Life: Post Biopsy / Pre-therapy

[IndigoDave]

It's really ironic how life works. I was so hesitant to get the biopsy done that I delayed everything for 6 months. Now that I've completed it I can't wait to start the treatments make some forward progress.
I'm a recovering AA and I recall my early sobriety. I remember being gung-ho and excited about life and wanting to rush out and live. This new feeling is very similar.
I am excited about the prospect of proactively doing something positive. I want to start living again and put the fears behind me.
I hope I turn out to be one of those few 1A's that respond to the chemicals but even if I don't I'm going to maintain a positive view that at least i made the effort.
It feels good to grow!

[Lori_V]

Hi Dave........and wow.....what an outlook you have!! I think it's wonderful to see people so positive about life in general! I admire you....the way you think, and express yourself.
Thank you for coming here and sharing with us all.

[sandik]

   Hi there.  I too am a member of AA  although I have not been to meetings in quite some time :-/.  I just found out that I am HepC positive and have just started my bloodwork.  I don't understand alot, and am scared to death of treatment.  I will be getting the biopsy soon, and wonder how bad that hurts??? Waiting for my geno type test to come back.  Still in the fog with a lot of questions.  Thank you for your positive message.  Eased some of my fears.  Sandik

[jjgirl]

Hi Sandi
Im Julie and I would like to welcome you here to our family.   You have come to the right place to get answers.  The folks here are really sharp!!  Someone can usually answer just about anything you need to know, so ask away.  I am not now nor have i gone through any type of therapy so Im not much help there, sorry.  There are however quite a few on treatment here and Im sure they would be happy to share all they can with you.  You are not alone in this.  Take care and hope to see you again.
Julie aka jjgirl
PS also from california

[Renee]

Hi Dave,

I was told I have Hep C last September 2002 after 6 cycles of CHOP+Rituxan for Stage IV B-Cell Lymphoma.  When I was first dx with the Lymphoma my Oncologist told me I  might have Hep C and he was right.  He told me some people with Hep C get Lymphoma, so they treated the cancer first and now I will be treated for the Hep C probably in a few months.  My GI and Oncologist have decided that I need to get my strength back before we start Pegasys combo.  My Liver Biospy is this Friday March 7th and I am really scared, I have heard some really horror stories and some people like you, who said it wasn't that bad.  I have genotype 2b which my GI said is highly cureable,  then once we know the stage of the liver we can proceed with treatment in a few months.  If the Hep C is cured I will never have to worry abou the lymphoma again.

[Penney]

Hi Renee...

Welcome to the site.  I will begin my treatment in April..the Pegasys.  

I have heard that genotype 2b is definitely cureable!  Do I say that you are fortunate??  I don't know...basically having hep C, in my opinion, has no "UP" sides.  BUT, being treated and having the chance to get rid of it and the lymphoma is an amazing opportunity and a liver biopsy is just one of the things that the treatment requires.  

I had a biopsy.  Not bad, not bad at all.  The whole procedure takes 3 seconds....the preparation and recovery take the longest time.  And the recovery is just laying on your side for a couple hours...really wasn't a big deal.  They gave me some demerol after the procedure and it relaxed me enough to where I didn't realilze I had been laying there for hours and there was really no pain.  The procedure itself consists of a poke and a pinch....there you're done!  

I wish you all the best and pray that you are one of the fortunate ones who rids themselves of this horrible disease!  Take care and keep us posted....
Penney

[babyface]

 ;)Renee I also have the genotype 2b I start therapy in April  I am new to this sight I'm scared but very excited about starting therapy  I've been reading all of you guys posts you seem very nice and understanding of each persons situation I can only hope I am help to some one someday    THANKS

[Jay Langford]

Today is Wednesday, my last before getting the pegasys and ribavarin on Friday, April 4.  I am feeling very spooky about the long list of side effects, but pleased to have a program for more than three years.  I hope the VA Medical Center in DC knows what they are doing.  I am glad to find this board, but don't do a lot of this type of stuff.  Glad to know that you guys are out there, and that there is a support group in Laurel, Maryland, near me.  It's like climbing up to the high dive, and I haven't even started.  
Later, Jay

[david]

I had a liver biopsy and to tell the truth it was not big deal. They numb the area and you feel slight pressure and thats it. Painless.  I had more trouble with the tape afterwards irritating my skin.

David

[David]

Jay,

The VA is using pegysis, thats good to know as one insurance coverage that I know has already said its not in their formulary so they didn't approve it.  Right now I am waiting for my primary insurance to make a ruling as they have denied. I am a 50% disabled vet.  I could go to the VA given your experience.

David