The Face of Hepatitis C

[Mongo]

I am the face of Hepatitis C

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I am the face of Hepatitis C.
I am the man who drives his truck,
And the woman whose stories you read.
I am the clerk that tends to your groceries,
I am the face of the guy down the road.

I am the face of Hepatitis C.
I am the lady you sat next to in church,
And the guy who works in IT.
I am the Loan Officer down at the Bank,
I am the coworker who rarely speaks.

I am the face of Hepatitis C.
I am a man in The Navy,
And a mother way up on The Cape.
I am a loving friend who moved to The Falls,
I am a Brave Little Mousie who roared.

I am the face of Hepatitis C
I fill your prescriptions,
And tend to your yard.
I teach you to sing, and dance, and beyond.
I am the face of someone you love.

So please don’t pretend you don’t see me.
I beg you to not look away.
Because I promise to love you should you stop me and say,
“I am the face of Hepatitis C”.

[Hank's mom]

Oh Kerry -

Beautiful - I an see building a video around that or a long overdo infomercial - not commercial, we aren't selling anything, but... putting into the hearts and minds of the public that, yes, we are everyman or everywoman, your neighbor, professional, family, friend and lover.

Thank you also for including us, it's very touching to be among your group of muses. (Although, it could be I saw myself in the face of Hep C.)

Best,
Susie

[MissyMouse]

awww, how sweet!  And very true.

Mouse

[pete c]

WOW Kerry

 Man that was beautyful man it got me crying  to think of the wonderful friends we have made here .Thanks man

                                                           just for today

                                                          pete

[Valentine]

Kerry, that is beautiful and true!  Thanks for posting that!

Hope you are doing well,
You remain in my prayers!
-❤ Val

[Squeaker1]

AWESOME, Kerry, just AWESOME.....Plain and simple, you said it all.    Thanks

Hugs, Squeak

[beingbecky]

That's great!

Becky

[breeze]

Hi Kerry,

I don't log on much, but you are the first person, I read about who started treatment.  So, you are like my hero, or maybe Superman.  So, I pray you have a smooth trip throught Tx.

I found out in Dec. 2007.  I am 1a, stage 2 level 2/3.  I have problely had it 30 plus years.  I have become very tied and weak over the last year, before I found out I had Hep C, but I have gone though years of weakness and spran back. Do you ever get better without treatment?  I am going back to Dr, March 17th to maybe start treament.  Are you glad you started it?  I am think I want to travel, play with my grandchildren, and have fun in life.  I don't want to be sicker for 48 weeks.  I sound like boo hoo poor pitty pot me.  I hate
whinne people.  I guess I am afraid.

Is Tx that bad. 

Breeze

[Mongo]

Hi Kerry,

I don't log on much, but you are the first person, I read about who started treatment. 

Hi Breeze,

If I missed an opportunity to welcome you to the site, please let me welcome you now.

I've read your post a couple times now, and I can honestly say I understand your feelings.

You & I are both Genotype 1A's, so yea, 48 weeks of Tx. can sound scary.  But there is no real guarantee that it's going to be a devastating experience either.  It depends on a lot of things.  I'm guessing that you've read some of our posts, and you know how diverse the range of experiences can be.

Treat.  Don't treat.  Tough call for a lot of us.  I don't think anyone here took that decision lightly.  I sure didn't.

You've got time before the 17th to try & learn a little bit about HepC...I think it's safe to say that you can ask anyone here almost anything.  If you can, join in on the Wednesday chat;  Look in the upper-right corner of the page for the "Try our Chat" link...the times are posted, and you are very, very welcome to just drop in & say hello.

I wouldn't even begin to tell you if you should treat or not.  There are a couple things I can tell you:

Thing #1     We will support you weather you treat with traditional medical solutions, pursue alternate therapy, or just wait to see what the future brings. 

Thing #2     I've waited a lifetime for the family that I have today.  When I got married a few years back, I inherited three great kids...and a pretty spiffy bride to boot.  I'll trade 48 weeks for a chance at long term improvements in my health any day.


I don't know how much that helps, but we'll always talk to you straight. 

I want to touch on the questions you closed with...

Regarding your question about getting better without treatment;  I have heard folks talk about "spontaneous healing" but I couldn't speak to its validity.

Am I glad I started?  Yes.  Yes I am.  I've felt pretty burnt out for the last several years...I want to feel better.  I have things to do, just like you.  I have family that I love big-time.  I want to be around long enough to embarrass them all at some point or another (((sorry-couldn't resist)))

Is Tx. that bad?  That depends on a lot of things.  For some, it's a struggle.  For others, it's a little easier. 


And it's OK to feel afraid...as you roll up your sleeves & dig into this a little more, that fear will most likely turn into knowledge.  And that's when it all makes just a little more sense...


Please feel free to write, Breeze.  I would also like to invite you to our 1st HepC Anonymous meeting this Sunday, 3:00 PM, EST.  There's a post about it on the board, or you can PM or email me, or the other folks who are listed in that msg. 

Hang in there, and I look forward to hearing from you.


All my Best,


Kerry

[Lee]

Kerry, that was truly wonderful....so heartfelt and filled with such truths....keep writing and posting please!...You bring out the best in us all.

Blessing to you always my friend,

Lee

[breeze]

Thank You for responding, Kerry.

I agree with Lee you do make things feel better.  You are a inspiration. 

I do want to be around, and have energy to play with my Grandchildren, and travel with my wonderful husband.  I don't want to put my husband though a year, not knowing what the next shot will bring.  We travel a lot and it sounds like I will have to stay close to home alone because most of it is his job.

Breeze

[Mongo]

Breeze,

Your husband is more than welcome to look around here just as you are.  It sounds like you & your husband are very close.  I know that whatever decision you two make, it will be the right one for you & your husband and family.


Please stay in touch...


Kerry