Getting worried. A few questions

[Rockedbyrequiem]

So I started treatment last week. Im doing ok. The further away from the shot I get, the better I feel. However, Ive been reading a lot on here and it has me worried. I contracted Hep C in May of 2006 ( I know the exact day I caught it). By October 2007 when I had my biopsy, I was already grade 1 stage 2. Who knows, by now I could be stage 3. And what does the "grade" mean? Ive seen a lot of people on here say they have had it for years, even decades, and are still only stage 1 or 2. So I have a few questions....If this treatment does not work for me, honestly, how long do I have? I dont drink alcohol. But up until a few weeks ago I ate A LOT of fast food. Mine is obviously progressing faster than most people. So needless to say, Im scared. The other question I have....While on the Interferon and Ribavirin, does your liver actually get somewhat of a break from the constant ravaging this virus does to it? I dont know how that works. I am genotype 1, in case anyone is wondering.
Thanks so much,
Graham
BTW...What is UND?

[Rockedbyrequiem]

Wow. Well the fact that the inflamation was minmal is a little bit encouraging I guess. And for the record, I am nowhere near obese. Lol. I weigh right around 200lbs and Im 6' 3". And the only reason I even weigh that much is I was on Zyprexa for over a year. Before the Zyprexa, I weighed about 155lbs. So thats not an issue. I am cutting back on the fast food big time though. Thank you for your response.

[HCA]

UND means that your 'viral load' is undetectable by blood test-it's just an abbreviation.
You liver does indeed get a break during treatment whilst you are UND.
You also get a biochemical remission when your liver  enzymes normalise,although this is not so significant.
Obesity ( I know you didn't use that word but I noted the junk food reference) is a negative predictor for both treatment success and disease progression.
From the info you may have a fairly rapid progression but you may not.
The biopsy report is not foolproof and one pathologist may give a different stage than another.
The question 'how long do I have?' is not relevant at this time.Even if you are stage two you have a good chance of the treatment succeeding.
In any event disease progression is not linear and is unpredictable.
Additionally there are two staging systems Ishak which runs from 1-6 and Metavir which runs 1-4.An Ishak 2 is less advanced than a Metavir 2.
Finally the grade refers to the degree of hepatic inflammation at the time of the biopsy-yours was minimal.
Concentrate on the treatment and don't trouble yourself with morbid thoughts.

[FlGuy]

In a prior post you wrote " From what I gather, I believe I am probably stage 2. He did tell me there was some scarring. So if I am indeed stage 2..."  I think that you might be making some assumptions, based on other assumptions.  Typically, a biopsy report is written by a pathologist which is sent to the treating doctor.  For peace of mind and a clear footing, it might be a good idea to get a copy of that report from your doctor to save in your pesonal files. You also mentioned the 'day you caught it', might it be possible that you were exposed before May 2006.  Most  people don't know how they came by hcv and others can narrow it down to a period.  Only a few can isolate it down to day minute and second.  You seem to be one.  Might try to get a hold of the report.  Most docs will tell you that being on treatment will 'give your liver a break'.