Relapsed in TX

[SeiserL]

Clinical trial: Peg-Interferon, Ribavirin, Boceprevir.
Cleared at week 12.
Relapsed at 16.
Stopped at 29.
So it goes and so worth it.
Thanks for the support.

[Marcia2202]

I'm so sorry for your breakthrough. Just wanted to send some good vibes your way.

[alagirl]

Hi Lynn, I'm really this happened to you.

[frijole]

looking at your viral load ---- did you start the Boceprevir after a 4-week lead in?    Week 6 was your first decent drop and I am thinking that may have been the 2-week Boceprevir test.  It is then very interesting that the BC could not keep your vl down.  In fact it is incredible.  I wonder if higher dosing would have done the job.  Your doc is right, you will probably die with but not from C but watch your QOL carefully and get a biopsy every 3-5 years (what were your biopsy scores?).

I am constantly amazed at the differences in how our bodies react to these meds.  Did you notice a metalic or bitter taste from the pills?  

copyman -- why do you think the BOC is not as good as the TEL?  I think Vertex still  has an issue with the rashes.  As least, I have still heard of some people still getting it and I think they are going to have to deal with it.  I thought Telaprevir was better at first, but the more I read about Boceprevir, I am not so sure.  Candoman and Rocker are going very well on it and if Candoman clears, I will be a believer.  

Mangum -- Schering Plough is about to complete their merger with Merck.  I have concerns  -- even though they say R&D and trials will continue as before.  It sounds like there is a lot of paperwork that will need to be done to get to market and I think the paperwork has been compounded by the mreger.  I hope I am wrong, but I think it is going to delay the start date.

frijole

[Magnum]

The current treatments as well as the experimental we have are for now, but who knows what the future holds within the next 3-5 years. If money is a catalyst for most drug companies to proceed and accelerate the research, then there will be constant upgrades and discoveries made.

I fear that after 4 failed treatments, when I finally do get the real drug late 2010 or first quarter of 2011 (as Vertex predicts they will be licensed to dispense), I may very well join you. However, I'm prepared for any and all battles, as I’ve been hardened and will not give up.

I also feel the doctor is right and it has been proven that the greater majority of people (if they take care of themselves), will go to their graves with Hep C rather than from it. Best not to dwell on it but instead take life one day at a time and have a ball... Best of luck...

Magnum

[copyman]

sorry to hear about your relapse. keep up the good attitude. perhaps next time you can do 24 weeks of Telaprevir.  in my opinion this is my far the better of the two drugs. maybe it is the lead in with Bocep that makes it not as good. HCV is such a resilient disease that it needs to be hit early and hopefully cleared by 4 weeks. It seems Telaprevir clears the virus within days. Best of luck

[Rockerforlife]

Sorry bout your news ,bro,as you proberly know im in the BOC non responder trial and i pray i dont relpase,i cleared after week 6 of the trial(4 weeks SOC and 2 weeks of BOC)..we nevr know with this monster...i may relpase after 2 hours EOT

[SeiserL]

When we asked about the next arm that would definetly get Boceprevir, I was not eligible. Implying I was on the drug not the placebo.

VL:
Baseline: 1830000
Week 2:  1110000
Week 4:  1070000
Week 6:       3020
Week 8:       1650
Week 10:       116
Week 12:       <25 (cleared)
Week 16:       325
Week 20:     3076
Week 24:   95800

As I said, gave it a good go, a temporary inconvenience.
It just didn't work for me. We all run that risk.

Doctor said at my age (58) that I would die with the virus but not because of it.

Off medications for 6 weeks now. Not feeling as bad.

I would still encourage everyone to take treatment and keep the faith.

I read this group everyday. Thank you all so much.

Until again, (and you can never tell)
Lynn

[Rockerforlife]

There may be some good news in this,if you did not get the BOC in this trial,this means you are still open to do other BOC trials,because if you had a breaktru while on the BOC,this means the virus mutated...when will you find out if you got the the BOC drugs

[RCM829]

I am so disappointed to hear this!
And you've got such a great attitude.
Even if you did receive  Boceprevir, my understanding from one of my doctors  is that this will be a "curable disease" in the not too distant future.
So hang in there! I just know you will win this.

[frijole]

I am very sorry to hear you had a break through and that you were pulled.  Do you know if you   had the trial drug or the placebo?

I would be interested in any data you have to post -- beginning vl, biopsy, vl at week 4, 6, 8, ...... what was your vl when you broke through?

After breakthrough did you ever clear again.

rest and recuperate.  That is about all you can do for now.

frijole (fellow relapser)

[lapis]

So sorry to hear your news.  It affects us all, I think, when someone relapses.  Best wishes to you in going forward.

Lapis

[justme53]

I was so sad to hear about your breakthrough from following your blog. May you continue to heal and and I'm hoping for positive developments in the future that will work for you and many others still waiting in the wings.

Pam