Biopst Results

[PasoPerson]

Hi everyone.  Finally got biopsy results yesterday.  It was not particularly good, but I truly am relieved to know where I stand with The Dragon.  Maybe some of you understand more fully than I:

Chronic active Hepatitis (C, 1a)
Modified Knodell score (HAI grade)  1+)+@+@=5
Fibrosis stage 5 out of 6
Steatosis 10%
Masson trichrome and PASD support the diagnosis

Besides the liver biopsy, they did a "periodic acid Schiff with Dig and a Trichrome-Masson-Blue.  Anybody know what the heck this is?  :)

I know there was no cancer found, praise God.  And I know I will be starting treatment in five weeks.  I'll be taking Pegasys and Copegus.  Is this the one with more or less severe symptoms?

I've selected Thursday as my shot night, because I have a home business and don't have to be "at work" on Friday.  That way I should be better by church on Sunday.

Any info y'all could give on above report or symptom severity would sure be appreciated.

God bless you -
Carolyn

[Califia]

Looks terrific!   I am truly honored.

[PasoPerson]

Friole - Yes, this is my first biopsy. Diagnosed the end of May, but the wheels grind slow at the beginning of this, I see.  The "five weeks until next appointment" thing is the doctor's office.  I wanted to start then, actually, I wanted to start four weeks ago, after my biopsy!

Califa - THANK YOU for the link.  That's exactly what I needed.  The explanations on Janis7 site are not so simple.  And now I am relieved to find that I am only Grade 5 (out of 18) - mild.  The Stage 5 (out of 6) is not good, but hey I have one good thing to know about my innards!  (Southern word, lol)  And I will do research on that tongue twister you told me about.  Thanks for that, too.

One thing I do not understand yet, but I will look it up (if I can find it) is Steatosis 10%.  I look forward to the day when I can be a helper, as you all have been, to newcomers.

[cuteus]

you can check this site for explanations:
http://janis7hepc.com/biopsy.htm

[PasoPerson]

Hey, I don't suffer from brain fog or anything like that, no not me!  LOL  I knew about that site and STILL didn't think to go there.  Not only can I not type today, I apparently can't think straight either.

Guess I better not go buy anything, eh?  :)

Thank you, cuteus.

God bless -
Carolyn

[friole]

Hi Carolyn.  Although your biopsy report shows some pretty advanced damage, I would say the good news is that you are starting treatment in a few weeks and you should be able to arrest further damage and maybe reverse it.   Do check the Janis7 websight.  They explain the scale used for the modified Knodell pretty well.  I am sure you are relieved just to know.

Is this the first biopsy you have had done?  (I think it is)
Pegysys and Copeg treatment is supposed to be the one with the least side effects, but I have only had one shot so what do I know.  I will say, that the only day I was tired was the Monday after the Friday shot.  BUt once again, I am sure you will be different.

My very best thoughts are with you.  I know there will be a lot of anxiety until you start -- why 5 weeks - your choice or the doctor's?
Kathy

[Califia]

You might want to check this out, too:

<a href=http://tpis.upmc.edu/tpis/schema/mHAI.html><b>Liver Grading & Staging</b></a>

It's going to take some work, but your damaged liver can get a lot better with prolonged reatment.  Keep holding on to that thought !  Sure, there are negative factors but they don't have to stand in your way.

It's especially important during tx to hold fast to what you love and gives you hope and strength of spirit, so your choice of shot day makes a lot of sense.  You'll also have all of us here for support  when the going gets however it's going to get.  One never knows how it'll be until you're actually doing it, but yes indeed, Pegasys has the reputation (rightly or wrongly) for fewer side effects.

One little suggestion.  You might want to do some research on phosphatidylcholine for treating fatty liver.   It's absolutely safe to take during treatment, but of course you'll want to confirm this with your doctor.   Best of luck to you.

[PasoPerson]

Crum, can't seem to type at ALL today.  Just saw my messed up Knodell score ... should be:

Modified Knodell score (HAI grade) 1+0+2+2=5

I am sorry guys, but would sure like to know what this means.  

[friole]

The Steatosis means fatty liver.  So 10% fatty liver does not sound too bad.  
THat like Califia sent is great.  It is much easier to sipher than the Janis7.
Kathy

[Califia]

De nada, but I wish to heck it were a plant cutting or a good paperback or something other than a hepatitis link!  Oh well.

Carolyn, you just might have come up with a great description of treatment:  a journey into innard space?    (Ouch, pretty bad.)

[PasoPerson]

Califia - You have cracked me up; Journey to Innard Space?  ROFL  Guess I now have that much-needed sub-sub-title to my Web Journal ... Beating Hepatitis C, "The Dragon" ... My battle with this silent killer.    

Friole - Thanks for your explanation of Steatosis. Much appreciated.

[PasoPerson]

Okay, kiddo, you're immortalized, well maybe not, but a wee bit honored would be more like it ...

http://pasoperson.bravejournal.com/

[PasoPerson]

Alternate spelling on heading ... Biopsy Results ... lol.