treatment

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your kind words Pam!!I have no intention of leaving this group when I'm done this time either. I'm hoping to get enough strength back to perhaps work with the Hep C Nurses here. I feel like I've been their pet project for so long and I just want to help others.I am sooo glad that we will not be getting any snow today and it appears, not even by Christmas!!A Merry Christmas to you and yours also.Gloria

Gloria you are amazing! I 've done a cake walk compared to you. I just can't imagine doing this 2xs but will if in 6mos my virus is back and once again I would drawl my strength thru you.

Reading your stimga post I wasn't as much ashamed as I was fearful of infecting someone in the begining but now I 'd rather educate someone than let the stigma continue.

My family is the most loving and I had a bigger problem then they did.I have cleaned out my closet as well thanks to the riba...and will be forever changed since diagnosed. I to will remain posting even after treatment and talking to anyone in the public who will listen about Hep.The more I talk the more people tell me about loved ones who have it as well and then ask questions.It' s amazing the public is clueless about this epidemic.

2010 is going to be quite a year for you, Have a Blessed Holiday. Pam supposed to get 2 feet of snow 2day, when it's all white out and clean looking it reminds my hep is gone, makes me sooo calm

oria

Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Answers.

[Guest guest]

DonI understand now why the Hep C nurses said I was blissfully unaware during my first treatment!! It's true, I knew nothing of what was going to happen. Mind you, no one else had the crystal ball either!! After I was labelled a NR, my world seem to just shrink!!In fact, I had said during the in between years, that I would not do treatment and work as well!! Well, here we are, three weeks to the finish and I still have most of my clients.Do you know what else I found?? There is no predicting how a person is going to respond or react to treatment, even if they've been there before. As you know, this one kicked the shit out of my emotions!! That even appears to be all gone - the wild emotions. I'm truly at that acceptance stage with

especially that sister-in-law, plus my step-son and his wife. I really don't care if I never see them again!! However, I am aware that my step-son probably wants to talk to me - but we will both let it ride until the time is right. Why he would suddenly get all antsy about talking to his Dad, shortly after our fight, is beyond me. I've been step-mother for over 20 years and have never stood between the kids relationship with their father. That would just be alien to me! I may have had to stay away from my step-daughter for several years until she grew up. Then, when she had her first baby - she saw right then, that the love a man holds in his heart for his daughter can never be broken!! However, this was the first time the step-son and I have ever had a problem. He's fighting so hard to walk on eggshells around his wife, that he's near breaking

again. Well, far as I'm concerned - I just made it easier for him to cope with her. Simply do not bring her around me and don't ever continue to try to make excuses for her evil behaviour and we can finally all just be happy.Gloria

Yayyyyyyyyyy. ......

Hi Gloria

Your just around the corner from kicking this nightmare in the butt.

You have done really good too.

I, and Im sure the rest of us are very proud of your accomplishments.

You have set such a fine example for us all.

Im not sure I will do as well, but my day hasnt come yet, so I dont know.

I have flashes of fear that I wont make it through treatment.

I wont lie, Im scared.

I would bet that you and lots of others felt the same way once or twice.

But then, I tell myself to stand strong, and put these self-defeating BS fears aside.

That I will do just fine.

Look at all the people who went down the road before me, and showed me the way.

I think its so cool that right in time for the New Year, you have a new lease on life.

You deserve it, you have gone through sooooooo much.

If I were in your place, I would be wetting myself with joy. lol

I want you to know that I am praying that your next step is an illousion.

[The possible cancer thing.]

That you will be free of major medical trouble for the rest of your life.

Im going to project this positive thought your way with every ounce of strength I have.

love

don in ks

From: Gloria <gadamscan (DOT) ca>Subject: [ ] Treatment Date: Friday, December 18, 2009, 10:57 PM

Well Gang, I have just taken shot number 45!!! Only 3 more to go...Actually, I should say, I just did shot number 93 if you were to count the first time around on treatment.Gloria------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

Hi Nandy

I have not had to do treatment yet, but here is some info for you.

Has your doctor discussed treatment with you?

