viral load week 4/incivek/telepevir/ribavarin

[rayc2001]

Well, I received all the regular bloodwork back.  The writing is on the wall  RBC-up  WBC-UP  AST/ALT's both up 30%.  All points to a failure, quantitive should end it this week I would imagine.  Expect that by Friday.  Started week 9 today.  Well, it was worth it, except for the 22 lbs.  Can't wait to not eat, or eat somewhat normal. I will check back with the results later in the week.  Crushing, but the medicines continue to improve.

Ray

[DougV]

Ray,

No matter what you gave it a good fight.  As you said there are new drugs including all oral meds.  Let us know when you get VL results.

Doug

[MissyMouse]

Sigh.

Mouse

[rayc2001]

Viral Load had still dropped but was flat lining at 226,000  I started with 18,228,107.  Stopped everything last Friday.  Have shed 9.6 lbs is the first 7 days.  So far only problem is a very mild rash on my hands and between my fingers.  Still waiting for that to clear, but feeling otherwise very good.  Once again, I thank you all for your support.

Unfortunately, I have to end this on a bad note.  My sister had emergency brain surgery over 2 weeks ago.  They had to remove a tumor.  They were not able to get it all as it would have effected her faculties.  Our brother passed at 36, and she is 56.  They told her that it is the most aggresive form of brain cancer, and that it is going to kill her.  I leave Friday.  Will spend time together as she starts chemo for her first time.  Where does it end.  Thanks again my friends, and Doug, best of luck.  I will check in to see how you complete.  Positve wishes flowing your way.

My thanks again,
Ray C

[willy]

I'm really sorry to read this Ray.  All I can say is that better treatments are coming.

There are several possible reasons for the flattening of the response.  One may be insufficient response to interferon.  the other is in the presence of insufficient IFN response the PI is working almost by itself and resistant strains of HCV emerge.

Newer forms of treatment will be done with antivirals and will not depend upon interferon.  The newer forms of TX will likely have 2 or 3 antivirals that will work to quickly bring down a viral load and vanquish the virus with a broad spectrum of coverage.  there are many such trials in Phase 2 right now, so we are getting closer and closer to that day.  Maybe 3 years for approval but the partnerships will keep advancing.  Some of these will be 12 week treatments for genotype 1's.

I'm very sorry to hear about your sister.  I had a friend lose her sister the same way.  My heart goes out to you.

I believe that Doug has finished the triple therapy leg of his trial and is looking at about 12 more weeks of TX.  Things are looking good.  I'm sure he will post on this.

take care....

Willy

[MissyMouse]

Ray I'm just so sad and so sorry

Mouse

[RiverRandy]

Rayc
I hope you are doing well with your treatment, I have been gone from this site for awhile and just started reading the post to see how this new treatment is working with everyone who has been placed on this triple threat treatment.  I am being treated by one of the best hospitals for Hepatitis Loma Linda U in Southern Califormia.  What my doctor is saying is that I only have about a 30% cure rate SVR since I relasped in 2008 .  My doctor said that I should not worried about the VL because everyone is difference.  But when I read several of the post in this room VL is very big or a big subject.  I guess I need to read more informtion on this treatment besides what is being passed to me by my physician.  Does Vertiex have good data to read or do you recommend other sites to read for my own knowledge of this diesase or illness.I am already very faitgued and tired and if I understand you and others this treatment will make you even more fatigued than the first treatment .  All information and recommendations are more than welcome.

Randy

[DougV]

Ray,

I have no clue how I missed this.

I am sorry to hear of both your results and news of your sister.  I wish you both the best of luck.

Doug

[Kristi]

Sorry to hear.  Amazing that your viral load dropped so low in such a short period of time.  Glad to be back where people listen and care about one another.  Kristi