Done, Done and Done

[FlGuy]

Yesterday took the last riba and last Pegasys and have completed the planned 46 weeks. The pillbox is empty and this morning the family asked if it was safe to come out now.
This was Tx #2.  The first was 24 weeks of PegIntron and 800 riba.  

Geno 3A, early cirrhosis. Am 56 y/o and guess that I’ve had it about 35 years but do not recall an acute phase.

Tx#2 was 1200 riba (weight-based) and Pegasys, with twists.  Pre-dosed riba for a full week before first Peg and then double-dosed Peg for the first 4 weeks.  Intention was to get to undetectable as soon as possible.  Was undetected after week 2.  So, 44 weeks of Und.  Had docs (tx doc, liverhead and hemo) on board and actually talking to each other.  Hemo doc was pre-emptive with Aranesp (procrit-like stuff) and we had a target to keep hgb between 11 and 12.  The guy did it.

Reason it was 46 was because did not want to involve insurance beyond the 48 week prescriptions.  Got my hands (actually wife got it) on a couple of extra pegs (someone turned in unused supply) and the double dosing left me at 46.

Will chill and recover for a while now.  Don’t plan on a pcr for two months, although that may change and the tx doc will write any rx that I ask.  Main goal now is to rejoin the human race and make up for these lost months.  I’m not anxious about results right now, but that may change a few weeks down the road. I hate riba! Pegasys is my friend!

[FlGuy]

Will be around for a while.  Only part way through the woods, not out - yet.  But, it's good to know that we original NJGuys have reason to be optimistic every once in a while.

[copyman]

good luck and wishing you the best. hope you start to feel normal real fast so you can make up for lost time. you know i said i will follow your tx protocol and still plan to when i tx, unless i can get into vx trial. i hope you stop here once in awhile and let us know how you are doing, but if you dont, cant say i blame you. take care.

[chellski]

Way to go!  you have so much to be proud of, i didn't realize it was your 2nd go at it.  Amazing that through it all you have such a cool sense of humor to entertain here at mh!
btw:  i was hoping to see merlino post under your good news.  i know you are close with her, and i haven't seen her around, and hope she is doing well.  if you hear from her, or merlino - if you read this, i'm thinking about you.
be well flguy-
chelley

[Tallahassee]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

All the best with nice SVR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[ladybug52]

Congrats. You are really one of the funniest people who has ever treated. Was that a side effect of the meds? If so, maybe I'll go back on tx just for the laughs.....
So happy for you and your family.
Bug

[Bill1954]

Ok, cool. I’ve been increasing my Lantus (insulin) by leaps and bounds lately trying to maintain control. I’ll be curious to see if anything changes in that department for you post Tx.

Boy, we’ve both been at this for a long time now. I’m not sure about you, but I’ve pretty much forgotten what normal feels like anymore. At least we both had a little break between treatments; I remember being pleasantly surprised after last treatment; I hope you experience the same. I assume you’re done with the riba as well; I’m not sure there would be any benefit to do the ‘week after’ due to your pre-dosing.

I don’t keep up with things in here as much as I used to; but I’ll be watching for any news from you, including any mention of ALT/AST or changes in blood glucose, etc.

Take care of yourself, and stay in touch—

Bill

[FlGuy]

I'm think pcrs at 60 and 120. Also need to address endocrine stuff, persistently low ldl and high blood sugar (except on tx) .  With those two, have no idea what is real anymore.  So assuming 60 day pcr is ok will charge down endo at about 90 days post.  Between now and then will try to be on a reasonable diet and reasonable exercise to see what a 'new' baseline will be. I have a target for smart weight gain but it with not be a twinkie and mashed potoato-based.  Somewhere in the mix is 6 month alternating US and CT of the liver.  Need to map all this stuff out, but have a pretty good mental sketch of it now.

[shastri20032003]

Must be a great feeling finishing tx ! Wishing you SVR all the way!

[gazebo1]

GREAT GOING!!!!
You have been a great support "guy" for many.  Best of luck and hope you recover from sx quickly and stay und.

G.

[Bill1954]

We’ve been at this for a while now, huh? I’m so glad to hear this part of the battle is behind you. Hopefully, you can spend the next few months with a positive attitude, until you can finally close the book on this for good. Do you care to discuss the closing PCR schedule? I’m assuming 30, 90, and 180 day post tests? I’ll be watching carefully for your results, my friend. When you get to the coveted bench, put in a good word for me, and try to save me a spot (with a view!).

Take good care of yourself, FLG; and stay in touch--

Bill

[CockSparrow]

Just wanted to add my Congrats on finishing. I really like the way you did this Tx, given me plenty to think about.

To any G3s thinking about Tx, dont make the mistake of thinking we are easy to treat.
G3s only have high SVR rates with RVR.
Non RVR means a fight on your hands.
Sorry I'll get off my soap box now.

So hope you SVR
CS

[beamishboy]

so glad to hear your GOOD NEWS!...congrats and Good Luck!!

[tjaloha]

HUGE CONGRATS Fl!!!   I can only imagine how you must feel.  I'll be there in another 23wks and so looking fwd to it.  All down hill.

Thanks for all your posts and words of wisdom.  

Enjoy.
Peace,
Tom

[CIRQDUSOLIEL]

Congrats!!!!   Believing the best for you..........praying you all the way through to SVRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!! :)))

Until the whole world hears,
Rick

[Cindy10]

Just checking in and I read the news. Really happy for you. Welcome back to life!!!! I hope your recovery goes smooth and energy comes quick!!!

[goldyn]

Wow that was quick..i know you are relieved..clear at 2 weeks sounds like your on your way to the big SVR.......

[sfbaygirl]

Great news!!! I can't believe you are done again!  I know you have it beat with a 2 week clear and that double dosing.  I am so glad you are done, when is the swim party?  I was on aranesp too and it kept me doing really well. Now we know about the  Neulasta stuff- all bad!  My #'s are high again after the hospital. So glad you did it. You will be feeling good soon. It is a rough road as we know.  Congrats!!!!!

[spcecst2]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pln]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  Here's to your SVR.
Pam

[GrandmaA]

Congratulations on finishing tx. I thought we were finishing about the same time. You take good care and I'm praying for your SVR.

[meki]

Holding my breath with you.... In my thoughts, my hopes and belief!

Meki

[dyce]

I'm with ya cat, I hate riba too!!

[FlGuy]

Thanks for the kind comments and well wishes, everyone.  HCV is a continuum and it's not a flat track.  There are dips and curves, climbs and drops.  It just works out that the breeze is at my back right now, and I've felt that before. So, for all of us and where we are on the ride, we'll see how the next part of the thrill ride works out.  Good luck and better health to us all! Did I mention?  I hate riba.

[jools57]

Glad to hear you are done!!! All the best to you!!! Enjoy your life!
Blessings