Aa
UND 9 weeks post
I kind of cheated -- I just could not wait until week 12 so I took up an old unused lab order and got the test run. Undetectable 9 weeks post treatment by standard HCV RT PCA detectable to 25. I figured if I relapsed, it would be big time and I would not need the most sensitive test anyway.
Last time I had known I had relapsed at about 10 weeks post, not from a VL test, but from bloodwork done for something else that showed my liver enzymes spiked. This time at 9 weeks post, the ALT and ST are 17 & 13. I know I have to wait for the 6 month test for the ultimate title of cured, but I feel this is a pretty good indicator.
History ---
1a, treated in 2005/2006 for 56 weeks and relapsed. My after treatment biopsy (2007) showed grade and stage of 1 to 2. However a 2011 biopsy showed grade 3-4, stage 3 & 4 - a diagnosis of early cirrhosis. So I treated again, this time with Victrelis, for 48 weeks and finished 7/26/12. I cannot tell you it was easy. It was a lot harder than the first time. The anemia was awful and the rash and itching were terrible. But after giving up a year of my life, it looks like I am free.
My thyroid test which showed hypothryoid at EOT (5.04)_ is now in range at about 2.2. Still a lot higher than pretreatment, but nonetheless in range. My HGB is 13 and that is wonderful. I still occasionally fall asleep on the couch early and that might be the thyroid, but I have energy and enthusiasm to do things again. MY ANC is at 1.4 which is still a little low, but it should come up.
The rash on my ankles and legs and the ankle/leg swelling got a lot worse post tx. I would never go to a dermatologist during tx because I did not want him to put me on an oral steroid. This dermatologist was young and although I explained about the rash and the relationship to the C treatment I don't think she "got it." She dx'ed me with Asteotic Ezcema which usually occurs in old people who are dehydrated. It presents like "cracked porcelain." Even if the dx was wrong, the topical steroid and treatment worked (wrapping my gooey-with-ointment legs with saran wrap for 5 nights). Not only did it end the rash and itching but along with that , the edema mostly.
THanks for everyone's support here. I appreciate this forum most than any of you will know.
frijole (bean)
Last time I had known I had relapsed at about 10 weeks post, not from a VL test, but from bloodwork done for something else that showed my liver enzymes spiked. This time at 9 weeks post, the ALT and ST are 17 & 13. I know I have to wait for the 6 month test for the ultimate title of cured, but I feel this is a pretty good indicator.
History ---
1a, treated in 2005/2006 for 56 weeks and relapsed. My after treatment biopsy (2007) showed grade and stage of 1 to 2. However a 2011 biopsy showed grade 3-4, stage 3 & 4 - a diagnosis of early cirrhosis. So I treated again, this time with Victrelis, for 48 weeks and finished 7/26/12. I cannot tell you it was easy. It was a lot harder than the first time. The anemia was awful and the rash and itching were terrible. But after giving up a year of my life, it looks like I am free.
My thyroid test which showed hypothryoid at EOT (5.04)_ is now in range at about 2.2. Still a lot higher than pretreatment, but nonetheless in range. My HGB is 13 and that is wonderful. I still occasionally fall asleep on the couch early and that might be the thyroid, but I have energy and enthusiasm to do things again. MY ANC is at 1.4 which is still a little low, but it should come up.
The rash on my ankles and legs and the ankle/leg swelling got a lot worse post tx. I would never go to a dermatologist during tx because I did not want him to put me on an oral steroid. This dermatologist was young and although I explained about the rash and the relationship to the C treatment I don't think she "got it." She dx'ed me with Asteotic Ezcema which usually occurs in old people who are dehydrated. It presents like "cracked porcelain." Even if the dx was wrong, the topical steroid and treatment worked (wrapping my gooey-with-ointment legs with saran wrap for 5 nights). Not only did it end the rash and itching but along with that , the edema mostly.
THanks for everyone's support here. I appreciate this forum most than any of you will know.
frijole (bean)
I am happy for you and for everyone how wins this virus.I had ANC low(1400-1600) for 4 months after EOT, but at 6 months it was normal = 3200, and leucocites= 5300,then don't worry!!
Hooray for you Ms Bean! A happy day for sure!
I'm like you in a way....my doctor wanted me to wait until 6 months post tx for my next test, but I just couldn't. Had my blood drawn Friday and now waiting. Hope I get the same results as you!
I'm like you in a way....my doctor wanted me to wait until 6 months post tx for my next test, but I just couldn't. Had my blood drawn Friday and now waiting. Hope I get the same results as you!
What great news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am thrilled for you Kathy.
I am one of those who thinks that if you are going to relapse you'll see it soon - real soon. So this makes me very optimistic about your SVR.
