i need a diagnosis interpretation

[veken]

hello, I'm posting this question concerning my mom. she is 62 years old, and she has a history of breast cancer with elevated liver enzymes. she removed a grade 2 tumer from her right breast last year and had 2 chimotherapy sessions and more than 14 radiation sessions. she was never an ancoholic, smoker or drug user.

she was recently diagnosed with Chronic Hepatitis after undergoing a liver biopsy. below is her full diagnosis which I need an expert to interpret and let me know what kind of diet she will need to follow:

Diagnosis:Chronic Hepatitis, grade 3, with probable Cirrhosis (stage 4)
Note: the hepatic architecture is distorted by wide fibrotic bands with nodule formation. the portal areas are widely expanded by fibrosis and moderate inflammatory infiltrate composed mainly of mononuclear cells and occasional eosinophils. Foci of interface hepatitis and lobular activity are present. the hepatic parenchyma shows moderate steatosis and glycogenation of the nuclei. no granulomas are seen.
the features are those of chronic hepatitis with probable cirrhosis, with drugs being most probable cause.
Immunostains for CEA (p) is negative. CD10 and CD34 show benign staining pattern.

that's all, I will really appreciate an expert answer.

[Kristina538]

The biopsy doesn't sound too disimilar to mine in 2008.  I'm saddened that they put "drugs being the most probable cause" and hope you don't put too much into that; there are many, many people who don't know where they contracted this virus from.

I echo what paen says in that diet is important.  As far as treatment goes, the first thing should be a blood test to confirm which genotype of HVC she has to determine treatment and outcomes.   There are many of us here who have had a successful treatment, albeit not an easy road when the disease is a little more advanced.

You certainly managed to find the right site for some assistance.  This place really helped me strategise my treatment plan and keep the doctors 'on track'.   Posting in the HVC forum would draw some of the more experienced participants to answer the more technical aspects.   Best wishes; you're an awesome support for her.

[paen53]

None of us are experts here, just others with HCV.

Your Mom's biopsy was very similar to mine back in Nov. 2008 and she needs a consult with a hepatologist or GI well-experienced with HCV. Hopefully the Dr. that ordered this biopsy (bx) has recommended a follow -up because it is very important to have her cirrhosis addressed in a timely fashion. I'm not sure what the options are for you in Jordan, but a full blood work assessment and imaging would be soon to follow here in the USA. This will determine whether her cirrhosis is compensated or decompensated and what her options are as far as HCV treatment.

Her diet will be largely dependent on these findings as well. I have compensated cirrhosis, but follow a healthy diet without any strict guidelines. This will change if she is determined to be decompensating or has any extenuating health issues.. Any medications need to run past her physician, even over the counter meds. Absolutely no alcohol, either socially or in OTC preparations such as cough syrups. None.

Hopefully your Dr. elaborate on this bx soon. You are a very caring son to help your Mom in this way. It can be quite overwhelming at first. Best wishes for both of you, Pam

[Susan_1a_CC]

I think you'll get more answers if you post this on the hep c forum and not the hep c social side.  Good luck.