Things like injecting yourself, and taking your pills?

- You must inject yourself at the same time each week, preferably on a friday night, so that you will have all weekend to recover from any side effects.

- You must remember to take your pills at, or about the same time each day.

You must be strong, and do these two things for the entire length of your schedualed treatment.

How you will react to the treatment [sides and final results] is different with each person.

Im sure others here will share with you their stories, and give you hints on what to do better than I can.

Here is the folder on treatment from the links library. Click on the link below.

Please take the time to browse through it for basic info.

http://health.dir./group/ /links/TREATMENT_OF_HEPATITIS_C_001253393566/

You will be fine Nandy.

Im glad your doing it, and try to think positive.

- IE: 'Im going to do this, and reach SVR [sustained viral responce - cure], no matter what.

I deserve to be cured, and live free of the dragon'.

Remember we are all here for you, and will be with you each step of the way.

Please do not hesitate to ask questions or comment.

Please share your experiances with everyone too.

Its important for the rest of us to know, everything.

love

don in ks

From: nandywho <nandyad@...>Subject: [ ] treatment Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 1:33 PM

Im to start treatment in 2 weeks, if someone could tell me or point me to find out what to expect and odds of it working. Thanks to all in advance------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

NandyNone of us here can actually tell you what to expect, it's different for each person. Odds of it working?? What's the odds if you don't do it?? Away back 6 yrs ago, my specialist told me that if I didn't do treatment, I might have another 5 years left to live. Far as I was concerned, there was only one decision.Please tell us things like: what is your geno type, your ALT and AST scores, your viral count. Are you around the age of the baby boomers or younger??? Then we can really share the hope with you!! Also, please believe that many of us will be here through your treatment with you!! You share and then we can all give you a group hug, especially when you get sick and tired of being sick and

tired.Gloria

Im to start treatment in 2 weeks, if someone could tell me or point me to find out what to expect and odds of it working. Thanks to all in advance

Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new

[Guest guest]

Expect thr flu once a week for a year. The first shot is the worst then they slowly get better until near the end when your system has started to get weak. I lost 25 lbs. over eight months, so eat when you can. Stock up on suplimental drinks and the like, efamil I think is one. Keep busy, don't let yourself waste and get depressed. It will happen. Find a support group and someone to help when it gets rough. I don't want to scare you off. It's rough sometimes but worth it in the end. I did eight and a half months and the doc pulled me off. I wasn't totally prepared and had little support. I'm looking to go back on in a few months. Read as much as you can on the subject. there is lots of material here, and follow the links to other sites. Remember, it's a dragon and you don't want to lose

this fight. Write back, I have to go for now.RandyO

[Guest guest]

Please forgive me if this question offends you, But did your Dr. share with you what to expect? and what the past results have been seen from the treatment???The folks on this list gave me great info based upon their experiences which when compared to the Dr;'s info From our home to your home, we speak a Blessings, and Success 2010.Walter L. Scheu, Sr. Th.DFrom: nandywho

<nandyad@...>Subject: [ ] treatment Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 2:33 PM

Im to start treatment in 2 weeks, if someone could tell me or point me to find out what to expect and odds of it working. Thanks to all in advance

[Guest guest]

I,m 62 and was only told my my cancer doctor to go to another doctor he

reconmended me to for treatment for heptitis b and c . He said i tested postive

for both. He only told me I would have to have shots each week and 6 pills a day

as treatment,and it would last a year.I dont know until I see this other docter

what type it is.I just worried at my age and other illness if I can do it. thank

you all for responding to my post.I will inform as Im treated to let you know.

