HELP!

[Daisyslw22]

My dad who lives far from me has been told he has Hepatitis C and that his white blood count is higher than his red. At this point he does not understand what it going on... and neither do I. The doctor told him he could do kemo for 2 years and he would have a 50/50 chance of it helping. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I have never heard of kemo as a treatment for hepatitis. If anyone has any insight I would really appreciate it!

Daisy

[mayday557]

You and your dad are not alone.  Please take him to see a gastro intestinal doctor that is a liver specialist.  A general practioner is not the way to go.

You'll get a better understanding about Hep C and what options are available to you.  Please - Please just don't jump into something.

[sfwandwow]

dont worry urself, iam know its scarey, cause i was freakin out just about when i found out about 16 weeks back..there is plenty of options for him.. Learn and educate urself about it and alot of info here. Heck all that is hep C 1a will proberly die of old age before the disease. he needs to not drink cause it progresses that disease and he needs definately a liver biospy. some people can wiat for some yrs before treating.. Just rememeber GOD is in control.. I will pray for him and u to calm down.. hope u have a great evening and May GOD BLESS YOU. There is alot of great people here to support ya..Boy i do know that... .

[orleans]

Hey, You've found th right place to get the answers to your questions. If your dad is even a little internet savy lead him to this site and he will learn as much as he wants to know about his situation.  jm

[kittyface]

Hi Daisy, sorry to hear about your dad.  Treatment (tx) for Hep C has been compared to chemotherapy.  I don't know why the doctor says 2 years b/c the standard is 48 weeks for genotype 1, and in some cases extending to 72 weeks.   The cure rate for geno 1's is 50% and 80-90% for geno 2's and that group usually only needs 24 weeks of tx.

Please ask your dad the info below so we can help you understand some of his options:

1. Genotype?
2. Will he have biopsy to determine amount of liver damage?
3. If he already had biopsy how much damage exists?
4. What is his viral load?

Daisy, how old is your dad?  Some people with minimal liver damage are waiting for better drugs with less toxicity and less treatment time.  Generally Hep C moves slowly and people have it for 25+ years before they even know it.  Please try not to worry too much because there is treatment if your dad needs it.

This is a good place to get information and support about Hep C.  Please come anytime.

Best regards,

Kittyface