After 48 weeks of Sofosbuvir + Ribavirin Relapse

[HectorSF]

I got a call from my hepatologist tonight notifying me that my HCV has returned one month after stopping 48 weeks of Gilead's Sofosbuvir + Ribavirin treatment.

I was 1 of 50 of the first cirrhotics to treat using this therapy.
"An Open-Label Study to Explore the Clinical Efficacy of Sofosbuvir With Ribavirin Administered Pre-Transplant in Preventing Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Recurrence Post-Transplant"

I was undetectable by week two. Continued to be undetectable for 47 weeks.
I am genotype 1
IL28B C/C
Advanced cirrhosis and untreatable liver cancer.

My hepatologist asked Gilead if we could get more Sofosbuvir to get me undetectable before transplant preventing my new liver from becoming infected with the virus. Our request was denied due to safety concerns because no one has ever treated beyond 48 weeks with this drug combo. Oh well we tried. Nothing else can be done now. It is what it is.

I am disappointed but not upset or anything. I gave it my best shot and was grateful to be in such a important trial. I knew it was a gamble from the beginning. The treatment was easy to do with minimal side effects so I can do it standing on my head if I have to again after transplant.

My focus now is on my liver cancer. I have to get that under control soon and get a transplant to stay alive. All else is trivial. If I can beat this cancer, I can beat hep C with new treatments.

On to cancer treatment #5 with CyberKnife radiation treatment for untreatable tumors. I will be the first patient at my transplant center to have this treatment for liver cancer. Depending on how my treatment goes the transplant center is thinking of adding this treatment as an option for others in the future with HCC. I am happy to be a pioneer if I can help others with their HCC.

Life goes on with or with HCC. Hep C doesn't define who I am or how I want to live. I have lived with it for over 40 years with it a few more months will make little difference.

Cheers!
Hector

[ActingBrandNew]

Your an amazing person....fighting this thing with so much class. Wishing you success with the cyber knife treatment.

[orphanedhawk]

Damn !
You are dealing with this amazingly well but I am majorly pissssed off !!!

You know my heart and thoughts are with you, wishing you only the very best.
huge bear hugs,
OH

[Shyrlgame]

Agreeing with can- do.  You are a pioneer for us. . . And handling such dissapoinment with clarity and grace, that I'm sure I would never be able to do like you have.

I wish you only success with your CyberKnife treatments as you continue to pioneer on.  As I watch for your new news Hector I also keep you in my prayers.
Shyrl

[BoceprevirGal]

  I will be praying for that Cyberknife to wipe your cancer right out, and then on, to your Liver Transplant.  Because of your amazing capacity to think clearly, and put up a terrific fight, you can do this!

[bluebird305]

I may not understand all the medical talk, but what I do know that since I have met you,  I am a lot stronger than I thought I would be.  You are still in the ring, so keep those boxing gloves on, because you are a winner in my book. You are loved by many.  I will be praying everday for you.  Blue

[Reidmusic]

I'm still praying for good results for you. You continue to inspire and teach us with your attitude. Have you ever read "Tuesdays with Morrie?" I think that's the name of the book by Mitch Albom. Your attitude reminds me of Morrie's and it's inspiring.