>

> From: nandywho <nandyad@...>

> Subject: [ ] treatment

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> Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 2:33 PM

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[Guest guest]

NandyObviously your cancer doctor thinks that you have the strength to go through the treatment!! Remember, from the next time another drop of blood is taken out of your body and that will happen a lot, make sure that you get a copy of each test. Do you have children and grandchildren?? Do you have support close with you?? The treatment is simple, it's just not always easy to go through. My first treatment in 2004/2005, I sailed right through and except for the expected fatigue and a little bit of an upset to my thyroid, everything went well. This last one that I just finished on Jan 14th didn't upset my thyroid at all but, I got very very emotional. However, I was fully aware this time and had no problem with having my Dr. upping my

anti-d's or sleeping pills.So keep us all up-to-date on the progress.Gloria

I,m 62 and was only told my my cancer doctor to go to another doctor he reconmended me to for treatment for heptitis b and c . He said i tested postive for both. He only told me I would have to have shots each week and 6 pills a day as treatment,and it would last a year.I dont know until I see this other docter what type it is.I just worried at my age and other illness if I can do it. thank you all for responding to my post.I will inform as Im treated to let you know.

>

> From: nandywho <nandyad@... >

> Subject: [ ] treatment

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> Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 2:33 PM

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> Im to start treatment in 2 weeks, if someone could tell me or point me to find out what to expect and odds of it working. Thanks to all in advance

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[Guest guest]

You know Gloria I wish my doctor would have prescribrd me anti d's or sleeping aids, but he just wouldn't, said I had to go to my GP. I finally switched but they werwn't much better. Sleep and or lack of it was a real problem. I think a lot of my depression was caused by the incresed fatigue. I got soooo tired I couldn't work and that got me depressed and like said before I started to smoke pot, which helped a lot. Pot made me hungry, sleepy, and gave me a "cheerful" outlook on life. But, I'm an adict and before long I was on to other things. However, if the doc's would have given me Cloneazepan, which in the first month they did, I would have been ok.The moral of this story is, Not All Doctors Are The Same.Good Luck NandyRandyO

[Guest guest]

You are so right, Randy!!! I understand completely why a person gets depressed if they are not getting enough sleep. Oh, I know it sooo well. But most of our GP's now are so worried that we'll become "addicted" to our medications that are actually saving our sanity, they are hard put to prescribe.I've been in recovery for over 23 yrs now, so of course I'm well aware of my chances of becoming addicted. Well, I'm here to tell anyone, I'm not going to go over and knock off anyone of the old ladies that live around me - just to get my anti-d's or sleeping pills. But, you certainly don't want to come anywhere near me if I don't have those meds.However, for my Fibromyalgia or now the liver cancer, I would choose pot before heavy duty pain killers. Yet, I

didn't even like pot in the 70's and sure hate the smell of it nowadays. I would want to hold out as long as I could before addictive pain killers.Gloria

You know Gloria I wish my doctor would have prescribrd me anti d's or sleeping aids, but he just wouldn't, said I had to go to my GP. I finally switched but they werwn't much better. Sleep and or lack of it was a real problem. I think a lot of my depression was caused by the incresed fatigue. I got soooo tired I couldn't work and that got me depressed and like said before I started to smoke pot, which helped a lot. Pot made me hungry, sleepy, and gave me a "cheerful" outlook on life. But, I'm an adict and before long I was on to other things. However, if the doc's would have given me Cloneazepan, which in the first month they did, I would have been ok.The moral of this story is, Not All Doctors Are The Same.Good Luck NandyRandyO

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[Guest guest]

Hello All,

I also will be starting treatment soon. I have been to the Hep doctor only

twice, had an ultrasound and an MRI and then at my last visit, they suggested

that I start treatment. My genotype is 3a and I don't know my viral load or

anything else. I have a call in to get my lab resutls sent to me. As soon as I

know what they are I will post them. So it looks like two of us will be going

thru this together. Much appreciation for all of your support. Thanks Don for

loving us and keeping us informed.

Blessings,

from Ohio

>

> Im to start treatment in 2 weeks, if someone could tell me or point me to find

out what to expect and odds of it working. Thanks to all in advance

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Nandy and

You both are going to do just fine.

Just watch your diet, and make sure you keep to your scheduals for your meds.

Keep copies of all your labwork so you can see your progress.

And remember, we are all here watching your back.

Ask any questions you need to, and we will do our best to supply answers, and support.

I am here personally if you need me. Just hollar.

love

don in ks

ludichrist2000@...

