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

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, you are welcome to post on this thread any time. I’m so glad this is where you chose to start sharing your story. You soldiered through incredible of pain and loss to get here. You have no dues left to pay, brother. You are home!

Meg, what a welcome and wonderful surprise your two week UND. results are! I’m still gobsmacked! WOW!!!

Thanks guys. I’m pretty stoked , especially after seeing Meg’s UND. result at two weeks!

Apparently a viral load assay was not ordered. After messaging my specialist, I got a call from a slightly flustered nurse today. They want me to come in to the office. I’ll find out more about that tomorrow.

They have a Phlebotomist (a fancy word for someone who draws blood samples) at the specialist’s office. I guess they want to make double sure I didn’t send someone else in (a ringer!) for yesterday’s Labs?

My guess is I’ll have blood drawn again. Will update.

Fitz