UND after 2 weeks on SCH 900518!

[annieCinMD]

I knew it would work! They want me to extend out to 52 weeks, though. I already decided to take myself off the study after the 12 weeks of the study drugs. My job is on the line, I start Grad school in the fall, and I've had just about every side effect there is from the SOC drugs. It would have been nice to get the PI in the beginning, but it didn't happen. I was still detectable at week 16 on those 2, and they are the ones causing me to be so sick! OK, done with my rant. Overall, I'm ecstatic about the PI and the good results.

[newleaf09]

OH HO!  You obviously didn't get the placebo!  This is pretty much the story of the protease inhibitors.  You may be non-responsive to the interferon (gosh, sorry you got all the side effects and little anti-viral effect), but  adding in the PI targets the virus at a completely different point.

What week are you in now?  Is that in the protocol that patients who failed to clear on SOC by a certain point extend SOC TX another 4 wks?  Guess I can look it up.

Stopping TX against advice is a very difficult decision.  Be sure your logic is laid out clearly.  I'm delighted that you are finally doing well!

newleaf

[annieCinMD]

I think the reason for 52 weeks instead of 48 is because I didn't start the PI until week 16. I probably should have gotten it a couple weeks earlier but they forgot to bring me back in as soon as my PCR came back. Those tend to take about 2 weeks to come back anyway. They are going to have me talk to the doctor at my next appointment about some of my concerns ( permanent damage, getting addicted to Xanax). I'll see how I feel after I see the ENT about my upper respiratory issues, but I just really want to be done, and I know the sides linger on after Tx has stopped so there is no end in sight soon anyway. I feel like I would rather be the guinea pig for "can the PI work with just 12 weeks".

[ArthursMom]

Congrats on the UND!!!   That is a happy feeling to finally hear that!!!

[lapis]

So glad to hear this, as sick as you've been!  It's such a great feeling to hear that, UND!  

More and more I realize how lucky I was to treat for 24 wks, esp as a 1b.  My last 2 wks on tx I felt really bad, so I can certainly understand why you'd want to end as early as possible.  That's a tricky thing, especially with a new PI, where there aren't many stats in place yet.  

Best of luck as you move forward, and make this important decision.  I'll be down here in the south cheering for you!!

Lapis

[Rain6866]

I knew it!!! Now my birthday wish is complete!! Wooooooohooooooooo lets go dancing!!

I need to wish to win the lottery next year! LOL

Congrats annie this is great!

*tears falling for us both*

[Magnum]

I just knew you could do it. Congratulations and may it last forever!

Magnum

[Tippyclubb]

Great news Annie.  You kept hanging in there hoping this PI would knock the virus out. It paid off.