From: <aproudmarinemom123@...>Subject: [ ] Re: treatment Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 1:50 PM

Hello All,I also will be starting treatment soon. I have been to the Hep doctor only twice, had an ultrasound and an MRI and then at my last visit, they suggested that I start treatment. My genotype is 3a and I don't know my viral load or anything else. I have a call in to get my lab resutls sent to me. As soon as I know what they are I will post them. So it looks like two of us will be going thru this together. Much appreciation for all of your support. Thanks Don for loving us and keeping us informed. Blessings, from Ohio>> Im to start treatment in 2 weeks, if someone could tell me or point me to find out what to expect and odds

of it working. Thanks to all in advance>------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

ME TOO!!!

Hi Nandy and

You both are going to do just fine.

Just watch your diet, and make sure you keep to your scheduals for your meds.

Keep copies of all your labwork so you can see your progress.

And remember, we are all here watching your back.

Ask any questions you need to, and we will do our best to supply answers, and support.

I am here personally if you need me. Just hollar.

love

don in ks

ludichrist2000

From: <aproudmarinemom123>Subject: [ ] Re: treatment Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 1:50 PM

Hello All,I also will be starting treatment soon. I have been to the Hep doctor only twice, had an ultrasound and an MRI and then at my last visit, they suggested that I start treatment. My genotype is 3a and I don't know my viral load or anything else. I have a call in to get my lab resutls sent to me. As soon as I know what they are I will post them. So it looks like two of us will be going thru this together. Much appreciation for all of your support. Thanks Don for loving us and keeping us informed. Blessings, from Ohio>> Im to start treatment in 2 weeks, if someone could tell me or point me to find out what to expect and odds

of it working. Thanks to all in advance>------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

Thank you Gloria. I read your post where you said you now have have liver cancer. I wish you the best and hope you will be alright

From: gadamscan@...Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 18:49:32 -0800Subject: Re: [ ] Re: treatment

NandyObviously your cancer doctor thinks that you have the strength to go through the treatment!! Remember, from the next time another drop of blood is taken out of your body and that will happen a lot, make sure that you get a copy of each test. Do you have children and grandchildren?? Do you have support close with you?? The treatment is simple, it's just not always easy to go through. My first treatment in 2004/2005, I sailed right through and except for the expected fatigue and a little bit of an upset to my thyroid, everything went well. This last one that I just finished on Jan 14th didn't upset my thyroid at all but, I got very very emotional. However, I was fully aware this time and had no problem with having my Dr. upping my anti-d's or sleeping pills.So keep us all up-to-date on the progress.Gloria

I,m 62 and was only told my my cancer doctor to go to another doctor he reconmended me to for treatment for heptitis b and c . He said i tested postive for both. He only told me I would have to have shots each week and 6 pills a day as treatment,and it would last a year.I dont know until I see this other docter what type it is.I just worried at my age and other illness if I can do it. thank you all for responding to my post.I will inform as Im treated to let you know. > > From: nandywho <nandyad@... >> Subject: [ ] treatment> > Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 2:33 PM> > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > Im to start treatment in 2 weeks, if someone could tell me or point me to find out what to expect and odds of it working. Thanks to all in advance>

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[Guest guest]

Tom,

With any treatment there are potential unintended consequences. For one thing, the Rituxan will strip away the CD20 from your B-cells and any future treatment with Rituxan will be less effective. You should read the potential side effects of Rituxan - it is sobering.

There are also studies that show lower doses of Rituxan are more effective than normal doses because the CD20 does not get shaved off when the dose is low. There is also a possibility that the Rituxan will damage your immune system to the point where you get a more aggressive form of CLL.

Basically, there is little upside to getting treatment before you need it, and plenty of down side.

One thing I would empasize more than anything else is to get a 2nd opinion from a CLL expert.

Ron

Just figure I could potentially knock this thing back for several years while it is still early. Nodes are 3-4 cm. They grew 1-1.5 in 2yrs time. Someone mentioned Rituxan doesn't work well on nodes, so if I wait, it might be that much harder to treat, and I would like to delay chemo. Plus, I have the opportunity for an initial double dose Rituxan. From what I have read, the higher the dose, the more effective. What would/could be the harm in treating now?

