Finished my 24

[gazebo1]

I just did my LAST of 24 injections of Peg-Intron tonight, and am way too weak to jump up and down, but certainly greatly relieved and feeling proud about completing one of the hardest challenges of my entire life to date.

I know many others out there have longer and harder TX and my prayers go out to all of you still pushing forward. You are in my thoughts and I encourage you to not loose your grip on those really bad days.  Reach out to family, friends (including the good folks on this forum) and any professionals you can contact.  It is doable for most and I wish you the best.

Thanks again to all who shouted out to me and shared good info. like Bug, NYGirl, FLguy, Missy, Mike and all the others I'm too tired to remember just now...oh yes and Jimbo with his "not so direct" advice.  I will be asking for more advice I'm sure.

For those about to start, or on the edge thinking about it, don't be discouraged by some of the testimonials from us that are ahead of you.  Much of our outcries are to let off pressure and emotions.  I did come very close to throwing in the towel back in February when the pneumonia hit my right lung and the spine pain reached it's peak, but my good doc and nurse picked me up and I made it through.  I just hope my pain will diminish some and the cough will finally let up.  Enough for now, just wanted to announce my success at completion tonight.  UND at weeks 1,4,12 and 18.  Now praying for SVR by next November.

I hope to be able to take some time later this year and head back down to our villa in Mexico.  Paste this link and go to a place I love - Puerto Vallarta.

http://i12.tinypic.com/6bcq1l5.jpg

Warm regards all,

Gazebo1

[gazebo1]

I appreciate the congrats and advice on "recovery".  My doc called today and also said to take it slow and some SX may take quite awhile to diminish - and some even may never go away (??).  I am still concerned about the ANA positive result a month ago, but he calmed me in saying that Interferon can cause that reading and my smooth muscle was normal.  The cough has really become brochitis-like, so maybe TX broght that on also?  Anyway, still a good distance to go in this process and seeing how my liver has come through all this.  

That last shot last night was a wopper, and all SX seem to be raging today.  Who said the first couple weeks were the bad ones???
My best wishes and prayers go out to you all.

Thanks again for all your support,  G

[orphanedhawk]

Congtaulations. I' am impressed that despite your back problems you stuck with it and finished. Best of luck, and enjoy la playa, OH

[Pdilly]

Just saw your post from yesterday.  I too had a cough.  I ended up on antibiotics for about 2 weeks a couple of weeks after I quit treatment. The doctor also issued m e some cough medicine without alchole and sudafed once a day for the drainage.  That helped my body build up enough to slowly tackle it on its own.  I still cough but I no longer need the cough medicine or the sudafed.  I still suck on sugarless cough drops but only 2 or three a day.  Just thought I'd let you know what worked for me because I had the cough for about the last 5 months of treatment.   I am now about 2 1/2 months post and   I feel so much better..

[trolsgirl]

Beautiful words of courage & wisdom from a true warrior.
Hope you are SVR and heal quickly and regain your strength.

Sandra

[missy60051]

I know you must be tired.
You are DONE!  I envy you.  I still have 38 wks to go.  I'm so glad you hung in there.  You will be SVR!
It must be such a relief to be finished.  Now for the next stage.... Getting your life back.  I pray for a healthy and speedy recovery.
Do it with a big fat smile!

Missy

[rosebud57]

congratulations you did it WOW!!!!!!

you've been through a lot  sound wiped out. hope you feel better soon

[ladybug52]

You did it! I knew you would! :):):)
You are made of tough stuff. I'm smiling as I write this because I'm so proud of you!!! I want to cry. It is rough stuff, I KNOW you will be continue to be SVR. I'm so glad it's behind you. I remember the first time you posted and I was getting ready to do shot # 1. I read about the horrible back pain you had and you were asking will it get any better? So what do you think now, did it? I did my first shot on The Friday after yours. I thought at the time (like I never said THIS before) that I would go on to finish tx w/o you! I just knew I was so tough. HA! You finished 8 weeks more tx than I could tolerate.
YAY G!
Hugs, Hugs, Hugs,
Bug

[FlGuy]

Good reason to be proud, it's a badge you'll remember when other things in life get to you. I realize that the last 5 weeks or so were pretty rough, but you made it.