1st visit is over

[cryermama]

Once again, thanks to everyone for all the information and support.  I think that I am going to respond quickly and do very well with this Tx.  I have the utmost faith in my dr. and have put the whole situation into the hands of my higher power.  We will see what happens down the road.  Just glad I found you all here and have such great support. 

Cryermama/Cheryl

[thesame40]

I ma one of those with some cirrhosis, and I did a biopsy. It's good to have a look at exactly how much damage has been done. My Dr also expressed the possibility of the full monty. And I have to say if you already on the meds , it's like an insurance policy. However during one of my routine visits (i go every week) we discussed shortening treatment time. ONLY because he has noticed alot of published material dealing with this subject. He said he will have a wait and see attitude and I do what he tells me . He knows best, and I trust him with my life, literally.So I am resigned to the full 48 and if it comes to pass good for me....I just want to be und.

[greyrocker]

Biopsies are not the norm for geno 2's because of the high success rate of treatment. Cheryl, you might want to talk to your doctor about using a weight-based approach to your ribavirin dose instead of the flat rate 800 mg; there is some research that indicates it might improve outcomes.

http://www.jhep-elsevier.com/article/S0168-8278%2811%2900175-9/fulltext#s0020

Extending treatment beyond 24 weeks for geno 3's with cirrhosis  is sometimes recommended, but I've not found anything that says that geno 2's should do so.

GR

[alice]

Oops! I didn't see that you are a geno 2, Cryermama. Please ignore what i said earlier about taking Incivek and doing 48 weeks of tx. Geno 2 patients will only use the interferon and ribavirin, no Incivek, and the standard tx time is 24 weeks. my bad!

thanks for picking up on that GR. I also agree with what GR said about weight based riba dosing. There are several geno 2 folks on our site who believe they didn't take enough riba.

alice

[cryermama]

Thanks for that info. Greyrocker.  I will be sure to ask about that when I see Dr. Holden again.  I am so grateful for those who have gone before me and can tell me what to expect, ask, etc.... This site is awesome!  As are the folks here.  Thanks again everyone for the support.


cryermama/cheryl

[New York Sue]

Cryer,
I'm geno 2 with cirrhosis. I did 24 wks of tx in 08 and relapsed. My Dr. referred me for a second opinion to a liver transplant Dr. in San Francisco. He told me I should have done 48 wks because of the cirrhosis. So I got blood work done and doing an ultrasound on Monday, go back to the Dr. on the Oct. 18 to talk about the 48 wk thing. YUCK! Wish I would have done 48 to begin with. Maybe we'll be doing tx together.
                                             Sue

[cryermama]

Sue, sorry to hear about your relapse.  My Dr. said 24 weeks unless I am a slow responder.  Then he would do 48 wks.  Hope you do better this go around.  Maybe we will treat together.  Stay in touch and let me know what this doctor says.  I would be interested to hear his take on it. 

cryermama/cheryl

[snapplecandy]

Sue, sorry to hear about your relapse.  My Dr. said 24 weeks unless I am a slow responder.  Then he would do 48 wks.  Hope you do better this go around.  Maybe we will treat together.  Stay in touch and let me know what this doctor says.  I would be interested to hear his take on it. 

cryermama/cheryl

"unless you are a slow responder" is the key. Keep your fingers crossed you only do 24 weeks. You are damn lucky you dont have to do Incivek.....always a silver lining