Post tx PCR, seems they miss fighting me and brought help

I had my 3mos post tx PCR 2 weeks ago today. I called Thursday and asked to have the results faxed as usual. Instead I came home Friday evening to find out the dr had called and left a message for me to get back to him. Hmmm. That

[illo]

Strator,

Sorry to hear about the relapse.  It's depressing news.
I hope there will be some new drugs on the horizon.  The only
thing I can tell people to do, is to write to their reps and senators and tell them to up the funding on HCV.  Tell them it is more epidemic than AIDS, which has more funding.  We need a Michael J. Fox to help this cause.  Surely there have been enough celebs with it. Pamela Anderson, Steven Tyler, Christopher Kennedy Lawford (who is doing a little, but being paid by the pharma industry), Naimo Judd to name a few.

[strator]

For now it's time to train for life . Get some ducks in a row, just to have em in a row. Do some work on acceptance and put a little more effort into the healthier lifestyle. Consider how to get my art career swingin so I can be working from home down the line when I re-treat. But other than that...
after I talked to the doc I went for coffee, too busy wondering why my car was starting slow to think of the drs words. Got back to work and as usual the swing of my hammer, my uncle singing as he played w/live wires in the 'spaghetti' panel box, the smell of soot that coated my face, and Iwas good to go. Told Dad when I got home cause he asked, the kid and rest of the family will know when it's relevant, maybe after the holidays. I had a home to come back to, the thought of a drink never entered my mind, a bed to rest in when the fatigue hits....pick a guy up to go a meeting with friends who don't care I haven't had time to shower. I got it good, and I wish all of you the absolute best blessings in life as we trudge through this battle and life in general.
Be well,
Don

Stats: 54yro male, geno 1a, grade 2, stage 1to 2. Treated w/peg and riba 45 weeks. Starting vl was 18.7 million. VL at 12wks was 291,000, at 24wks was 3190. Cleared at 39 weeks.  Went through most of treatment w/manageable sx until about week 40.  Then the sx came from everywhere and the loss of 45lbs and inability to sleep and all sapped my strength and I called it a day at week 45. Granted I was still doing digging ditches and crwaling through hot attic crawl spaces in that late July heat but the work kept me going, at least mentally, as much as it wore me out physically.

[timedog]

said "VTell them it is more epidemic than AIDS"

really?

[Lonestar823]

If I ever have to get bad news again I'd like it told to me by someone like you.  A little story, then a matter of fact jack punch and finally a play the hand you're dealt, no point wishing for another end.  My eyes filled with tears and my throat closed up kinda tight but I know you're gonna be alright.

[GoofyDad]

I was just thinking about you as I was walking back to my office from Kinkos, ten here you are on the forum. I'm really sorry Don. We knew they hadn't left the building as early as you'd like to see, but still that ray of hope and optimism blossomed, and then the bad nnews comes.

I hear it's not unusual for the virus to flare as it catches the imune system unaware. Then it often settles back into a state of balance. Your's wil most likely do just that.

You gave you liver a break, you gave it your best shot, you're stronger for it. The new drugs are really looking hopeful.

Godd luck and best wishes.....

[honey11]

I'm so very sorry!!  You worked so hard and honestly I don't know how you did your line of work and still kept up the tx but you did and if there ever was someone that I wanted to reach SVR,,,,You were right there at the top!  You are a very strong person so I have no doubt that you will get through this! I do know one thing,,,I'm sure the tx wasn't a waste and set you back a stage so you do have time now.  Always Wishing you the Best!

[pln]

I'm sorry to here this, hopefully after you take a long well needed break the new meds will be out. Take care Pam

[can-do-man]

Sorry to see this, your a fighter so i know you will get them. Get yourself in shape and be ready to fight them another day. Take care Don and eat a bunch of turkey.

P.S. you get my xmas list?

[cuteus]

even though we knew that it most likely was coming back, due to only been gone for 6 wks before stopping tx, we hear about so many incredible cases where for some reason it is jolted into oblivion with only a few wks of tx, that i was hoping this was one of those unusual cases.  Although this was expected, knowing does not make it easier,  there is always that ray of hope that we are the unique, history making case.  You gave the bug a big warning, IT knows that it is only a matter of time before eviction.

enjoy the holidays and stay as healthy as you can.

[Forseegood]

always look to your posts for some wisdom and kindness to others on this board...you've got a poetic soul full of passion and compassion, I know you have as much for yourself in getting through this bad news...I'm certain you'll find some answers in the not to distant future...maybe I'm misquoting goof/spock, live well and prosper...

[ladybug52]

You have the soul of a poet, a mind of an artist, the work ethic of an ox and the faith of a saint. How's that for cliches'? You are so awesome, You will beat this thing.
I still have the book and movie on the back burner.
Bug

[Moniker]

Hi Don,

That was round one; round two will be a whole different story. The new meds that are coming along will do the trick for you.

My first treatment, many years ago, was monotherapy. That first treatment didn't work for me.

I finished my second treatment about six months ago and I just gave the six month post tx PCR blood sample last Friday, Nov. 17. Now, I'll wait and see. It might take a little longer to get the PCR results because of the Thanksgiving holiday. I'll be thankful beyond words if it's still undetectable. I have my fingers crossed.

If my second try hasn't worked, if the virus is back, I'll wait for the new meds too. I think treating does buy us some extra time. It is a slow virus, we do have time to wait for the new meds.

Take care and enjoy the holidays. Best of luck to us all.

