Aa
Same as chemo?
I was reading some articles about Casey Treat, a well known pastor in WA who was diagnosed with Hep C after getting a general physical. He was only given a 4% chance for responding to tx...I'm not sure what stage/grade he was in at that time.
He lost 10 lbs and lost his hair. In an article he had talked about the chemotherapy. I was wondering if he had something different from the interferon and rib or do people consider these 2 drugs ad "being like chemo"? Can you help to answer that question?
He lost 10 lbs and lost his hair. In an article he had talked about the chemotherapy. I was wondering if he had something different from the interferon and rib or do people consider these 2 drugs ad "being like chemo"? Can you help to answer that question?
What will it be like?
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I think the shor answer is: That depends on a lot of things like individual health, luck, patience and attitude.
Interferon and Ribavirin for a year sounds like the Standard of Care (SOC) for chronic HCV with genotype 1. There are a lot of side effects, but most manage the treatment inspite of these. Have your had a liver biopsy yet? This is usually needed in addition to the HCV diagnosis before a decision about treatment can be made. Also, you doctor should test to determine the genotype of the virus. If he is telling you "1 year" it sounds like you are probably genotype 1. He should ask you, among other things, if you have a history of depression. Severe depression can be a side effect of treatment.
You should talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. If you stick around here you will learn more. Lots of knowledgeable people.
Best luck
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I think the shor answer is: That depends on a lot of things like individual health, luck, patience and attitude.
Interferon and Ribavirin for a year sounds like the Standard of Care (SOC) for chronic HCV with genotype 1. There are a lot of side effects, but most manage the treatment inspite of these. Have your had a liver biopsy yet? This is usually needed in addition to the HCV diagnosis before a decision about treatment can be made. Also, you doctor should test to determine the genotype of the virus. If he is telling you "1 year" it sounds like you are probably genotype 1. He should ask you, among other things, if you have a history of depression. Severe depression can be a side effect of treatment.
You should talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. If you stick around here you will learn more. Lots of knowledgeable people.
Best luck
i was just informed i have hep c and will soon start the interferon and ribaviron for a yr, what will this next yr be like? c
When I read what you heard a nurse say I couldn't believe it--how cruel! Many disease and illness can be tracked to behavior and choices but you don't penalize someone for that. That nurse is the type of person who should NOT be around people--she sure isn't giving out any positive feelings.
I have known several people who went thru chemo for cancer and their side effects and QOL was great throughout their treatments. One friend said to me, "wow, Hep C treatment is a lot worse than my chemo!" After watching her go through it, I have to agree. She only had a few days in al that she was in bed from it. She did lose her hair, that was hard but got such a cute wig, no one knew. Now she has kept her real hair in the same style of the wig! Pus she is cancer free.
I really think the stigma about this disease is a big part of why we are treated as if our symptoms aren't real. Their attitude is "you brought this on yourself, now SUFFER" I heard a nurse basically say that to another nurse. It's shameful.
I really think the stigma about this disease is a big part of why we are treated as if our symptoms aren't real. Their attitude is "you brought this on yourself, now SUFFER" I heard a nurse basically say that to another nurse. It's shameful.
I lost 20 pounds (and was VERY thin to start = they almost didn't treat me because of it) and about 50% of my hair in the beginning few months it was just coming out by handfuls and clogging the shower - while it was horrible every time a hair came out or a pound went off I tried to be like yay killed another virus.
Sort of like being George Bailey in it's a wonderful life with the angles getting their wings when the bell rings :)
For ME 99% of fighting this disease is mental...the physical parts can be very hard but if you can look at them in certain ways - it makes it bearable.
It's definitey chemo unfortunately by name but we REALLY don't have it as bad (me anyway) as you see people on tv at all.
I'm so sorry to hear about your relapse. Best of luck to you during your next series of tx. I know it can't be easy and I really hope you get SVR. Be strong.....and kick some Hep C butt. Your in my thoughts. :)
Holly
Holly
My hair started shedding around 3-4 month of treatment. I started seeing it on my pillow. in the kitchen floor and alot in the shower. I was on treatment 6 months total. and I would guess my hair was about 30% thinner. But it did grow back, it has been about 10 months since getting off tx. Going back on tx in july hopfully.
If you go to http://www.chemocare.com/bio/
You will find OUR drug on the list.
I realize most people associate chemo with cancer,.........
We are on chemical therapy, and I would not want anybody thinking what I am going through is the same as when they take a tylenol in the morning.
You will find OUR drug on the list.
I realize most people associate chemo with cancer,.........
We are on chemical therapy, and I would not want anybody thinking what I am going through is the same as when they take a tylenol in the morning.
Back 3 yrs ago when I was reading everything I could about the treatment. I read in several places that our treatment is a form of chemo. So it is easier just to tell people I am on chemo. That way they know how hard the treatment can be at times. This treatment is not a walk in the park!
