My recent liver biopsy revealed a bit more fibrosis and more inflamation, due to the Hepatitis C. But that was all. I was expecting FAR worse results... and as it turns out, so was my transplant coordinator. We exhaled audibly and collectively, and had many things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
For me and my doc, the objective continues to be to keep this liver as healthy as possible while we await a cure. So two days ago my husband and I returned to the transplant center and met with the woman who oversees liver treatment for Hep C, and after thoughtful discussion, we agreed that I will try Interferon/Ribavirin treatment again. When I took the meds two years ago, starting just eight months after my transplant, it didn't "clear the virus" (I continued to have a measurable Hep C viral load). While the chance of success this time is low, it's the only alternative available to me.
I'll be on treatment for 12 weeks, the length of time during which my viral load should either drop SIGNIFICANTLY or, essentially, be undetectable. If the pegulated Interferon treatment doesn't work, I can try a more aggressive treatment that requires Interferon injections daily (instead of weekly, as in the pegulated protocol). I'm going to do some homework on these options and I'll post what I learn, so watch for more information.
Next year could be fairly rough, because the pegulated Interferon has many side effects (flu-like symptoms): the more aggressive treatment stands to be pretty miserable. But I'm ready to fight the good fight. (Please remind me of this when I moan and wail five months from now.)
January 19 is the target date, when I take my first injection. Fingers crossed, knees bent in prayer. Please, God, let this medicine protect my liver.
The miracle of modern medicine is just one of the many blessings I'm counting this Thanksgiving. May you and yours also enjoy blessings and abundance.
Photo by Sanja Gjenero
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The Best Bad News I Ever Received
What a relief!
My recent liver biopsy revealed a bit more fibrosis and more inflamation, due to the Hepatitis C. But that was all. I was expecting FAR worse results... and as it turns out, so was my transplant coordinator. We exhaled audibly and collectively, and had many things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
For me and my doc, the objective continues to be to keep this liver as healthy as possible while we await a cure. So two days ago my husband and I returned to the transplant center and met with the woman who oversees liver treatment for Hep C, and after thoughtful discussion, we agreed that I will try Interferon/Ribavirin treatment again. When I took the meds two years ago, starting just eight months after my transplant, it didn't "clear the virus" (I continued to have a measurable Hep C viral load). While the chance of success this time is low, it's the only alternative available to me.
I'll be on treatment for 12 weeks, the length of time during which my viral load should either drop SIGNIFICANTLY or, essentially, be undetectable. If the pegulated Interferon treatment doesn't work, I can try a more aggressive treatment that requires Interferon injections daily (instead of weekly, as in the pegulated protocol). I'm going to do some homework on these options and I'll post what I learn, so watch for more information.
Next year could be fairly rough, because the pegulated Interferon has many side effects (flu-like symptoms): the more aggressive treatment stands to be pretty miserable. But I'm ready to fight the good fight. (Please remind me of this when I moan and wail five months from now.)
January 19 is the target date, when I take my first injection. Fingers crossed, knees bent in prayer. Please, God, let this medicine protect my liver.
The miracle of modern medicine is just one of the many blessings I'm counting this Thanksgiving. May you and yours also enjoy blessings and abundance.
Photo by Sanja Gjenero
My recent liver biopsy revealed a bit more fibrosis and more inflamation, due to the Hepatitis C. But that was all. I was expecting FAR worse results... and as it turns out, so was my transplant coordinator. We exhaled audibly and collectively, and had many things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
For me and my doc, the objective continues to be to keep this liver as healthy as possible while we await a cure. So two days ago my husband and I returned to the transplant center and met with the woman who oversees liver treatment for Hep C, and after thoughtful discussion, we agreed that I will try Interferon/Ribavirin treatment again. When I took the meds two years ago, starting just eight months after my transplant, it didn't "clear the virus" (I continued to have a measurable Hep C viral load). While the chance of success this time is low, it's the only alternative available to me.
I'll be on treatment for 12 weeks, the length of time during which my viral load should either drop SIGNIFICANTLY or, essentially, be undetectable. If the pegulated Interferon treatment doesn't work, I can try a more aggressive treatment that requires Interferon injections daily (instead of weekly, as in the pegulated protocol). I'm going to do some homework on these options and I'll post what I learn, so watch for more information.
Next year could be fairly rough, because the pegulated Interferon has many side effects (flu-like symptoms): the more aggressive treatment stands to be pretty miserable. But I'm ready to fight the good fight. (Please remind me of this when I moan and wail five months from now.)
January 19 is the target date, when I take my first injection. Fingers crossed, knees bent in prayer. Please, God, let this medicine protect my liver.
The miracle of modern medicine is just one of the many blessings I'm counting this Thanksgiving. May you and yours also enjoy blessings and abundance.
Photo by Sanja Gjenero
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2 comments:
When I heard someone get sick, or something wrong with his 'body', I usually ask God : "God, please help me, so I will not have suffering like them! And if I would have to pass that - road - please give me ability , power from your Holy Spirit to through that way!"
God will give the best for you! Amen!
Jay,
I am happy to hear this. Hopefully the interferon treatment will help out this time.
I am so glad that you didn't have to wait for bad news.
Take good care.
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