Re-Biopsy after SVR

[newleaf09]

I just got the results of my post-TX biopsy.  Re-biopsy is not typically recommended but I have plans to move away from good health care and needed verification that I will be safe.  I was biopsied and started TX as a genotype 1 in November 2008.  The '08 biopsy was very bad; grade 3 inflammation, stage 4 fibrosis.  The pathologist called it 'probable or incipient cirrhosis'.  Scared me to death!  I went through a very rough 28 week TX and am still not recovered from it.  My doctor recommended that I wait one full year after the end of TX (June 1).  Here are the new results: Grade 1, Stage 2-3.

I had hoped for 2 stages of regression and then got scared of being overly optimistic and jinxing myself.  The doctor was astounded, I am astounded.  I asked if, since the biopsy was done so soon after TX, he thought I would continue to heal and he did not have an answer because it's so rare for SVR patients to re-biopsy and there's just nothing to compare to.  He thinks more regression is likely.  I also asked him if I could stop worrying about liver cancer and he cautiously said that he thought so, that he thought HCC, the type of liver cancer we HCV patients worry about, was highly associated with both cirrhosis and HCV together and since I had lost both I was probably safe now.  Not for sure, but 'probably' is good enough for me.  

This may be my last post on the forum.  When I get the hard copy of the biopsy report, I'm thinking of adding it to my inch-thick file and burning the whole thing.  It's over.  Happy, happy, happy.

[IAmTheWalrus]

Great  news! I am happy for you. Best wishes your way always!

Brent

[Bill1954]

Really cool stuff, Newleaf. I agree with Willing; keep up the watch for any development of HCC. I’m a couple of years out now, and continue to go in for U/S scans and AFP every six months; in fact, I have a follow up mid-week with my hepatologist. I don’t see them backing away from this either; they feel strongly it’s so much better in terms of care and management to spot it early were it to develop.

Other than that, who-effin-ray!

Can you burn those labs in effigy? Maybe touch off some IRS bullsh!t  in it’s honor :o)?

Oh, and I'm glad to hear your doctor values low enzymes. I just had labs done, and my ALT/AST were 18/22 respectfully. Good news, indeed :)

All the best, and thanks for sharing the news,

--Bill

[newleaf09]

nygirl - new biopsy was not 2/3, it's 1/2 with a few features of stage 3.  You've been off TX for years and your liver may be that good or better after more time to heal than me.

frijole - my doctor made a big fuss about low enzymes at end of TX.  When he explained the biopsy he noted that it's all about inflammation.  Inflammation causes the scarring in the first place.  Reduce inflammation (by stopping the assault) and no new scarring will occur; just a matter of breaking down the old collagen scarring after that.  

Portann, I'll fix that.  Royal Star is a good magnolia!

[portann]

In answer to your question, Royal Star!

Congrats, again.

Susan

P.S. Your note and PM functions are disabled.

[frijole]

Stunning news.  I am so glad you posted it.  It furthers all the reports that when you achieve SVR, you can improve your liver.  This is encouragement for all.  So, happy new life.


I had a post treatment (relapse) biopsy and saw no improvement.  Stage 1, Grade 1-2 pre treatment and the same after.  I believe it is only if you are able to stop the inflamation caused by the virus that your liver can improve.

Good luck in your future
frijole

[annieCinMD]

I am sooo glad to hear this! Best to you in whatever you do.
Anne