5 Weeks, 2 Days - Today Was A Good Day!

The Short Summary:

Tuesday to Monday: More in tune with my emotions. Sensitivity to light and sound still exists but not as difficult to tolerate as last week. Low grade fever (LGF) was only sporadic and not persistent (yeah!). Shortness of breath, head congestion are expected now.  I'm getting used to it. Tense muscles and soreness (due to the Neupogen, I think.). Tired x5. Getting used to that too.  Eyes are still heavy. I'm getting used to the frequent yawning. The days following the shot(s) are tougher than later in the week. Still taking Theraflu and ibuprofen occasionally during the day or night as needed.  No rash this week! My skin is sensitive so I keep it lotioned up and try to stay hydrated. My hair is thinning significantly.  I'm glad I had thick hair.  The light shines straight through now.  This is the first time I've thought about a hair piece.  I don't need it now but - hey - I got 43 weeks left! And it ain't gonna stop thinning!

"Almost" Is Not Enough

Aw man!  I'm not one yet... No "undie" this month.  I'm not undetectable. But almost...

4 Weeks, 2 Days - My body says, "WHOA!"

The Short Summary:

Tuesday to Monday: Decreasing energy. Increasing headaches, sensory sensitivity. I wear sunglasses indoors. There were days I was glad I didn't have to cook a meal or drive. I just didn't have the strength to do it. Persistent low grade fever (LGF), shortness of breath, head congestion. Tense muscles and soreness (without the workout!). Tired, tired, tired, tired...tired.  Some people notice I'm exhausted, most don't have a clue. Eyes are still heavy. I start yawning around 10am (up between 6-7am getting kids ready for school). Don't mind the days I don't work out (not normal!). The days following the shot(s) are tougher than later in the week. Neupogen is necessary but completely makes me weak. Taking Theraflu and ibuprofen at night to help me relax and sleep. Some recurrence of mild rash in same places. Good news: irregular, sudden spurts in heart rate are declining in frequency, AND my viral count is less than 43!

I Gotta 50/50 Chance

My testing and physical today went well. But, I don't have the viral count yet. Boo. I'll know if I'm an "Undie" on Monday. Monday?  Not today? Nope... It takes at least a day to get the results for HCV (Hepatitis C) viral copies.

Grr...They didn't tell me that. They should have told me that before now. I was expecting to know today. They should have told me that. Don't you think that's some information I'd like to know? Boo hiss...

PRAYERS before the "UNDIE" Test

Would you pray for me please?

On Friday, April 20, I will have nearly completed 4 weeks of treatment. On that day, I am scheduled for a physical with complete blood work at Mayo Clinic.  This is to check to see where my viral load is. If my viral load has decreased, that means the treatment is working.  If I recall correctly, my viral load is around 8 million copies.  We prefer it to be zero!  The test can't guarantee that but it can come back as undetectable!  When Hep C patients reach this status, they fondly call themselves: undies!  I hope to call myself "an undie" very soon!

SIDE EFFECTS: at 3 Weeks

WARNING: Casual readers of this blog may find some details uncomfortable.  I've included them to help fellow patients or those researching the idea of undergoing treatment.  I apologize for any discomfort this may cause.

2 Weeks, 5 Days - I Get SO EMOTIONAL, Baby!

The Short Summary:

Saturday to Thursday: MAYDAY! MAYDAY! Serious emotional distress happening here! Persistent low grade fever (LGF), shortness of breath, head congestion. Sen-si-tive!  Irregular, sudden spurts in heart rate. Minor achy bones. Tense muscles. Tired, tired, tired...tired.  Now people say I look exhausted. Eyes are heavy. I start yawning around 10am. Working out now means walking at low intensity. The days following the shot(s) are tougher than later in the week. Taking Theraflu, Zyrtec, and ibuprofen for relief. Good news: Rash is drying up!!

1 Week, 5 Days - Oh Yeah, I'm Feelin' It!

The Short Summary:

Sunday to Thursday: persistent low grade fever, shortness of breath, irritability, absolutely no appetite, no new rashes, itching is diminishing, tired, tired, tired, BUT still able to workout at same intensity. :-)

SIDE EFFECTS: at 1 Week

I thought I'd add a regular posting that lists and describes the side effects I've experienced or am currently experiencing at a given time in Hep C treatment.

In no particular order: