Aa
So Now I Wait
I took my last dose of Sovaldi/Olysio this morning . My hepatologist will test at 3months (October 23) and 6 months (Jan. 15) to see if the virus is still undetected and declare SVR. (I'm gt 1a)
The mental part of this has been the most difficult thing for me- getting over the shock that I have Hep C, and health fears about my cirrhosis and a lesion that needs to be monitored every 3 months. Since January when this all started I've come a long way with dealing with the fear, although sometimes I still struggle with it, especially the fear that the lesion may be malignant.
One thing that has helped me get it all in perspective is my trips to the liver clinic where I meet so many people in worse shape than me who soldier on every day, and reading the posts here by the brave souls who have been through several unsuccesful treatments with awful side effects, and just keep going.
This forum has been a place I can come where I feel that people understand what this is all about and I'm thankful for all of you who take the time to post solid information and share your experiences.
So now I wait.
The mental part of this has been the most difficult thing for me- getting over the shock that I have Hep C, and health fears about my cirrhosis and a lesion that needs to be monitored every 3 months. Since January when this all started I've come a long way with dealing with the fear, although sometimes I still struggle with it, especially the fear that the lesion may be malignant.
One thing that has helped me get it all in perspective is my trips to the liver clinic where I meet so many people in worse shape than me who soldier on every day, and reading the posts here by the brave souls who have been through several unsuccesful treatments with awful side effects, and just keep going.
This forum has been a place I can come where I feel that people understand what this is all about and I'm thankful for all of you who take the time to post solid information and share your experiences.
So now I wait.
How right you are about the value in being engaged with this community of support. It should be especially helpful with all this happening so recently that you didn't get time for the learning and adjustment curve. I can imagine you must be worried about the lesion, but for me one thing at a time works best when I am not an emergency situation. Sounds like what you are doing - treating liver disease right now. When it is completed, refocus on treating the lesion. I wish you best outcomes for both.
Hi there. Good news on finishing Tx. One thing to remember, it's not cancer until the biopsy says so. Know its a scary thing to think about, but in a way your lucky, as a transplant will eliminate it. If you add 22 points, then you will be at the top of the list!
Am really hoping you achieve SVR. One down, and another possible milestone to beat and your on your way to good health.
Will be rooting for ya.
...Kim
Am really hoping you achieve SVR. One down, and another possible milestone to beat and your on your way to good health.
Will be rooting for ya.
...Kim
Major milestone met. I hope that you reach SVR and can check HCV off your list. Good Luck. Jo
Yes, I'm gt 1a, with early stage cirrhosis and platelets around 67 right now- AFP tumor marker was 310 ( I think normal is below 10) in March BUT my hepatolgist thinks that could be due to the Hep C- I'm having EOT bloodwork done tomorrow and she's interested in seeing if the AFP has come down significantly which would be a good sign.
If I do need a transplant , it would be wonderful to be rid of the Hep C so that my new liver won't be attacked.
If I do need a transplant , it would be wonderful to be rid of the Hep C so that my new liver won't be attacked.
Best to you Bassetgirl, at least you probably have taken care of your Hep c. I'll say a prayer for you that you SVR! Do you know youre genotype? They are doing so much with all these conditions now, that we didn't even have 3 years ago. Glad youre done!!!
I'm really grateful that my Sovaldi/Olysio treatment has been so quick, and with almost no side effects- and really lucky that I got the diagnosis when I did. I started bruising at the end of last year, sleeping alot and lost 35 pounds (I had some to spare so that was OK!)- when the tumor was discovered my gastro dr. sent me to a teaching hospital/liver transplant center near by. I've had 2 MRI's and a Cat scan, the radiologists rate the tumor at LRAD 4 (1 being definitely not malignant and 5 being definitely malignant) They are not biopsying the tumor because of the chance of spreading it; rather I go for MRI's every 3 months. If it starts growing they will consider it malignant and I'll get 22 points on the transplant list (every cloud has a silver lining?)
I've worked through most of the fear, but the days I have MRI's and wait for results are still bad days.
Reading about what others have gone through with this disease has helped me alot.
I've worked through most of the fear, but the days I have MRI's and wait for results are still bad days.
Reading about what others have gone through with this disease has helped me alot.
Congratulations on completing treatment! As for the waiting, keep yourself and, especially, your mind busy and the time will go by with a minimum of stress. I keep thinking that we can't let our nervous concerns play mind games with us.
Hang on. Keep us informed. Good luck and on to SVR!!!! Pat
Hang on. Keep us informed. Good luck and on to SVR!!!! Pat
Wow you were diagnosed in January and here it is August and you have already treated? What a whirlwind this all must be for you. I do not know if it is any easier being diagnosed and not having decent treatment options which is (or was) the case for a lot of us diagnosed years or decades ago. Either way I do remember what a head trip all this was the more I learned.
The thing is it sounds like you have done all you can. The waiting for time to pass to see if all this worked can be frustrating so hang in there.
** I read your other post about living like a vampire and staying out of the sun and as confining as it must be hopefully as time passes you might be able to get out more. Having said that I treated almost two years ago and I still do that! Like you, I walk my dog in the late hours of the evening just before sunset because it is just too hot. I wish I'd have thought of something like the beekeeper veil you mentioned in your other post. How clever! :)
I am glad you were spared treatment with harsher side effects. I hope you continue to post how you are doing.
Best of luck
The thing is it sounds like you have done all you can. The waiting for time to pass to see if all this worked can be frustrating so hang in there.
** I read your other post about living like a vampire and staying out of the sun and as confining as it must be hopefully as time passes you might be able to get out more. Having said that I treated almost two years ago and I still do that! Like you, I walk my dog in the late hours of the evening just before sunset because it is just too hot. I wish I'd have thought of something like the beekeeper veil you mentioned in your other post. How clever! :)
I am glad you were spared treatment with harsher side effects. I hope you continue to post how you are doing.
Best of luck
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