Taking a Tylenol is certainly not chemo therapy, chemo therapy refers to much more complicated DOCTOR PRESCRIBED combination of drugs used for a variety of disorders. Not just any "chemical" like Tylenol you can buy over the counter. My doctor has always referred to this tx as "chemo therapy." Calling it "combo therapy" is yet another way to downplay this tx. in my opinion, I wonder if it isn't a way for the ins. companies to avoid paying for Procrit too because cancer patients have much easier access to Procrit and they can get it for improved quality of life whereas we can only get it if we are in the "medically dangerous" category, that is grossly unfair if you ask me. I have strugged and needed Procrit throughout this tx but cant get it due to having Hgb at 10.5, but I have friends with higher Hgb readings on chemo for cancer who get it no problem. Why is MY quality of ife on tx not just as important as someone with cancer? Hep C patients don't deserve a decent quality of life on tx? That seems to be what the message is.
I guess everyone's experience is different with regards to side affects, but it generally harder than not...if anyone can answer that.
I agree on that one!!! Sorry to hear your hgb is so low, But just not low enough to get the help, must be infuriating.
take care
take care
Do most people on this treatment lose their hair? I have read that side effects may be some hair thinning. Is this real common or is it just in some cases?
I have read where many of the women here lose about 40-60% of their hair. My started coming out at about week 15. Mostly it's breaking off about 3-4 from the root, the bottom 5 inches of my hair is baby fine now. My doc told me that is more common among women than men to lose hair on tx. It breaks my heart, but I have to put my vanity in my back pocket right now. It grows back, and I have even read some cases of where the new growth was much healthier than what they started out with.
I am trying to hang on to these kinds of thoughts,...I kind of look like I have "ducky fur" for hair.
I am trying to hang on to these kinds of thoughts,...I kind of look like I have "ducky fur" for hair.
It is not like the hair loss seen with other chemos for most people, you don't have it falll out totally, it is more like a steady shedding of more than the average amount. You can tell you are losing hair for sure, it is definately a noticeable amount to you, but most others looking at you can't tell. I am sure some have it fall out more dramatically, some not as much, but the norm (if anything can be normal on this tx) seems to be heavy shedding. You don't get patches of bald spots, etc.some don't have any hair loss.
Everyone responds differently, so you can't know how it will go for you ahead of time.
Everyone responds differently, so you can't know how it will go for you ahead of time.
I'd really like to know how many really have their hair thin as a side affect as well?
Chemothreapy stands for chemcial (drug) therapy. Pretty much anything qualifies as chemotherapy a very general way, even taking a Tylenol. But obviously each type of "chemo" is different. While treating, I told a couple of friends I was on "chemo". Sort of a compromise between saying nothing or saying I was treating for Hep C.
-- Jim
-- Jim
There aren't definate answers to your questions but I have heard "approx" 40% of people who treat with combo therapy for Hep C experience mild or no symptoms, the rest with "moderate to severe" symptoms.
As to hair loss, I was told "most" experience SOME hair loss. My experience has been that you do have hair loss, but others can not notice it but you sure can. My pony tail can take a whole extra wrap now, so I guess total loss for 10 months of tx is about a quarter to a third. No one has noticed, people have even commented my hair looks better! Shows you I probably should have been having my hair thinned at the salon if it looks better now!
I know the hair loss thing is very scary, I too was stressed over that happening but the reality is not nearly as bad as my fears.
As to hair loss, I was told "most" experience SOME hair loss. My experience has been that you do have hair loss, but others can not notice it but you sure can. My pony tail can take a whole extra wrap now, so I guess total loss for 10 months of tx is about a quarter to a third. No one has noticed, people have even commented my hair looks better! Shows you I probably should have been having my hair thinned at the salon if it looks better now!
I know the hair loss thing is very scary, I too was stressed over that happening but the reality is not nearly as bad as my fears.
Every time I see your name that song starts goin thru my mind!
I love that song.
So you are getting back on this horse, eh? I am on round two myself. It doesn't seem quite as bad this time as the first time if that's any consulation!
I love that song.
So you are getting back on this horse, eh? I am on round two myself. It doesn't seem quite as bad this time as the first time if that's any consulation!
My hair thinned out a bit but I still have plenty left even after I cut it all off.
Yes I am getting back on the horse. I am going to see a new doctor in a couple of weeks. I hope he is a good one. My last doctor was a hepatolgist. But he just walk out of the teaching hospital, and won't be back. They are not getting another one so that really leaves me in a bind. Cause I have no insurance. And now I have to find a private practice doctor. But I will do what it takes to get back on treatment. Glad to hear 2nd time is better!! Cause more likely I will be on it for 48 weeks this time. Take care
Why do you have to go back on tx? I thought you just go on once? Thanks for helping me to understand.
nationgirl, when you get a chance, go to the sites we referred you to, like janis7hepc.com, it really explains hep c in terms that can be understood. It gives you an idea of what treatments are available and how long to treat. Plus many other basic facts that we need to know.
Be sure to take advantage of the patient assistane programs available thru the drug companies that make these drugs. If you are taking PegIntron made by Schering/Roche their program is caed Commitment to Care, the number is 800 521 7157. They have an easy application proess and generous qualifying earnings amounts. You can also check with your local heath dept. I was told by Schering that many counties are now offering Hep C treatment services, they are the ones in charge of disease control in your county, maybe yours is one of them.
There is also a patient assistance program offered by the Pegassist people, but I can't find their contat info.
I have ins. but the copays were prohibitive and they accepted me and supply my tx drugs for no cost.
There is also a patient assistance program offered by the Pegassist people, but I can't find their contat info.
I have ins. but the copays were prohibitive and they accepted me and supply my tx drugs for no cost.
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