Side Effects

[indyjo]

Hi. I am on week 60/72, second round of treatment. I was really really sick after shot for first few months and then this resolved and became tolerable at least. I now find that I am having these same significant side effects later in tx. This didn't happen last round, but I went 48 then. Anyone else have this happen?

[daniel2u]

Bill
     Do you know what criteria would qualify a doctor go prolong the tx for  as much as 96 weeks?  I am willing to go longer in my tx if necessary.  Of  course it goes without saying that I can't wait to have this over.
Daniel

[Bill1954]

The Standard Of Care is the *minimum* level of care that a health care provider must deliver to a patient; however, the doctor is allowed to add to this if he feels it’s in the patient's best interest.

Bill

[daniel2u]

I didn't know that tx could continue for so many weeks.  How is it decided that tx should last so long?
Daniel

[Bill1954]

Good to hear from you again; and the best of luck to you. No, LOL, this isn’t the standard of care; I relapsed last time after 56 weeks of extended tx, and given my last biopsy report of stage 3/4 (early ’05) we thought it best I hit it hard. I’m treating with a prominent West Coast hepatologist that is willing to work aggressively with me, so we’ll see how things work out soon.

I understand the cumulative effects of long-term treatment; I was fine for the first half… the last part of this is starting to drag on though.

Stay in touch here, and let us know how things proceed—

Bill

[Marcia2202]

Thanks, Bill!

God bless, Marcia

[Bill1954]

Hi Marcia,

I just saw your comment. Thank you for your kind words; I’m either very determined, or very foolish :o). I’ve also been taking 2g riba/day and increased my PEG-Interferon from 150µg to 200µg this time; as an old carpenter, I tend to use a big hammer to get things done. It works building houses :o). Sometimes.

Take care, and keep learning; you’re doing an excellent job so far.

Be well,

Bill

[indyjo]

Yep, I read but don't post often. I was in the IDEAL study with Dr. Kwo. Cleared early but then had meds reduced as they can't provide procrit, neupogen, etc in a study. Went the entire 48 weeks but relapsed or had breakthrough - whatever you want to call it between week 24 and 48. Bummer. Now doing 72 weeks and have all the drugs. 96 weeks? Is this the new SOC? I feel for you!

[Marcia2202]

Wow, I wasn't aware that you were treating for 96 weeks. That is two years, almost. Wow, I don't know what to say. Respect!!!

Indyjo, sorry to cut into the thread.

Marcia

[Bill1954]

Hey; I haven’t seen you post in here for years; you were treating with Dr Paul Kwo before, weren’t you?

I’m currently in week 91 of 96, and the side effects keep on coming. I actually tolerated the sides relatively well for the first eight to ten months of treatment both times; but I’m wearing out as time goes on. Not tethered to the bed yet, but not traveling too far from it either :o).

Hang in there, and let us know how things progress—

Bill

[meki]

I can only tell you that from shot one and up --- it got worse for me.

So --- I'm sending you lotsa hope and hugs to get through this tough part.

meki