't see a good drop early into tx.

Well, just got the results > I am now at 303,000 and I will be doing shot # 7 on Sunday. My doc is very encouraged and she said I have an excellent chance of clearing. This is so encouraging, it makes it all worth it.

One more thing > had to go on Procrit at week #4, my Hemo just started going up this past week and my whites are on there way back up, as well. So I am good to go. It can be done. I thank the Lord God in Heaven for this miracle.  ((((( Sue ))))))

[Laika]

So glad you got this good news!

Laika

[lackalustre]

thats a high viral load.  are you trying to work during tx.?   or can you rest when you need to?   just something ive  observed.  it seems like people who need procrit (thats for the red count)  are the ones that have to push on during tx.     and cant rest as much.  i may be entirely wrong but just an observation.  my white count stayed low all during tx.  and went back up after tx.    hang in there.  your doing great.

[twotells]

I'm very happy for you.  I had wondered how you were doing- this is really great news.  God bless you,  Dave

[Honey15637]

Sue,,,Wonderful!!  Wow,,,at that rate,,,,You are sitting now,,,Undetected!  Yeahhhh!

[Tallblonde]

Way to go!!!  I was beginning to worry about you after reading your last post when you mentioned the possibility of being pulled off of treatment.  What a great turnaround!  I think it's fabulous that you didn't have to wait until week 12 to know for sure that the treatment is working.  It's a real morale boost, I'm sure.  I feel good about this Sue.  I really think you'll achieve SVR.  Hang in there!

Susan

[DoubleDose]

That's great news!!!  Well over a 2-log drop, very early into treatment.  That bodes well.  My advice, from past experience, and lots of observation:  Keep the Peg at full dose AND the Ribavirin as well.  Lately we have been seeing many research articles demonstrating the importance of FULL DOSE (or even greater) Ribavirin, as it greatly impacts SVR rates.  Keep using the Procrit, and do not be afraid to ask for increased doses if necessary to keep your red blood cell counts in a safe, and livable range.  Just keep doing what you are doing, and hopefully, in another 5 to 12 weeks, you will become fully undetected.  Depending on how quickly you become undetected, you MAY want to consider extended dosing.  If undetected before 12 weeks, then 48 to 52 weeks will potentially give you good odds of SVR.  If your undetected comes after 12 weeks but before 24 weeks, then you need to consider the 60 to 72 week extended tx....depending on just how late the undetected reading occurs.  Closer to 24 weeks, means more likely 72 weeks total tx.  We all hope you get there by week 12!!!!!... But you WILL get undetected!!!

Keep up the great work, and get CURED!!!  Best Wishes!

DoubleDose

[layla]

Just want to say congrats! I know how excited you must be. I wish you the best. LL

[rearfang]

That's fantastic news. Hope you continue to get good news!
Lauren

[Tony-z]

Great news Sue,

You are responding and you will beat this virus!
It so helpfully to hear good news when on TX. I am sure you will hear lots more great news.

           GOD BLESS YOU

               TonyZ

[scruffy]

That's a great response Sue. You might read Doubledose's reply twice-it's good advice.(about time of viral clearance and tx length) frank

[bzzracer]

Congrats on the great news! I'm a 1a too but haven't begun TX. Can you post your doseages, and please keep us informed of your progress.

[BostonGirl]

Hello Everyone;
              Thank you for all the well wishes & words of encouragement. As far as continuing at full doses, I have absolutley no intention of reducing at any time. If fact, in the beginning, my doctor & I both were planning on doing higher doses of the Peg ( if we didn't see a big drop early into tx ) But looks like I will remain on 180 mg of Pegasus and 1000 copegus, 40,000 IU of Procrit.

( By the way > my first month I injected every 6 days and used all the extra interferon in the vial, probably 200 ) I was told to squeeze out the extra peg down to 180, but I haven't been doing that Ha!)

I also knew going into this that I might possibly have to do 18 months. Having a high viral load & cryo makes it harder to clear. So, I will proabably do the extended version.

My first shipment of my prescription said 17 refills, so looks like that is where I am heading. It's all good though. As long as this poison is doing it's job, it's all worth it.

As far as working on TX, I think some people manage, but I seroiusly doubt that I could work. TX really hit me hard the past few weeks. I am blessed to be able to stay home and have my family care for me. I haven't worked since 1992 and my husband & girls like it that way.

A Big Thanks to Evryone for your support. I know I am going to beat this thing. I can do ALL things  through Christ Jesus who strengthens me!     ((((((( Sue ))))))))

[Amerabrit]

Happy celabrating, great news!

[mikesimon]

Congratulations Sue! Good luck. Mike

[doll face]

CONGRATULATIONS,I am so gald that your doctor put you on procrit instead of pulling you off or decreasing your riba. That is very encouraging. Keep up the good work. Kim

[KICKED]

fantastic  news like this makes you want to keep going.  Great News