Do you know about Cirrhosis of the liver and/or Hepatitic C

[Sean718]

My grandmother has had Hepatitis C for years and she is now 69 years old. She has been drug and alcohol free for over 30 years but the damage was already in progress. She never did the treatment for Hep C because her gastric doctor thought it would be too harsh for someone her age. She just got a liver biopsy and has been diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the liver stage 3/4 (stage 3, border line 4) yet she has absolutely no visible symptoms at all.

We're scared of the unknown and not sure what happens from here. Grandma feels and looks perfectly healthy (people always guess her age to be in her 40s although she's 69) because she's still very active and vibrant! So can anyone share their personal story or experience with a similar situation? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance!

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

people can live years with cirrhosis while it is well compensated.  With the new viral therapies that are available, one must think very positive.

[Sean718]

Thank you so much for your reply.  I'm just scared of the "unknown" and wondering if she can and will survive all of this.  Do you know or have ever heard of anyone surviving Cirrhosis stage 4 caused by chronic Hepatitis C?

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

if the function of her liver is OK she is not too old to receive HCV, especially with new medications available.  it should be considered.  She should have regular surveillance for liver cancer.