Re: Hep C diagnosed 97, failed treatment 98, NOW I HAVE HOPE

[Guest guest]

Dear Anne! Sounds like you have a great Doc, which is critical. He's got

a solid plan for you, with ongoing tests for the liver cancer. I failed 3 tx's,

finally got on SSD, and quit work just like you. My chirossis got worse, but

they would not put me on the list, as my MELD score was not high enough.

Finally, they discovered a liver tumor via ultrasound first. They performed

" chemoembolization " for the tumor, which worked immediately and bought my a lot

more time. Then, because of the cancer, I was put on the tp list, and finally

had a successful tp in Sept., '08. Recovery took months, but it was all worth

it. I, too, had 2 Docs that really cared, that saved my life and who have

continued to give me the physical and emotional support to keep fighting. I

still have HCV, but the new liver is still clear, so no treatment yet. And, like

you, I don't want another treatment without the triple regimen. You have a great

future ahead of you and you also have the right fighting spirit. Congratulations

on a great plan for your full recovery! As far as your other half is behaving, I

really hope he sees the light and that he needs to be there for you every step

of the way. Without my wife's support, I don't know if I would have succeeded

like I did. This whole ugly disease is not easy on the caretaker at all, but

they really are a part of our recovery. Hopefully, he'll put down the drinks for

awhile, lose his selfishness, and learn to become your loved caretaker. Be

patient with him, but keep talking to him, and have him talk to your Doc with

you.

UPDATE! We have a plan. First, out of work, SSD ASAP. 2nd every 3 months for the

next year, testing for liver cancer ie MRI, Ultrasound and blood testing. I 2011

I will start triple regimen. I would have had 72% success rate but now 52% with

cirrhosis. They will know by week 12 if it will work or not. if It does not...I

will be place on transplant registry. Also if at anytime my cancer markers/tests

rise, I go on tranplant list. I feel better, Dr. Ben said I am not going

to let you die! Well THAT my friends is good news & #9829;