>

> > Well, I figure my immune system is stronger now than it might be down

> > the road. Showing signs of progression - in 2yrs wbc was 9k now 15k

> > with some node growth of about 1-1.5 cm. Plus, if it helps delay chemo

> > and shrinks the nodes for perhaps many yrs why not try? Am I burning

> > any bridges?

[Guest guest]

I am glad for all those that have such great dr and nurses. Mine didnt check on me during tx nor have they called to see how I am doing since. It has been six mths.

[Guest guest]

That is next door to criminal, Beth!!! I could not have made it through my 1st treatment if it were not for the wonderful HepC nurses.I saw my specialist right after the end of treatment PCR came back, as a Non-Responder. He did want to see me again for a year; but, by that time, I had done a whole lot of research myself and already knew that there was nothing new coming down the pipe. Come to think of it. I also felt completely dropped by the HepC nurses at that time, as well and I was walking around in a black cloud!! Just hoping that my liver would hold up long enough for a new hope to come along.Even my GP thought that I didn't like my specialist and I had to get across to her, that wasn't the case. I just hadn't felt that I wanted to

waste his time or mine. As I said to ny, I was watching my own blood work. Finally, I made it in to see him about the 3rd year after failure.Then, shortly afterward, I learned that those HepC nurses had not in fact, forgotten about me!!! That's the reason that I got the call about the Clinical Trial out of Vancouver. I am probably the first person from Vancouver Island to be invited to do that particular Clinical because it was geared towards the non-responders that started out as responders on their 1st treatment. Yet, another HepC nurse from the mid island, also remarked to me when I met her, that she didn't know anyone from the island had been invited to do ANY clinical. Actually, I also read some time back that I was only 1 of 650 people worldwide, that were ever offered that particular Clinical.What the whole thing taught me though, was to take my own health issues in my own hands again and

research whatever I needed to research, plus to ASK the Drs for exactly what I considered that might be necessary. I trust that I will never forget that lesson, ever again.Gloria

I am glad for all those that have such great dr and nurses. Mine didnt check on me during tx nor have they called to see how I am doing since. It has been six mths.

[Guest guest]

Steve - you're asking the always difficult question to which there is no definite answer: Is Rituxan maintenance a good thing or not a good thing?

No one knows for sure, there are docs who swear by it, others say that the downside is greater than the upside. Also the protocols vary: a full week every six months, a day more often than that, etc.

600mg is not a high dose, unless you are a small person. 750mg is more common. MD experiment with even higher dosages.

As to when to go for FCR, when your WBC or your lymphocyte count is doubling in 2-3 months, when you get anemic, when you have symptoms, when you don't feel well, when you have painful and very enlarged lymph nodes, etc. Very subjective, no rules. At 56 you are young. You can certainly put it (FCR) off if it is not necessary.

In a message dated 6/27/2010 1:57:07 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, stevecagg@... writes:

Hi All, and Dr. Furman, I had R as my first Treatment in Feb. and March. My wbc went from 184,000 down to 36,000. I had three days of 200mg and then one day per week of 600mg for 3 weeks. Six weeks later my wbc went up 20,000 to 56,000 and my onc recommended a 600mg one day dose every 3 months to keep things in check. Will the r loose its effectiveness if used now as a single agent as opposed to when used later as the fcr protocol? I know it's all unique to each individual but I thought I might get a longer time frame of low wbc. I'm 56 and fell great with no fatigue but my nodes are still present. Plt's are a bit low at 117. and rbc's at 3.89. Is age a factor in when deciding to use the fcr potocol? When r is used as maintenance should the dose be smaller and more frequent or is the 600mg dose ok. Thank-you, & nbs p; Steve

[Guest guest]

: Thanks for this reply. Although I am new to this group, I have a medical background. I was diagnosed 4 months ago but have had atypial CLL for two years (since age 60 but not diagnosed). It is very important to remember that if you have indolent disease, waiting to start therapy is better than starting it prematurely.

