Aa
Sobering News
Like "cgd", I also have been struck by the bad news lately.
For some time, it seemed as if we were defying the odds with one SVR after another. But lately, the numbers seem to be catching up to the group, with one heart-breaking story after another. As someone nearing the end of treatment, this is very sobering. A reminder that no matter what we do -- at least as a group -- our odds of being cured are still only around 50-50.
I take a couple of things away from this. First, as individuals we should do everything we reasonably can to improve the odds, whether it be earlier PCR's, off-label dosing when sensible, extended treatment, more proactive use of rescue drugs, agressive treatment of sides, etc. In short, we should all work to become better Hep C consumers, working with your medical team in a real partnership.
And second, in spite of our best efforts, a certain percentage of us are going to fail to reach SVR, for reasons in many cases unknown to the medical community. It's something we all have to deal with, and especially so when making treatment decisions -- weighing the risks of the treatment drugs against the rewards (and odds) of being cured.
And lastly, those inclined should should send a prayer to everyone involved in hep c research, especially those working on some of the promising new drugs in the pipeline. 50-50 is still the best odds we've ever had -- but we still have so far to go.
My heart goes out to those who recently relapsed. My prayers for their future victory, and for the victory of those treating now or about to treat.
-- Jim
For some time, it seemed as if we were defying the odds with one SVR after another. But lately, the numbers seem to be catching up to the group, with one heart-breaking story after another. As someone nearing the end of treatment, this is very sobering. A reminder that no matter what we do -- at least as a group -- our odds of being cured are still only around 50-50.
I take a couple of things away from this. First, as individuals we should do everything we reasonably can to improve the odds, whether it be earlier PCR's, off-label dosing when sensible, extended treatment, more proactive use of rescue drugs, agressive treatment of sides, etc. In short, we should all work to become better Hep C consumers, working with your medical team in a real partnership.
And second, in spite of our best efforts, a certain percentage of us are going to fail to reach SVR, for reasons in many cases unknown to the medical community. It's something we all have to deal with, and especially so when making treatment decisions -- weighing the risks of the treatment drugs against the rewards (and odds) of being cured.
And lastly, those inclined should should send a prayer to everyone involved in hep c research, especially those working on some of the promising new drugs in the pipeline. 50-50 is still the best odds we've ever had -- but we still have so far to go.
My heart goes out to those who recently relapsed. My prayers for their future victory, and for the victory of those treating now or about to treat.
-- Jim
Yeah i've seem to be more sensitive to noise lately, plus the running around yesterday by the kids. About 40 of them just being kids though. kept turning my head alot, hearing kids yelling papa. 99% of the time wasn't even mine. Next saturday its a double header. Bowling first then pee wee basketball. YIPPEE
Do me a favor, let me know when you build that bridge ok. Save me a whole lot of work. Thanks, once again strator to the rescue.
I just watched the 1983 movie The Day After. It put a lot of things in perspective for me.
As hard as we try to beat this disease and refuse to go idly into the night - some things are truly out of our control and we are left with the devastation and to pick up the pieces.
However, in treatment even without SVR we can give our livers a chance to recover a bit. By learning as much as we can in places like this = and talking together and encouraging each other = we can learn to live healthier and therefore improving the quality of our lives.
With each other we have formed a bond of strength. At times when it feels to hard - another always comes along and says "I will help carry your burden, I understand".
There are precious gifts in this disease believe it or not and that is one of them. If anything I've learned the quality of PEOPLE is much higher than I've ever imagined.
If that is what I carry out of this if I do not achieve SVR - I don't regret one minute of it.
My prayers are with you ALL.
As hard as we try to beat this disease and refuse to go idly into the night - some things are truly out of our control and we are left with the devastation and to pick up the pieces.
However, in treatment even without SVR we can give our livers a chance to recover a bit. By learning as much as we can in places like this = and talking together and encouraging each other = we can learn to live healthier and therefore improving the quality of our lives.
With each other we have formed a bond of strength. At times when it feels to hard - another always comes along and says "I will help carry your burden, I understand".
There are precious gifts in this disease believe it or not and that is one of them. If anything I've learned the quality of PEOPLE is much higher than I've ever imagined.
If that is what I carry out of this if I do not achieve SVR - I don't regret one minute of it.
My prayers are with you ALL.
Hows your ears after the bowling trip with the grandboy? My ears a times seem real sensitive to noise lately especially when my kids are fightin and arguing.
Dyce
Dyce
I'm doin good there. It's rainin here but it's 60 degrees and the robins are a cherpin. The sx's arenot near as bad this 2nd rd. of pegasy. the chills and high fever did't get me this trip.
Ha I'm not feelin to bad this mornin and even though I'm on the meds, I still got the love machine turnin if ya know what I mean.
Hope your good today,
Dyce
Ha I'm not feelin to bad this mornin and even though I'm on the meds, I still got the love machine turnin if ya know what I mean.
Hope your good today,
Dyce
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