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
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
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
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!
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
Thanks, Bill!
God bless, Marcia
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
I didn't know that tx could continue for so many weeks. How is it decided that tx should last so long?
Daniel
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
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