You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Be well,
Mike
I am thrilled for you Kathy.
I am one of those who thinks that if you are going to relapse you'll see it soon - real soon. So this makes me very optimistic about your SVR.
You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Be well,
Mike
Hey bean...sorry just saw this post of yours! Congrats on the 9 weeks EOT UND. As you know this is very predictive of success and I am thrilled for you!!
Enjoy this to it"s fullest !!!
Will
Enjoy this to it"s fullest !!!
Will
hi bean! this sounds really good....we are always waiting to hear these posts....you really stuck with it ...nice liver enzymes!!! have a nice day! ....billy
Disco socks, and Birkenstocks, any color; let's dance!
Glad you cheated and good luck,
C
Glad you cheated and good luck,
C
Great,u did the right thing for yourself,I would do it too. Looks very very hopeful,good luck!!!
Yeah Bean!!! Good for you. All your hard work and determination has paid off big time. You've had a tough road and sounds like you'll be living a hep free life.
Go Bean! I have a pair of pink Birkenstocks, so I am sure they make red ones also, lol We weill all be dancing soon, congrats!
flguy and elaine -- it is so nice to see your shining virtual faces around here. I appreciate your comments.
nygirl - maybe just maybe I would have been good had I gone with the 72 as you did, but hopeully this PI has knocked it out.... does Birkenstock make red shoes -- and if they do, can I dance in them???????
jules -- I have suspions that the "cracked porcelain" is not over. Glad I did not cancel next week's dermo appt.
OH - it's been my pleasure to treat with you - twice - and I hope this is the last. congrats on your SVR!!!!
belle - when do you find out -- next month? Have you had any vl tests post tx?
gingerpal and his -- just following in your footsteps and hoping for the true SVR. gingerpal -- I plan to aks for stats again soon, but I already have both of you in my spreadsheet and next time I update, your SVR's will be there.
rog - we have to be sneaky sometimes. I hope I don't end up having to pay lab fees, but if I do, I do.......
pooh, my friend, you shall be there soon. btw never ever worry about the spelling with me. I think mine is going down hill and it never was very far up hill....
and last but not least, hector. man, you are a rock. thanks for being here.
nygirl - maybe just maybe I would have been good had I gone with the 72 as you did, but hopeully this PI has knocked it out.... does Birkenstock make red shoes -- and if they do, can I dance in them???????
jules -- I have suspions that the "cracked porcelain" is not over. Glad I did not cancel next week's dermo appt.
OH - it's been my pleasure to treat with you - twice - and I hope this is the last. congrats on your SVR!!!!
belle - when do you find out -- next month? Have you had any vl tests post tx?
gingerpal and his -- just following in your footsteps and hoping for the true SVR. gingerpal -- I plan to aks for stats again soon, but I already have both of you in my spreadsheet and next time I update, your SVR's will be there.
rog - we have to be sneaky sometimes. I hope I don't end up having to pay lab fees, but if I do, I do.......
pooh, my friend, you shall be there soon. btw never ever worry about the spelling with me. I think mine is going down hill and it never was very far up hill....
and last but not least, hector. man, you are a rock. thanks for being here.
Congrats and way to use the noggin on the blood work. I sometimes order extra tests with regular ones. My GP usually gives me the order and all docs get copies. My GI is always asking me where the extra orders came from.
Best and SVR to you. rog
Best and SVR to you. rog
Great....looks like you are on the way to SVR...good luck. and thanks for all your help with the spreadsheet, etc. All the best....Ginger
This is wonderful news, Frijole. I am so happy for you. Better start dusting off the red daning shoes.
thanks all
can-do -- when I first went to the hepatologist and said I wanted to do Victrelis I think they didn't know what to do. doctor said what ever I wanted was fine, but the printed instruction sheets and the labs which they gave me orders for up front, were all based on Incevik. I continued to get wrong dates to do things for quite awhile but "forged forward" using the Victrelis protocol.
Later, much later, the PA told me they are mostly using the INC for naive and the VIC for relapsers or cirrhotics. Worked for me -- what can I say.
can-do -- when I first went to the hepatologist and said I wanted to do Victrelis I think they didn't know what to do. doctor said what ever I wanted was fine, but the printed instruction sheets and the labs which they gave me orders for up front, were all based on Incevik. I continued to get wrong dates to do things for quite awhile but "forged forward" using the Victrelis protocol.
Later, much later, the PA told me they are mostly using the INC for naive and the VIC for relapsers or cirrhotics. Worked for me -- what can I say.
It seems at least from the number of people on this site that Victrelis is the better option for us cirrhotic or those that are borderline.
LOL, I knew you would. You have been a good friend Kat, you know I am wishing you the best... No doubt here you have made it...
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