Sincerely,

Donna (RN, PhD).Jun 27, 2010 03:46:53 PM, wrote:

Steve - you're asking the always difficult question to which there is no definite answer: Is Rituxan maintenance a good thing or not a good thing?

No one knows for sure, there are docs who swear by it, others say that the downside is greater than the upside. Also the protocols vary: a full week every six months, a day more often than that, etc.

600mg is not a high dose, unless you are a small person. 750mg is more common. MD experiment with even higher dosages.

As to when to go for FCR, when your WBC or your lymphocyte count is doubling in 2-3 months, when you get anemic, when you have symptoms, when you don't feel well, when you have painful and very enlarged lymph nodes, etc. Very subjective, no rules. At 56 you are young. You can certainly put it (FCR) off if it is not necessary.

In a message dated 6/27/2010 1:57:07 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, stevecagg@... writes:

Hi All, and Dr. Furman, I had R as my first Treatment in Feb. and March. My wbc went from 184,000 down to 36,000. I had three days of 200mg and then one day per week of 600mg for 3 weeks. Six weeks later my wbc went up 20,000 to 56,000 and my onc recommended a 600mg one day dose every 3 months to keep things in check. Will the r loose its effectiveness if used now as a single agent as opposed to when used later as the fcr protocol? I know it's all unique to each individual but I thought I might get a longer time frame of low wbc. I'm 56 and fell great with no fatigue but my nodes are still present. Plt's are a bit low at 117. and rbc's at 3.89. Is age a factor in when deciding to use the fcr potocol? When r is used as maintenance should the dose be smaller and more frequent or is the 600mg dose ok. Thank-you, & nbs p; Steve

[Guest guest]

With very, very few exceptions, anyone taking Rituxan or any other CD20 mAb, for

an extended period of time will become refractory to it. You simply run out of

CD20 on the B-cells and it no longer works.

Most CLL patients don't have a lot of CD20 when compared with NHL patients to

begin with.

It has always been my position that CLL patients should have the amount of CD20

protein available measured prior to treatment. It is done by flow cytometry.

It is like everything, a compromise between the benefit and the risk.

[Guest guest]

Sounds too risky to me.

Ellen R.

cllcanada wrote:

> With very, very few exceptions, anyone taking Rituxan or any other CD20 mAb,

for an extended period of time will become refractory to it. You simply run out

of CD20 on the B-cells and it no longer works.

>

> Most CLL patients don't have a lot of CD20 when compared with NHL patients to

begin with.

> It has always been my position that CLL patients should have the amount of

CD20 protein available measured prior to treatment. It is done by flow

cytometry.

>

> It is like everything, a compromise between the benefit and the risk.

>

[Guest guest]

Actually, Campath and Fludarabine also will make patients refractory

so in this regard Rituxan is not unique...

>

> > With very, very few exceptions, anyone taking Rituxan or any other CD20 mAb,

for an extended period of time will become refractory to it. You simply run out

of CD20 on the B-cells and it no longer works.

> >

> > Most CLL patients don't have a lot of CD20 when compared with NHL patients

to begin with.

> > It has always been my position that CLL patients should have the amount of

CD20 protein available measured prior to treatment. It is done by flow

cytometry.

> >

> > It is like everything, a compromise between the benefit and the risk.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

NandyYou know that we are all here for you 100%!! Keep us posted and hope that as you learned here, it's kind of important that you also get a copy of your own blood work. That way, you are participating in your own health care and many of us here can translate those blood results.Can you tell us at this point, what was your viral count?? That number only becomes important now, as you watch it decrease to a great big fat 0.00.Gloria

Joined this group awhile back and have not posted. Have been learning from all the post of everyone.Got my drugs to start treatment. I start in the morning.It has been a very hard decision to make. Im 63 with a host of other health problems.My Geno is 1b with grade 2 fibrosis.I want to thank you all for the great info I found here with this group. I will try to return the kindness by doing my best to post each day while on treatment to help others. Thanks again to you all, now may I ask for your support as I start this treatment. Nandy

[Guest guest]

> > Hi maybe slight improvement over the last year; have used little herbs

lately, and not cured (but not sure if it is Lyme that I'm fighting).

