Excellent news Clayton! Thrush is a common problem for those of us on treatment. Something gets out of whack and invites that unwelcome fungal visitor to move in. I still have an old and outdated bottle of magic mouthwash in my refrigerator. I believe it is a solution sent by God for Thrush patients! The relief was immediate. I'm so glad you found an answer for your problem. Now, back to Dragon Slaying!!!

Re-Buy wrote:

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Nystatin for 10 days and a swab sent to the lab. 

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 After only 24 hours ( 4 rinses ) the improvement is incredible. I can eat again. A blueberry/kale smoothie ( from my garden) sounds right. Yogurt and mango juice added. 

Hi Re-Buy,

Regarding the thrush, after taking the Nystatin you may want to include some yogurt in your diet. (Plain is best, just add some honey or fresh fruits for sweetness)

It will help keep the thrush from returning and reintroduce good bacteria (probiotics) into your system.

Or better yet, add some yogurt to a Green Smoothie

Dave

Nystatin for 10 days and a swab sent to the lab. 

After clearing it with your doctor, there are sprays and lozenges that will help. I used Chloraseptic and Cepacol products. There are also generic brands that will work. They are readily available at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Just check with your doctor or nurse first, before adding any medications. 

Thanks Tig. 

I went and talked to my Harvoni pharmacist. There are lozenges that may offer a little relief until I can get a script. Dacosil or something like that. No luck finding them yet. I had to race home to pee lol and will continue my search now. Hope to see doc tomorrow. He checked to see if this was ever a side effect from Harvoni. No. 

The white patches/spots could be thrush. Have you had a chance to talk to your doctor about it? Don't delay, they can offer some mouthwash that will reduce the discomfort quickly. They gave me something called "Magic Mouthwash". A combo of several ingredients, viscous lidocaine, antihistamine, anti fungal, anti inflammatory and others. It works very well but requires a prescription. I would recommend you start salt water rinses and gargles. There are OTC products available for sore throat with anesthetic action that will reduce your pain. Please contact your doctor first and get the okay to try the home remedies before starting. Trust me, I know how miserable you're feeling, so don't delay. You'll feel much better for doing so! The yogurt and salt water rinses will help. Do your very best to stay hydrated, that's so important.

Tig56 wrote:

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Hi Clayton,

I had Thrush real bad during treatment. Can  you describe what's happening? If that's what it is, we can offer some relief.

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 I think it is thrush. Some white stuff along centre of tongue. Some white dots. Some splitting. Unpleasant to drink or eat. Smoothies, yogurt are now staples in my diet. I was wondering if there is an over the counter med for it. This is small potatoes compared to the interferon days. 

Hi Clayton,

I had Thrush real bad during treatment. Can  you describe what's happening? If that's what it is, we can offer some relief.

Hi Canuck

Thanks for showing concern for a stranger. 

The Harvoni has been a piece of cake so far. I am having a bit of trouble with my tongue. I searched here and it may be thrush. I don't think that it is from the meds. I see my g.p. next  week and see what he says. He has been my Doc for over 30 years. I helped him deliver both my kids. Sadly, he is retiring August 1. 

My cancer doctor said to watch WBC , Hemoglobin , Platelets when I get blood results. The other one to watch is lactate dehydrogenase, but my blood work for hepatitis doesn't show results for that. 

My abdomen doesn't hurt unless I touch it, so I don't touch it much. 

I am only weighing in at 145 lbs and I should be 160-170. No appetite. 

Again...thanks for the concern. 

Hey Re-Buy,

Glad to hear your updates.

Reviewing your thread I am wondering tho, how you are actually feeling. Now that you been on the Harvoni for the last couple months, you have found it to be agreeing with you I hope, I assume you detect no sides, as many do not?

But I do wonder how you are holding up period.

You have certainly been going through a lot, definitely been doing your fair share in the troubles dept. Counting 2005!

One good thing, is you getting this HCV beat now, a big event! Another is your "team" of dif docs and staff, nice they are "on" everything. And, your onc giving you advice in what you can keep your eye on in your bloods (what BTW?). You, doing everything you are supposed to be doing! You and your nurse going over all data, all things good to know. Do not waste time fretting over your kPa's, your liver doc had already prescribed an appropriate 24 week long course for you right off the bat. You doing a good job, and sounds like you've got the right helpers.

