Liver Biopsy

[frijole]

HOLY CR@P WHO STOLE MY LIVER?

Well, those weren’t the exact words I issued when I picked up my  biopsy report today, -- I think I actually said more calmly, “This is not what I was expecting”-- but it sure was what I was thinking.

A little history ---
First biopsy – I have had Hep C minimally for 34 years, but probably for 40 years.  2005 biopsy showed Grade 1, Stage 1-2 (early periportal fibrosis, no piecemeal necrosis)   I treated for 56 weeks in ’05-’06.  I responded well but still had 40 IU/mL viral load at 12 weeks and was clear by a sensitive test at 20 weeks.  Relapsed

Second biopsy – 2007 – after relapse – showed grade 1, stage 1-2

Third biopsy last Friday --   Grade 3-4, Stage 3-4  , plus Moderate to severe steatosis (never had that before) and  “moderate to severe inflammatory infiltrate with portal tracts with significant piecemeal necrosis and lobular inflammation.  Bridging fibrosis.  “… findings are consistent with a chronic viral hepatitis with cirrhosis.”

There it was – the “c” word – cirrhosis.   I never saw this coming.

I have been on this board quite awhile and am very familiar with the fact that liver progress is non-linear.  It does not progress at the same rate – it may deteriorate at a fast rate,  all of the sudden.  But, when it happens to you…… it is another story.  So, folks, let’s not rely on those old biopsies.  Remember, we feel good until we don’t…

So, there is no question about it.  I will be treating soon.  I  consult with the hepatologist on August 5, get the meds ordered and should be on my way soon.  I spoke with the PA in Dallas and they have not received the report yet.  They need to give orders to have the slides sent to Dallas for the pathologist there to read. All this needs to get done before my appointment.  I am writing the doctor a letter so he can get the meds ordered now instead of waiting.

So to all my crazy and not so crazy friends here, I will be joining you soon and surwly will need your support.

frijole - bean

[coeric]

sorry about your recent report.

platelets were my first casualty of cirrhosis.  i am now around 100,000.  you did not mention nodule formation which i believe is used to diagnosis cirrhosis.  my recent report states"architectural distortion with compete and incomplete nodule formation." did the the pathologist state how many portal areas were evaluated?  i've read it takes at least 10 to assign a stage. i will be interested in how the pathologist in Dallas interprets the slide.

blessings,
eric

[orphanedhawk]

I'm so sorry to hear this.
May you soon be hep C free.
My only advice is to drink lots of coffee and try to keep your sense of humor.

Good luck,
OH

[susan400]

I'm sorry to hear about your biopsy report.  I don't know if you remembered but 2 of my 5 biopsies showed bridging fibrosis.  Then, on the one that I had last June, it showed no bridging fibrosis and that actually it looked like I'd had some improvement.  Mind, I still haven't cleared the Hep.  But, I had the two 5 weeks clinical trial treatments, one year apart, between biopsy #4 which showed bridging and biopsy #5, which showed no bridging.  Recently, I had a fibroscan which went along with the biopsy #5, more so than one with bridging.  So, I think that any time we do treatments that it helps the liver.  Try to keep up with your normal positive attitude that I hear in your posts and I think you'll do great!   Susan400

[flcyclist]

From one crazy to another, so sorry to hear about the progression, but hope this round with triple trt with be successful.  

Keep us informed.  Wishing you all the best.  

[charm27]

We are all here to support you...Youve been a great a great addition to the forum.

Wish you well and I know you will terminate the dragon!!

Charm

[Bill1954]

Ah gosh, Kathy—

I haven’t been checking in often in here lately, and almost overlooked this. So sorry to hear about the new developments; as Willing said, at least your path is clearly defined now.

I’ll drop you a quick note and check in further. Good luck, old friend-

--Bill