OK. Had an appointment with my Specialist this morning. Specialist wanted to go over recent test results with me, check vitals, weight and find out about side effects.

Vitals are mostly as before, with O2 being slightly higher (good). Blood pressure was a little high, but considering I drove over in rush hour traffic, BP was about what it usually is under those conditions. Weight has come down since last visit in (ca. 5 weeks ago). Have dropped 3+ lbs. (a little over 1.5 kilos). I wasn’t trying to loose weight, and will take the weight loss as a good sign, as I need to drop another 15 lbs (6.8 kg)

Asked about having HVC viral load assayed at 2 weeks. Specialist handed me a testing schedule (below), and the Specialist said I would need a Viral Load assay at 4 weeks, 12 weeks (EOT), and at 24 weeks to assess SVR.

Before saying goodbye, I handed Dr. Freeman’s most recent paper to my Specialist, with the outside packaging from my generic Sof/Led medication stapled to the back.

We chatted about Dr. Freeman’s paper and the generic DAA medication for a bit, and then I went up to the medical assistant’s desk to set up my next appointment, post 4 week test results.

My test schedule – standard branded Sof/Led protocol.

Sven, the only advice I can give is not to wait. Don’t wait in line for a year as I did, before my heath insurance provider denied the Sof/Led treatment my physician had prescribed. Don’t wait for a single minute.

Have your test results ready, do your homework, consult a qualified physician (I spoke with my US specialist, with my US General Practitioner, and consulted with Dr. Freeman through GP2U). Take an eye level look at your options, get the finances sorted out, and get treatment. Now.

This virus is relentless. Once it takes hold, It never takes a break, never gives quarter, never shows mercy. It eats away at our livers, our health, our well being, and the very fabric of our lives. It scars our bodies, our minds, and our relationships. It steals our energy, and saps our creativity.

Don’t wait. Make a plan. Take action. Save your life. That is my advice.

Fitz

Sven,

As others who are much farther along than I in this process have pointed out, the side effects for Sof/Led are relatively minor. One thing I think is important to mention again is how vital the FixHepC support system is. This forum, and the people here who are fighting and beating this illness have become my anchors.

From my first contacts with Dr. James, and with Mike G to entering the REDEMPTION 3 Trial, through receiving medication, and immediately beginning treatment with generic DAA’s,the incredible people here have been right there, and believe me, I rely upon our group here for support, and information, and for inspiration.

When someone here experiences a milestone – EOT, Undetectable, or SVR, I share in their joy. When someone experiences a setback, I experience that heartbreak with them, and along with everyone else, support them when they grit their teeth, plant their feet and refuse to give up or give in.

I am learning to trust again, as much as I am capable of doing so in this short time. I am striving to be more patient with myself and with others, and to learn to keep my expectations at eye level with reality. After hiding this illness from others for decades, half living in denial and half believing it was probably terminal, trust and hope, a new set of expectations, and all of the possibilities that come with that can be a tall order sometimes.

Patience with the treatment itself is far more difficult than I thought it would be. I want the results, yesterday. I want this to be over, to put HCV in the rear view mirror and watch it disappear into nothing, forevermore, never to bee seen again. I want to put my foot on the accelerator – and make this happen faster. And then I remind myself it IS happening. This is actually happening. And then I take a deep breath in relief.

Please keep us posted.

Fitz

So, the latest. After finding a little spot on my nose that I didn’t like, I went in to see the dermatologist who took a quick look, said “well, you might have a little skin cancer there” and immediately took a chunk out of my nose with a scalpel for biopsy.

The dermatologist said not to loose any sleep over it. I worried a little, but really didn’t loose any sleep, and late last week I got a call that the biopsy was positive. It is a Basal Cell Carcinoma. After a misspent youth and decades in and out of the desert sun, I wasn’t terribly surprised. I then learned I was being referred to a MOHS surgeon.

Today I got a call from that specialist’s office, and I go in for MOHS micrograhpic surgery week next week. I’ve researched the surgery, and it really seems to be the best option for getting rid of that little bugger – but the damn thing is on the left side of my nose about 1/2″ inch back of the very tip of my nose above the nostril. Shit!

I was watching the Game of Thrones finale last night, surveying Jaime Lannister’s nose and thinking – “by Itself it isn’t really a very attractive nose, but on his face it looks pretty good and fits well…. that wouldn’t be too bad I guess”. I guess this is the stuff you think about when they’re about to go after a skin cancer on your nose.

Today the nurse assured me that the physician does any reconstruction which may be necessary in the same visit, and hopefully it won’t be much – but honestly – it will be what it will be.

I got curious about whether HCV had anything to do with this, and googled Basal Cell Carcinoma and Hepatitis C. Turns out it might: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10756661

Another reason to get treated for HCV now, and not to wait.

.