How does your poked, prodded and cut abdomen feel nowadays, now that the biopsy(ing) has been over for a while - uneventful healing I hope (aside from that abdominal muscle thing you noted)?

Assume you are lightweight, as you liked gaining 5 lbs., so, how's the appetite and weighting gaining venture going? Are you a good cook? I tried to get others on this site to just feed me the same healthy stuff they all seem to be able to make, as I could use some re-training in the "good diet" dept. Hard to arrange tho! I am a lightweight, but not too bad at the moment, holding fairly steady now, keep gaining and loosing, back and forth, around the same 5 lbs!! 120/115, 117/114 back and forth it goes! I'm 5'4", been sticking pretty close to 115  for a while now though which is pretty OK. My highest a few years back was 125, lowest was about 104. I hope Harvoni does turn out to be a helpful aperitif for you!

Hope you are being well rested and sleeping OK, that's important too.

Oh ya, you mentioned memory troubles - ha! tell me bout it!! That's me! I do note ... inadequate rest, and stress, make my thinking abilities worse, worth coddling yourself, in everyway, while you are very busy in midst of doing all this double-duty hard work in killing this virus off for good! I had dif drugs than you and i noted my memory was actually worse while on treatment.

Keep letting us know how you are doing. We will all be looking forward to your good 12 week VL coming up next month!  C.

Hey Re-Buy,

Good to hear from you, sounds like you're right on track to feeling better and improving all around, good job.

Sounds like your doctors aim to make this all happen.

Wishing you the best!

Dave

Hi Clayton,

Just in case you haven't seen an actual Fibroscan score card, here's an example. 

Seven weks down, HOORAY!! This is going to be a success story before you know it. Keep drinking that water like someone is going to take it away! It's your best friend and us of course! We're your new family, you'll get used to our constant back and forth. We invite you to stay involved by helping us with advice and support. We appreciate all the conversation and friendship.

I had a good chat with my hcv nurse today. 

She pulled my file to see what my fibroscan indicated. Kpa was 20.9

I guess I wasn't as informed a few months ago as I am now. I can recall the Doc saying after he did an endoscopy that I had no banding but right close to de-compensated. At least, that is what I think he was saying. I was dealing with a lot of issues and my memory is not so good these days. I thought he was giving me good news, but I'm not so sure now. 

The good news she gave me....everyone who has been treated here with the new treatment, has "SVR" on their report card . 

7 weeks down, 17 to go 

Hey Re-Buy, 

That's excellent news, thanks for the update! Your doctor seems like she's keeping you well informed and that's nice to be part of a team like that. I had to smile when you mentioned not having felt that abdominal muscle before. I can relate, I haven't felt or seen mine for years! That's my fault and Blue Bell ice cream!  

Harvoni does affect your ability to gain weight, generally because it increases people's desire for sweets and food. That doesn't last forever! If you're trying to gain weight, Harvoni will help you do it. It's hard to find a healthy diet that consists of banana splits and DQ Blizzards though. I'll let you know if I figure out a way to do it! Just try and fit in all the healthy stuff too and lots of water!

I met with my lead oncologist yesterday. Things are looking good. My next appointment is in three months. 

I should only be concerned if I get night sweats, bleeding or pain. She pointed out which hcv blood work to pay attention to that relate to the cancer. I was a little bit concerned about my abdomen feeling hard, but it was only my abdominal muscle. I hadn't felt that muscle in years. 

I have re-gained 5 lbs and hopefully I can put on another 15 or 20. Did I read somewhere that weight gain was a Harvoni side effect ? I can only hope. 

Thanks Canuck. My next VL test comes at the 12 week mark. I did post my blood results in another thread and I have been told the improvement is very good.

Hi Re-Buy,

Welcome my friend, congrats on the lymphoma regression.

It appears that in spite of fighting several fronts you are steadfast and on your way to the final battle with the Dragon.

It's nice to have you here, make yourself at home and do keep us informed of how goes the journey.

Take Care and Be Well,

Dave

Hey Re-buy,

Welcome, from Canuck, to 'another (new) Canuck eh' !

There are a handful of us Canucks here, glad you have joined us.

Sorry for your troubles. But very glad you are well started on your 24 weeks of Harvoni.

Did you say you already had your 4 week VL results back?

We would love to know what your VL result is so far, and your ALT's, (past or current) if you have them.

