Hi Rebecca!!

During my treatment I lived in 3 different states...alot of moving! Thank goodness I had a Dr that would send me ALL

of my lab orders so I could go to the local Labcorps for my blood draws.

I would call your Drs office and see if they would do that for you...

Good luck and keep us posted

Gypsy soul

Just my experience: my doc office didn't draw blood so I had to go to lab, pay my portion then see doc after results and pay co-pay. She had me do that once (4 weeks) and then emailed me all other times so as to make me not pay the office visit which I appreciated. 

Thanks for the feedback/info.   

I wasn't sure if they checked the VL at week 4 because week 12 is the gold standard.  Will inquire if they intend to check the VL at this appointment...     

The appointment is important, but we had a huge oversight.  As soon as treatment ended, we focused on work, productivity, and tackling a lot of unfinished business in a different state.  It seemed easy to simply fly to the doctor for week 12 (keep same doc).  We did not factor in a budget to fly back for week 4.   It may not be possible to change docs for one appt.  However, just knowing they *may check VL is worth inquiring further (and paying for a flight if necessary).  

Seems like the EOT appts are still changing...  I knew there was a difference b/w today and a few years ago but did not realize just HOW different (my dad's best friend went through the 3 drug tx in 2009, I think?)

Thanks again!

Hi Rebecca,

The new guidelines for EOT testing have changed a lot since the old Interferon SOC's. Used to be common to have VL's at 4 week intervals during, at EOT and afterwards up to and including EOT +4, 12 and 24. The new guidelines don't include the EOT or even the EOT +4 viral load testing. The only test that counts nowadays is the EOT +12. However, I'm still supportive of the EOT and EOT +4 viral load tests if you can convince both your doctor and insurance company to allow them, many don't now, because they are purely confirmation of a continued negative viral load. The test at EOT +12 is the new gold standard that determines SVR (12) and the end. I will tell you that if you are approved for an EOT +4, I would do it. If you continue to be undetected at EOT +4 (SVR4) the odds of SVR12 are essentially equal. So it makes for a terrific moral boost knowing you're probably assured of a cure. Good luck!

Hi FC

I EOTed almost two years ago with the old three drug treatment. I had a 4 week, 24 week and 52 week post treatment appointments. I really don't know about the new TX. But if I was her I would keep all my appointments.

Best wishes.

My friend and I would like to know if a 4 week EOT appointment is still standard.   If it is standard, can anyone who had a 4 week EOT appt let us know what this appt is for (if you had this appt)?  

Throughout treatment, all of her blood work numbers have been great and normal (from the beginning) - so we are curious how important this particular appointment is.   She's off the Daklinza for over 2 weeks now and trying to get back into work.   Yes, health is more important than work.   

Reason we're uncertain which appointments are standard is because they also have her scheduled for a 24 week EOT appointment in August, and I'm fairly certain the 24 week appts are no longer essential.  

Thanks for any info on the 4 week appt!

~Rebecca