Bob

[Kalio1]

Im so sorry to hear this. I know you were expecting it, but that can't make it any easier. Let's hope all that treatment did improve your liver status. I agree with Goofy, the VL seems to go way up in some people when you relapse, but it should settle down, it seems to owrk that way often. You sure fought the good fight. I have no idea how you managed to work construction and deal with tx. Your good attitude is inspiring as are all your stories.
Congratulations on not even having the thought of having a rink cross your mind! What an accomplishment that is.
Hope you can put it on the back burner and enjoy the Holiday season.

[Morgaina]

Dammit, Sh!t, Sh!t, Sh!t.........I'm so sorry. You make my worst fears reality and I've had no where near the fight you've done. DAMM!T. I dont have any worthwhile words but you should be the one with with success NOW. Still looking for your words, do take care. Peace to you.............By the way the "secret club" thing was my stab at humor. Really does get lost alot!!

[goldyn]

Oh man im so sorry, but take your docs advice and get all good and healed up  for the brand new meds, I just finished up nov 3 and that was all i could give ,I was really hurting, so now im on the wait and worry list, sept cant worry to hard Got me just a whole lot of food to cook this week,
              God Bless you strator
         You and your family have a great Thanksgiving.....

[beamishboy]

don, what to say??You are one class act....and it suxs!......tommy

[sfbaygirl]

So sorry to hear this news! When you are ready to do it again I hope the drugs are much nicer on you. Don't be a stranger! Have a good turkey day (no climbing through crawl spaces!)

[GoofyDad]

Ya know, I thought it was my urologist who said "live long and prosper", but <a href="http://images.google.com/images?q=live+long+and+prosper&hl=en&lr=&c2coff=1&rls=GGLF,GGLF:1969-53,GGLF:en&sa=X&oi=images&ct=title">looks like it was Spock</a>.

[susan400]

Don,

I can truly say that I know what it's like...  You have such a good attitude.  I can learn from you on a positive attitude.  I need to take lessons, on that, I guess.  I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy all the good eats.  Especially since you won't be having to be on treatment, at this time, now isn't this something we can be thankful for?  Last Thanksgiving and Christmas I was on treatment, so I didn't have a very good appetite.  So this year, I'm savoring the good tasting food!  Anyhow, we'll both be looking out for something new to try on the Hep C treatment horizon.

Take care.

Susan

[Mister beagle bailey]

I'm so sorry to hear you relapsed, I know the feeling as I to relapsed 3 months post tx.  I know how down you must feel, it took me months to feel better but I promise you it will get better in time.
I know there is nothing I could say to make you feel better but try and hang in there, like everything else, time heals the mind.  Your in my prayers.

Beagle

[FlGuy]

Hope you continue to feel stronger and better. With your perspective on life, Don, you may not win them all but you'll win more than most.

[returntosender]

Very sorry to hear about the results.  You have always had a wonderful way of expressing things to others and have provided many people, including myself, with better ways of looking at and coping with the illness and tx for the illness.  My thoughts and prayers are with you as you look for that hand that will take yours and lead you to ultimate success over this illness.  Good luck Don.  RTS

[Better-Angels]

Don:

I can't add much to the eloquent prose of those above, but I am so sorry. Your attitude is right on, I hope it helps on the journey ahead. My thoughts are with you...

Moniker:

Please keep us posted on your PCR results. We are all very anxious to hear good news from you.

Kind regards,
Debbe

[Cindy10]

Don,

I dont know you, yet, but I feel so sorry you had to go through
this tx so long and hear this news. I will keep you in my prayers. You sound so strong so I know you will be fine, keep the faith!

[Algernon]

So so sorry.  You have such a good spirit and it shines through even now.  Wishing you well, Algie

[friole]

Just saw this.  I didn't want to , but I did.  I am so sorry Don.  LIfe goes on, tis true -- we have expanded our horizons on this forum and we are destined to remain in the game.  

You have such a great outlook on life, it is a joy.  Please do live long and prosper -- me ?  just beam me up Scotty
kathy

[dyce]

Sorry dude , I been thinking about how things were goin with you.

  Train hard for the next big fight and put a roll a pennies in your gloves for the next fight!!

[strator]

Thank you all very, very much for your wonderful words of encouragement. I was actually a little hesitant to post the news because I knew so many of you were pulling for me and so many here truly feel setbacks for others on a personal level. Please know that I really am okay with this hand. I realized last night that right now I

[cajunlady]

My stomach is turning, just at that news.  I was so wishing, so hard for you to clear and stay clear.  I take my last shot Friday night.  You have such a way of looking at things in life and I am sure it took alot of experience with alot of things to gain the knowledge.  Give yourself time to heal and enjoy life for awhile.  Sooooooooooooo Good you did not crave that drink.  That lets me know you are getting better in more ways than tx.
Your art will keep you inspired, keep it in your life and go strong.
My oldest son relized that I was going to be done with tx and asked, does that mean Physco Mom will be going away. LOL LOL  I told him yes in time and you and your brother better watch out, because mom is going to be sharp as a tac again and you will not get away with what you did while I was on tx.  I just laughed at them and said SHEEEEEEEEEEEE'S BAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!! LOL LOL

Hope you have a good holiday this week.  And, give thanks.

Cajun

[cajunlady]

I just love your attitude and the way you look at things in your life.  Just went on you pic site.  Nice Marilyn.  I forgot to post this the other day.  Since you like art, thought you might like to check this out.  Chainsawchick.com.  She is one of my dearest friends.  She just redid her site.

Have a WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!

CAJUN

[strator]

Holy Carumba Batman!! That is one dangerous lady!
Really, really talented dangerous lady, though. I will get back to the site later, gotta take the kid shopping. Your friend's work is incredible.  You be well and make a copy of 'Psycho Mom' to keep in the closet should you be in a situation that she would be of use.:) I'm hoping to get back to some painting soon.
Be well,
Don