Biopsy Results Stage 4, Grade 4 what does it mean?

[Debbeav]

My doctor called me last week and told me my biopsy results were Grade 4, stage 4 and scared me to death.  My last biopsy was Grade 2-3, stage 2 in 2002.  I have done 3 different treatments, the last being 2002, the combination therapy.  I'm genotype 1 and was diagnosed in 1983.  Dr. is checking on trials and said he wants to try me at a low dose of interferon daily.  My appt. is not for two weeks so I have been left hanging.  I have never responsed to treatment before by the way in the past.  Any suggestions or insights????  
Thanks, I am a nervous wreck

[NYgirl]

I am very glad to have found this forum!  :)

I was diagnosed Grade 2 Stage 2 last month and start on the treatments probably in the next week (as soon as my insurance company gets into gear).

I've been really fearful about every single aspect of this whole HCV thing and finding you all in here is a God send.

I will pray for all of you as I pray for me (which is pretty much constant now).

Thanks for being here!

[Debbeav]

Hey everyone, I just want to thank you for your support and your comments.  My appt. is this Wednesday and so I need your expertise to help me ask questions.  Is it o.k. to take a low dose of interferon everyday, not combination therapy, like I said I can't handle that.  I get really, really sick and my white blood cell count dives even more than my normal low.  Has anyone done daily treatment???  The other thing it can anyone please tell me what your physical symptoms  of cirrhosis are?  I am sick to my stomack, I sleep 12 hours a day now are there because of cirrhosis?  I have lost weight about 10 lbs in the last year as well.  My mental attitude is great though, I can help any of you with having hope and stuff like that.  I am not afraid, I have been through 3 and one half treatments and during that time I have been so blessed with the things that have happened in my life that I never thought I would live to see when I was diagnosed in 1983.
Deb

[tulsatime]

Hi, I don't post much but read alot. Your question touched me cause I know how scared you must be. I too have stage 4, cirhosis. I have hep c type 2 stage 4 grade 1. my liver and spleen was very enlarged and blood platelets was in the 70's, when I started treatment. I have had it for 20 to 25 years. And just found out last year I had it. So all these years I drank on weekends. Anyway, what I wanted to say was Good luck to you and don't ever give up. I was lucky to respond and I take my last shot next week, so far I am clear. I will always have cirhosis, and need to keep an eye on it. Good luck to you and God bless!!!

[HCA]

Just to clarify,Knodell is cirrohsis at stage 4-It's Ishak that has 6 stages of measurement.
I am stage 3 Ishak-occasional bi-portal bridging,stage 1 (mild) inflammation

[PasoPerson]

I read this board for the past three months, just waiting for my treatment to start.  I noticed that everyone here seems to have been graded on a 1-4 scale.  HOWEVER, my biopsy was graded on the Knodell scale, which is 1-6.  (I am a Grade 5 on that scale.)  

Please re-read your biopsy report and see what scale you were graded on.  Perhaps it is not as severe as cirrhosis.

[rearfang]

Great news!!!
Lauren