>

> I am definitely not cured either...sucks!! Sorry to hear that.

> Do you mean the coinfections that you are fighting ?

my current homeopathic doc thinks that my remaining symptoms are mostly the

result of nerve gas exposure long ago (mostly skin/connective tissue issues,

some neuropathy - could be lyme, but they are not representative), and not of

lyme.

Sounds possible to me, but most homeopathic docs don't seem to think that lyme

(borrelia) is a serious problem. I think they see Borrelia more like a symptom

of a body where other things are wrong, which could be but who knows. Until now

the homeopathic treatment does not have any effects on the symptoms.

> I have been noticing that my rbc's are looking parasitized lately and I can't

seem to find any spirochetes, which is a switch.

I'm trying to get more info on all these 'parasites' that people see under the

darkfield microscope. There might be some research money available over here

next year or so

> I have also noticed that artemisia annua seems to really help my symptoms

right now. I am starting to wonder if some of my symptoms (brain fog, memory

losss, swollen glands etc) aren't being caused by babesia infection.

could be many factors, including Borrelia of course. But i don't think artemisia

is effective against Bb?

> I was just reading about glutathione and saw this:

> " Silymarin (milk thistle) enhances detoxification in the liver by preventing

the depletion of glutathione "

> So I guess it doesn't actually detoxify but it enhances the process.

it slows down some detox reactions and because of that you probably don't run

out of glutathione as fast as without the milk thistle. I'm not sure this is

good though. Could be that the reactions that are slowed down are only for

emergency conditions (like toxic chemical overload) and not for normal

maintenance - in that case slowing down may be good, because it leaves

glutathione available for other detox reactions (there are many of those in the

liver, with a dozen or so different enzyme systems).

[Guest guest]

Thank you Donna!!!

I spent part of the day just walking around the yard feeding all my flower beds, astonished at all the tiny green heads peeking out from the ground. The sunshine kept me nice and warm. I sat on a bench and watched my goldfish in the pond. I baked three loaves of bread...from scratch. My husband and I went for ice cream. It was a good day.

I look forward to seeing your "WHOOPY I'M DONE" post in a few short weeks. Keep KICKING BUTT.

Ramona

From: "dmgarr@..." <dmgarr@...> Sent: Sun, April 3, 2011 12:30:05 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Treatment

[ ] Treatment

Hello Everyone,

I've been gone for a while but wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to the people in this group who got me through the hardest part of my treatment. Thank you Don, Teri, and Gloria. You had huge impacts for me. Why am I telling you this now? I'M DONE...48 WEEKS OF HELL IS OVER. I took the last shot and pills this past Wednesday. Now the waiting game begins. I am so ready to have a life back. I'm back on my herbal supplements. Doing detox treatments with my doctor. This year has been such a cleansing. I have scrutinized my life and decided to make changes to better take care of me. I am working to change my professional life. I want to be a part of something bigger than me. Life is TOO short to give up so much for money, prestige, materialism.........

For everyone still in treatment or just diagnosed, keep your chin up and don't forget that you are bigger than any little bug. KICK BUTT!!!!! This past year has gone fast. It is almost surreal that it is over. Think of this time as an opportunity to design a new you. Be the person you have wanted to be with the rest of your life to look forward to. Start a "bucket list" to keep track of all the great things you want to do when your treatment is over and you are feeling better. Jump on that Harley...hug that child extra tight...let go of "Xs" baggage...listen to the birds sign just before the sun comes up...close your eyes and feel the sun shining on your face...go the park and swing like a kid...enjoy your life. Appreciate the simplicity because it is so valuable.

I know when you feel like crap it is often difficult to find the light but this is where it begins.

Writing this makes me cry. The reality hits

"I'M DONE." "WHOOPY." "THANK YOU GOD."

Hugs and prayers to all!!!!!!!!!!!

Ramona Cook

Dear Ramona,

Congrats, you did it! Your message was heard loud and clear and I couldn't have said it better. I will be right behind you soon. 11 weeks to go! And, it has been a life changing experience. All for the good though.

Take care and go have a nice swing for yourself.

donna