just beginning

[Guest guest]

My name is Marla.

Diagnosed last year...found out by donating blood for the very first time. I

turned 51 this past summer.

Had vl of 8 mil last Dec and 24+mil in August. Had biopsy and ct scan in

Nov/Dec.

Stage 1-2 inflammation and stage 2 fibrosis with cyst on liver and node on right

lung (that was thrown in for extra I guess??)

I was told beginning of Jan to go home and " absorb " all this and then around the

end of Feb my GI will be starting a treatment with 4 patients...I can be one of

them if I choos.

For the most part have been very healthy over the years. I live a pretty clean

lifestyle with the exception of margarita nights with the girls or wine

periodically. Never really had an addictive personality so didn't really overdo

anything.

I was a florist for 20 years (cuts pricks and pokes). We wondered of that could

have been a culprit as well as minor surgery and dental but really...I suspect

that the couple of times that I tried IV(shared needle) when I was in early 20's

led to this mess.

Tried other board but really am looking for something more personal with people

that have actually been through all this.

Married for 33 years ( he was tested negative). 2 kids, 5 grand kids.

Normal family environment, no tragedies and then this comes along. Go figure.

I don't really discuss any details except the facts but with everything I have

read over the last year, I actually don't want to scare my husband or my family.

They have no clue how hard this might get. I don't either really.

I have put on a ton of weight...35+ lbs- stress, liver function down, fear, all

the above, who knows.

I am so tired and I hurt all the time. I have had bouts of vertigo in the last

few years and some seizure things that may have been signs of this but not sure.

I am at a point where " how do I know what is hep and what is old age " . Was

diagnosed as full blown menopause aug/sep so am on a patch and that has helped

the tears. Was given an antidepressant but it is still in the cabinet as I

wanted to see if hormones helped and they did.

I have been through an identity crisis this year really. Everything that was

normal for me has changed. Finished school so changed careers (hate this one

really) the weight (was always thinner) tired ( was always active-riding 8 miles

on my bike just 2 years ago- on the floor with my grand kids playing) can barely

lift my self off the floor now. Heck of a deal. Let go of all my social ties,

even church.

I am now trying to recoup the social a bit. I am trying to fit better in my job.

Have not discussed this at work as I am going to try to fake it for as long as

possible. I don't really want to lose this job but not sure yet what to expect.

Am dealing with the weight and it has stabilized a bit.

We did pay off all debt except house and what medical bill deductibles I have

accumulated so far. Saved all HSA from last year to meet deductible/out of

pocket this year if need be.

Now just looking forward to moving ahead with the treatment stuff and am still

doubtful on that.

Long story short, would like to read through your posts and your stories and try

to get reassurance without being so afraid of what I might read and may have to

face myself. Thanks for any support in advance cause right now, with the

exception of my immediate family and a couple of friends. NO ONE KNOWS.