Week 0 - Sunday
Throughout this week, as each day began, I was pleased again to discover none of the flu-like symptoms had arrived. But I realise it is important not to take this for granted. I remind myself to take each day as it comes. Now it is Sunday evening and I am thinking about the trip to hospital again tomorrow and repeating the whole procedure. Again, I am reminding myself that the coming week might not be as free from side-effects as this one has been. However, it’s great to be able to say - 1 down and 47 to go!!
October 11th, 2005 at 10:58 pm
Hi, Ron — Since 1980 I’ve had Hep C, acquired through two blood transfusions. There have been no visible signs, only elevated blood chemistries. I chose not to undergo the Interferon treatment during those years because the success rate was so low, and the reccurrence rate so high.
Now, however, for the first time in 25 years my SGOT and SGPT are within normal range, and my doctor is mounting pressure for me to consider treatment. Since I also have PBC there had been a strong argument not to risk disturbing my internal equilibrium. Now, others who have PBC have undergone interferon treatment and have not had complications. So, I’m considering my options. The prospect of liver cancer is not attractive. If this treatment could protect me, possibly I should get on with it.
Of course, I know only awful things about this course of action. I’m hoping that you would be generous, humane, and honest and tell me the worst of it, the extent and duration of bad times, and the inevitability vs. the probability of misery and how to stave it off or cope. Also — do you think one season would be any better than any other for starting this treatment?
Many many thanks for your attention. All the best to you, along with heartfelt wishes for your continued improved health and happiness.
Sincerely,
Gretchen MacKenzie