HCV Support's
Donation Drive 2012.
Help HCV Support in continuing it's mission of providing knowledge, support and encouragement to those affected by hepatitis C.

Fundraising Thermometer
Donate Now!
Thanks to all our HCV Support Donors ►
« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Down

Author Topic: sharonaz finished tx  (Read 3270 times)

Offline alice

  • Staff Member
  • Warlord
  • *
  • Posts: 1970
  • Gender: Female
  • HCV Genotype: 1a
  • Treatment Therapy Countdown: I have 6 weeks left of treatment.
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Treating
sharonaz finished tx
« on: September 11, 2010, 12:06:59 AM »
Hi folks,

I finally finished tx! It wasn't fun but I finished! I haven't been posting much lately and I've noticed there are some new folks so here are the stats: This was my 2nd tx. I have advanced cirrhosis and was prescribed an extremely aggressive tx--full dose Pegasys with double my weight-based dose of ribavirin. I responded slowly so my tx was extended to 80 weeks. I took 3 shots/week Neupogen and weekly Procrit injections, plus a variety of other medications to manage the side effects.

The odds were strongly against me but I beat them on several counts:
  • I responded to tx this time
  • I achieved UND
  • I remained UND for more than a year while on tx
  • my liver function improved
  • I no longer have ascites
  • I made it through a very, very rough tx.
 
My hepatologist, who specializes in treating advanced cases of HCV, recently confessed that she did not think I would be able to do any of these things before I started tx. I am not exaggerating or being overly dramatic when I say that she had good cause to have her doubts--few doctors would have been comfortable allowing me to try tx again and fewer still would have allowed me to continue.

I know it took a lot of technical expertise to get me safely through this tx but, even with such strong medical support, I don't believe I could have done it without the support, encouragement and knowledge of those who had gone before me. I thank each and every person who has helped me though this--everyone who has listened to me whining, ranting, and crying; those who made me laugh and called me when I didn't want to talk to anyone; my friends who dragged me out of my house when I didn't want to leave, and most of all, I thank those of you who never doubted that I could make it through this tx. I am humbled and grateful for the kindness, support and caring that I received from you-- our support group. I'll never underestimate the power of a group again.

I'll post regular updates on my recovery on this thread. My doctor thinks it will take a good 6 months to recover since I was on tx so long but we'll see about that.  :wink:

sharon (new name: alice)
 
Logged

Offline DjTurtle

  • Staff Member
  • Knight
  • *
  • Posts: 221
  • Gender: Female
  • HCV Support Member
  • HCV Genotype: 1a
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Treating
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2010, 03:42:18 AM »
sharon!
Congrats on finishing! Once you put down in writing all that you went through, I was amazed. I have never seen anyone go through all of that for that long (with the exception of our good friend, jp99). You are amazing and my heroe. My prayers are with you! You did leave out the fact that even on tx, you showed up for the retreat in Texas last May!! It was great to meet you and be encouraged by you. I need to catch up with you sometime soon. I won't go into all going on with me now as, alot of it is not the hep c, but still health stuff.
Welcome back as Alice!!

DjTurtle
Logged

Offline greginky

  • Dragon Slayer Extraordinaire
  • Warlord
  • ******
  • Posts: 1319
  • Gender: Male
  • HCV Support Member
  • HCV Genotype: 1a
  • Treatment Therapy Countdown: I have 6 weeks left of treatment.
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Undetectable
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2010, 06:49:25 AM »
Sharon(Alice),
   I am so happy for you that this ordeal is over. I did 52 weeks and can't imagine having gone 80 weeks. You must be a very strong lady. I have rooted for you all the way .. I think recovery was the worst part for me. I was impatient. My mind was the first thing to return. The physical part was very frustrating, a lot of ups and downs. I am 8 months post treatment and I have to say, I am feeling better right now than I have in years, but my stamina is still low. I started taking several supplements which I credit with making me feel so good. I hope that your recovery goes well and I will be tracking it for sure.

Greg
Logged
Not all who wander are lost.~~~~~ J.R.R. Tolkien

Offline sweet sue

  • magical fairy
  • Warlord
  • ******
  • Posts: 1894
  • Gender: Female
  • HCV Genotype: 2
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Undetectable
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2010, 06:55:40 AM »
Alice,

Very fitting name. You must feel like Alice in Wonderland (which explains the name change)!  I'm so very in awe of you. I can't believe the ride you have been on all these months and the things you have been through.

Luv ya

sweet sue :fairydust:
Logged
Avenge yourself, live long enough to be a problem to your children.

Offline DougV

  • Senior Administrator
  • Warlord
  • *
  • Posts: 1422
  • Gender: Male
  • HCV Support Member
  • HCV Genotype: 1a
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Relapsed
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2010, 07:50:18 AM »
Alice old name Sharon,

You know I remember when this journey started and I think I was the only one who knew we would eventually get to this point, I know dang well you never believed it.  Over the years I've watched literally thousands take the treatment journey, some winners, some losers, but no one ever has made the journey with the class you did.

My hat is, and will always be, off to you.

