Last shot tonight.

[sue4hula]

I just did my last shot.  12 more pills.  6 more days.  :)

It is a very strange feeling for me.  This is the third time I've treated and the first time I've ever seen NOT DETECTED since diagnosed in 1998.

The first time I treated was Ribavirin and 3x a week Interferon.  My doc abruptly stopped treatment in my 6 month office visit as I was so anemic and had neutropenia.  No rescue drugs in those days. I was relieved as I hadn't expected to cure and felt so lousy.

The second time was 2012 with RIBA, pegasys and Victrelis.  Reduced RIBA and Procrit at week 9 When I went for my 24 week visit I was still detected and had to stop.  I was devastated.  It seemed like everyone had cleared but me.

This time, I am making it to the end and know I will finish this round and have the best shot I've ever had to be free of this dragon.  It is a wondrous feeling, though not without the anxiety of post treatment testing.  ;).  I am so grateful to be able to finish, without rescue drugs.  I've had some crappy moments, but overall this has not been awful for me.  I feel blessed and thank you all for being my "go to" group.  

Thank you to those who have SVR'd and those who treatment failed.  You give me hope and help me know I'm not alone.  Hang in there everyone that is on treatment, post treatment or waiting to treat.  

We are all warriors.  Ok, I'm done with the emotional release... :)

[sue4hula]

I'm sorry, but I don't know how the UK Health system works.  Can your doctor do the legwork for you?  You could try and contact Gilead, the maker of Sovaldi for information, perhaps?  Check the Sovaldi website.

I'm sorry I don't have any more specific answers for you.  Maybe someone else on here will have more info.  Hang in there...
Wishing you a safe journey on your road to slay the dragon!  

[sue4hula]

I understand!  I would have wanted rescue drugs again too vs a dose reduction.  I take my last pills Thursday.  My doc is doing my next VR 1 week post treatment.  Praying and hoping that I am still UND.  

I went dancing earlier tonight with my Dad.  He is 86 and going strong.  It felt good to be able to show him ( and my Mom and husband) that though I'm very fatigued , I can still dance my booty off!  I worry about my parents worrying about me, so it was good for all of us to see I could do it!  I must say though, my sweat seems more toxic of late... All that RIBA...

Take care and good luck with your next Neupogen shot.  You can do this this.  I'm keeping fingers and toes crossed that we make it to SVR this trip.  Take care, my sista Susan.

[arronp]

i need to know the same im in the uk is solvaldi  avaible yet if you have no money

[susan400]

Congrat. on doing your last shot!  I have 6 left to go.  I have had to do the rescue drug of Neupogen though.  I told my docs and they actually were advising me, too, to have NO dose reductions.  It was left up to me in the end, but I totally said NO dose reductions.  So, I went with the neupogen.  I'll be getting my second shot of Neupogen next week.  In the past on some of my former treatments, I was prescribed it and was giving it to myself sub-q.., but this time it's being more closely monitored on the providing it as far as control goes, and I go into the doctor's office and they give it to me IM.  I get the CBC down in between to monitor how far low or not low the neuts are.    Anyhow, I saw my doc on Thurs. and he wants to give me every chance at HOPEFULLY not have viral breakthrough.  Because this is my 11th time around, and having never gone undetected until week 4 on this treatment, it was too risky to consider dose reduction.  Anyhow, I know that you can relate on this being the first time ever on hearing the 'undetected' and how great that feels.  I am hoping and praying for you to hear those words again on your post treatment viral load.

Susan400

[sue4hula]

Thanks Sandi!  It is so funny to hear you took a photo.  I DID TOO!  I noticed (or perhaps perceived for the first time), the yellow warning that says "Do not flush or pour down drain."  LOL!!! Just stick it in your body!  My humor has gotten sick!!  ;)

Ambi1983, are you being seen by a Hepatologist?  He will work with you to come up with the best treatment plan for you.  I also have Blue Cross and they covered my Interferon, Ribavirin and Sovaldi.  I received a coupon from Gilead (the maker of Sovaldi) and only had a $5.00 per month copay.  

In my case, (and think most others) the MDs office coordinated getting everything approved.  If for some reason the insurance won't cover your treatment, the drug companies have programs to help you get the meds for free or reduced costs.  I don't know that much about that part (as my insurance covered), but the MDs office explained that as a backup plan.

Hep C treatment is evolving and more and more options are on the way.  This is a great place for support and questions.  We are (for the most part) all just regular folk with our knowledge based on experience and personal research.  Always see your liver doc for specific health issues and concerns!  

Take care and welcome to the group.  We are here for you and each other!

[Ambi1983]

I've seen some of your answers could you help in any way.

[Ambi1983]

Hi, did you get help with paying for the treatment? Or did your insurance pay? The reason why u ask BC they want to start me on a treatment involving chemo and interferon injections it's 90 thousand $ and most people have to pay out of pocket. Is a 90% success rate. I don't have two pennies to rub together let alone 90,000$. Any info would be great.

[hepc4Sandi]

Yay! Last shot! A milestone! I photographed every last event. Almost to the end of Tx! Then you are right, then it is another 12 weeks of waiting for that last test! You are dragon slayer, and this time the dragon will be vanquished! Hang in there, you have done everything right!