What could be sense to continue Pegasis/Copegas therapy

[disengof]

My treatment has started in August 2009. I had a form 3 of Hepatitis C and, unfortunately, cirrhosis. The virus load was around 320,000. However, after 4 weeks it became only 600.00; after week 12 it was undetectable. It has been continually undetectable every 2 month whenever I passed the lab tests including the recent one in September 2010. Nevertheless, doctor has extended the term of Pegasis therapy as he briefly said to prevent possible multiplying of virus. He said also that I'm really OK and there is no reason to worry. Two recent tests I were performed by Quests Diagnostic and showed clearly that virus is negative. The next test I'll perform this Friday. I'll do it with a Quest too. I hope it will be negative. At the time of the recent appointment the doctor said that he wants me to continue for a couple more months. I don't have so great side effects as many others, but it is clearly enough to feel myself miserable sometimes. I'm positive that my doctor is extremely experienced and knowledgeable, but I want to end with Pegasis/ Copegus. I'll be greatly appreciated for any advice.

[nygirl7]

I did 72 weeks and am now SVR.  Without extending I am sure I would have failed completely and had to retreat. I haven't heard of a geno3 doing it before but it seems as it will be your best chance and worst case scenario your liver will get a chance to rest and perhaps get rid of the cirrhosis even.  Keep on going.

[copyman]

Sounds like the doctor has extended your treatment because of your cirrhosis. Treatment gives your liver a break and possibly helps regenerate it.

I think your doctor is on top of things and knows what he is doing. Continue on course.

Best of luck

[Andiamo1]

You should definitely discuss this with your doctor and get his opinion if you are not sure of the reason.

I stopped at 48 weeks after a slow initial response and relapsed, so your doctor might be extending to increase the likelihood of SVR.  

Best of luck to you and please discuss it with your doctor, especially if you are considering stopping.

[disengof]

Yes, it seems I'm going to take 72 weeks. Now is 66 and I have 6 more weeks medicines supply. I hope it will be a great improvement for my health even though I don't imagine in which exact way.  Thanks a lot

[can-do-man]

If i'm reading this right you have done around 15 months of tx? Around 64 weeks? While i can see being a geno 3 and not clear until week 12 in doing 48 weeks it looks as if your doctor wants you to do 72. Maybe its because you are cirrhotic. Myself i would talk to my doctor about this but sense your side effects are not bad i would more then likely go along with him and do it............. Best of luck going forward