Doug
Logged

Offline greyrocker

  • Overlord
  • ********
  • Posts: 6000
  • Gender: Male
  • Life's a Journey; Not a Destination
  • HCV Genotype: 1
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Undetectable
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2010, 09:31:56 AM »
Sharon, er...Alice, you have continued to amaze me with your fighting spirit. I truly don't know how you did it, not only for 80 weeks, but also at such a high dose of ribavirin. It really is a story that the medical experts in HCV should be studying, if for no other reason than to see just what true grit can accomplish. You must (and should) feel really good about yourself. I'll bet you're looking and feeling better these days than you have in a long time!

Good for you!!

greyrocker
Logged
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. Nelson Mandela
        SVR as of Dec. 08, 2010

Offline kab

  • Knight
  • ****
  • Posts: 333
  • Gender: Male
  • HCV Support Member
  • HCV Genotype: 1b
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Undetectable
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2010, 10:06:09 AM »
Sharon (if that is your real name...)  Congratulations!!!! You made it!!! I am so happy for you!!! It is unbelievable what you have been through, and now it is over.  You are the strongest person I know.  Can't wait to hear some good news from you as the drugs wear off and get out of your system.
 :heart:
kab
Logged
48 weeks treatment, SVR baby!

Offline banarep

  • Kulia i ka nu'u
  • Overlord
  • ********
  • Posts: 7658
  • Gender: Male
  • HCV Genotype: 1a
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Undetectable
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #7 on: September 11, 2010, 11:53:05 AM »
Alice/Sharon/etc;

Congrats on finishing treatment, 80 weeks.  Man, that is something.  You are a true warrior and it is my hope that you stay UND.  Of all the people I have known that have fought this  :dragon: you are the most persistent.

Glad to welcome you to the other side.
Logged
I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me.    Hunter S. Thompson

Offline hope life

  • Knight
  • ****
  • Posts: 480
  • Gender: Female
  • HCV Support Member
  • HCV Genotype: 1a
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Relapsed
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #8 on: September 11, 2010, 01:31:11 PM »
Sharon
Congratulations I know you thought this day would never come  I will be looking forward to your updates. Hope you start gaining weight


                                                             hope life
Logged

Offline Hop

  • Newsletter Staff
  • Squire
  • *
  • Posts: 174
  • Gender: Female
  • HCV Support Member
  • HCV Genotype: 1b
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Undetectable
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #9 on: September 11, 2010, 02:06:23 PM »
Hurray!!!!

You're finally at the end.
Let me add my admiration along with the others.
You've displayed grace under fire, as well as a tenacity rarely witnessed.

You're my hero for today.
 :heart:
-Hop

Logged
"We can be hero's, just for one day" - David Bowie

Offline keith

  • Moderator
  • Extreme Warlord
  • *
  • Posts: 2948
  • Gender: Male
  • HCV Support Member
  • HCV Genotype: 1a
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Undetectable
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #10 on: September 11, 2010, 04:00:05 PM »
congrats on finishing TX Sharon, 80 weeks must be an all time reccord. Your an inspiration to all!!! way to go!!!!!   Keith :happy:
Logged
Through our collective experiences, we have found that we can accomplish together what we cannot do alone

Offline peteman2

  • Paladin
  • *****
  • Posts: 720
  • HCV Support Member
  • HCV Genotype: 1b
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #11 on: September 11, 2010, 06:08:20 PM »
Sharonalice,

Wow, you are one tough fighter and congratulations on finishing tx.  You've been through the mill and I am so proud of you. 
What a terrific example of sticking with it.

Pete
Logged

Offline jimmer

  • Moderator
  • Warlord
  • *
  • Posts: 1153
  • Gender: Male
  • HCV Support Member
  • HCV Genotype: 1b
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Undetectable
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #12 on: September 11, 2010, 08:55:53 PM »
Congrats on finishing up, man 80 weeks that is a tough battle and you deserve an atta girl.  :wink:

jimmer
Logged

Offline lynn

  • Staff Member
  • Knight
  • *
  • Posts: 472
  • Gender: Female
  • HCV Support Member
  • HCV Genotype: 1
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Undetectable
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #13 on: September 11, 2010, 08:59:20 PM »
Congratulations you super dragon slayer. You are one tough cookie. Remember to take that extra good care of yourself so you can continue to keep that dragon in his place. So happy for you.
Logged
Diagnosed in 2005. Thirty weeks of treatment in 2006 and 48 weeks of treatment in 2007. Undetectable!

Offline rjs

  • Tough times do not last, Tough people do!
  • Warlord
  • ******
  • Posts: 1432
  • Gender: Female
  • HCV Support Member
  • HCV Genotype: 1a
  • Treatment Therapy Success: Undetectable
Re: sharonaz finished tx
« Reply #14 on: September 11, 2010, 09:54:07 PM »
Sharonaz,

You amaze me, what a tough road you had to take and you made it....!!!!! I am so happy for you.

rjs
Logged
Geno 1a Treated during acute phase for 24 weeks SVR 5/2011
Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Up
« previous next »
 

Information provided in this site is solely for educational purposes only and is intended to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient and their physician. HCV Support .org / HCV Support, Inc. does not provide medical advice nor endorse any Physicians or Pharmaceutical companies mentioned within the Site. Always consult with your HEALTHCARE PROVIDER regarding all aspects of managing and/or treating your HCV, or any other health related issues you may have.