Very glad to hear about the regression in the lymphoma. You have certainly not had an easy ride so far, 4 biopsies for the lymphoma in the last 7 months, and your 48 weeks of (peg/riba?) in 2005.

Your Harvoni treatment should be a breeze in comparison.  So good you will soon be rid of this C virus!

My best wishes to you for a very smooth journey - Canuck   C.

Pablito wrote:

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Well, I have my answer.  They say you learn a new thing everyday,

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 Yep. Thanks for asking... Now we both know.

Well, I have my answer.  They say you learn a new thing everyday,

Welcome Re-buy to the forum.  Yeh, I've been through the I/R gig before and it's no fun, that's for sure.  24 weeks of Harvoni almost certainly should do the trick.

But tell me this: why is this thread called "another (new) Canuck?  Is "Canuck" a slang term for Canadians?  I've not heard that before.

I agree, stitches are much less irritating than staples! They are using staples more and more often now. They aren't terribly cosmetic though! Not something you want to wake up with across your face!! They are also using a form of superglue. Truth be told, I have used it in my first aid kit for years.... It works pretty good!

Hi Clayton,

Welcome to the group, it's nice to have you with us. Sorry to hear about the various additions to the equation, but you obviously have a good grasp of it. Your doctors sound like they've got the tumor under control and we're going to count on success! Shrinking is a GOOD thing, 25 sutures, not so much!

24 weeks of Harvoni is an excellent weapon against the beast and you have every reason to be positive. Keep us in the loop and if you have any questions or advice for us, please share your thoughts. Good luck!

Thanks for sharing with us Clayton and welcome.

That is great news that the tumor shrank and that you are tolerating this treatment well. Yeah, peg riba was no fun for me and didn't work but the Harvoni killed this dragon and here's hoping it does it for you too!

Re-Buy wrote:

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It took 6 months and 4 biopsies to determine it is marginal B cell lymphoma. Lol... the last little biopsy was 25 stitches and 5 days in hospital. We were going to start radiation a few weeks ago but the last ct scan showed that it had shrunk to 6 cm. The tumor was 15x15 centimetres. I'm delaying treatment. It's all good.

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 Oh wow, that is impressive - the shrinking, not the stiches eek!

What do they attribute to the shrinking, is it the meds or just your immune system? I am curious now.....

I can imagine wanting to do these things one step at a time, wow so much to contend with, you seem to be coping very well!

I have to ask, what is your estimated time of infection?

Hi Re-buy,

Wow you are very brave to do the horror 48 week interferon, I call them the "horror days!" You must be one strong cookie!

I think after trying the old triple therapy, all these new DDA's seem very mild side effects.

I start on the 21st Solvadi/Dak, and I have no reservations about it at all, I am also impressed I don't have to go weekly for blood checks, I have one every bottle. My doctor also stated her patients are really not reporting much side affects at all, especially on my combination.

Have you had a tumour biopsy? Do you know what it is?

Happy days, let us know how it goes, and what your bloods are revealing.

I think after 48 weeks of horror, if anyone deserves to clear its you, exciting times!

I look forward to hearing you cleared this nasty virus. :D

Hi Clayton.

 You certainly have better ammunition this time around and should expect it to work wonders for you just like 24 weeks of it did for me. As RC (robertsamx) mentioned, be sure to stay adequately hydrated with 3-4 liters of water daily without fail and this should be a smooth ride for you. We have a very knowledgeable and supportive group here and we are looking forward to traveling with you on this road to defeating the HCV dragon. Others will be along to welcome you as well so make yourself at home. Being a cirrhotic myself I too am interested to know what your test results are. I'm glad the list of abbreviations came in handy. You'll have them all memorized before long if you stay around here. Good luck with your treatment and welcome to the forum!

Hi CLAYTON, welcome to the forum. Glad to see more and more folks reporting the side effects of harvoni as mild. Looks like your 1/4 the way througo treatment. Are you drinking your water?? Your 1-b status will respond well to 24 weeks harvoni.  Looks like you did the peg-riba in 2005, congratulations are in order for finishing that R/X.   That's not an easy one to do---how many months did you get under your belt on that one??   Have you had a fibroscan?  I know - too many questions!!  Sorry. Let us know how it's going and ask any questions you may have and someone will be along to answer them.  What were your 4 week results?       RC