Hep C Discussion Forum

elizabeth · Senior Member

RE: I'm off treatment

news · Guru

I can't make this smile go away. This is the happiest news. I'll be grinning tomorrow, too. This is going to last a while. Tell Bri Alan says Hi, and please keep us posted on your status. Alan

JIme · Guru

Fantastic! I agree. This is some special group of humans we have here. Have a great night.

hrsetrdr · Guru

Awesome news, you GO Judy!

mallani · Guru

Judy, That's the best news! You deserve it! May it continue.XX

Shep · Guru

YES!!! Judy--that is such great news---you give all of us hope!

Sending really big hugs!!!

Judy S · Senior Member

My dear friends........thank you ALL so much for your very kind words and understanding. They touch me. We are a special bunch here, and the comapassion and love on this board is immeasurable.

Jim, your Mel does look SO much like our dear Calvin! Bri saw that and right away exclaimed, "Awwwwww, that looks like Cal!!!"

You guys...............I just got my 4-week post-tx Quantitative results back. Still UND!!!!! This gives me hope!

Much love to you all. The ones who are finished and awaiting test results, the ones who have attained SVR, the ones still struggling through tx. We're all walking the same path; much strength and love to everyone.

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

That is such excellent news Judy, really happy for you!!

Big hug from Jill xxx

ps - moved this to Post Treatment

-- Edited by Cinnamon Girl on Thursday 13th of September 2012 12:20:59 AM

LanaiSurferGirl · Senior Member

oh no! I know the heartache...I have been there and am praying for you!

jrc · Senior Member

Praying for you judy

DJ · Senior Member

I hope your tests come back good tomorrow. Glad you are feeling better.

Shep · Guru

Hi Judy--I am so sorry about losing Calvin. Pets are such a big part of so many families. Bri is precious and you are amazing. Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Sending you big, big hugs!

mallani · Guru

Hi Judy, Sorry about your loss. Your blood tests look good, and I'm so happy to hear you're on the mend. Hopefully you've had enough poison, so fingers crossed for the VL. Thinking of you.

Mary Jane · Guru

JIme wrote:
Oh Lord Judy! Those pics of Bri and Calvin......sheesh. He looks just like our Mel. Life is tough sometimes aint it? Sounds like your getting stronger by the day. God bless you both!
Here's a pic of our Mel. Show it to Bri if you want. Take care.

-- Edited by JIme on Monday 10th of September 2012 10:30:47 PM

handsome fellow..MJ

Mary Jane · Guru

Judy S wrote:
Thank you Heather and Mary Jane.
Attached here are our last 2 Christmas pictures. Bri, Calvin, and me.

awwh Judy thanks for sharing those pics, how sweet he was one loved kitty cat. If I can get bandanna's on the dogs and everyone to be still.. Giving you....your imaginary T-Shirt that you have finally " slayed the dragon" and that chapter will be closed in your life. wishing you all the best peace and love MJ

elizabeth · Senior Member

Judy, heartfelt condolences to you and Bri. Our four-legged furry family members are so precious. What you did for Calvin was a selfless act when we want so bad not to let them go. And Bri must be a very brave young lady. I've taken the same trip with 2 cats and 5 dogs, holding each and bawling as I let them go. I think it's important to be there with them -- after all they were always there for me. I hope the pain eases and only the good memories remain.

Ok, now to get that box of tissues and wash my face.

And on a happier note -- CONGRATULATIONS on your good labs! It's great to hear you're physically feeling better.

greenqueen · Guru

Hi Judy,

Great to hear you're recovering well and fingers crossed for your results So sad, but am sure that Bri being with him at the time was a comfort for them both.

Love Steff xx

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Hi Judy, it`s lovely to hear from you again, but I`m so sorry about your dear cat Calvin. I`ve had to go through the same thing myself with various cats I`ve had and it breaks your heart every time. Your photos brought tears to my eyes - Bri is a really brave girl, just like her mommy, and you must be so proud of her.

Glad your recovery is going well, do keep in touch, and all the best of luck with your results. smile

Sending hugs to you both, Jill xxx

Biggyb · Guru

Good luck Judy S..Your little girl sure looks like you, very cute..

Judy S · Senior Member

Thank you Heather and Mary Jane.

Attached here are our last 2 Christmas pictures. Bri, Calvin, and me.

Minerva · Guru

Sending heartfelt hugs out to you and your daughter Bri, Judy. Calvin was a gorgeous cat. As a cat lover (we have 4 of them) i really feel for your loss.

I have everything crossed for your results and hope that things continue to improve for you.

Big Hugs

Heather xxx

Mary Jane · Guru

Judy S wrote:
Yes, Rainbow Bridge. Bri's teacher gave her that paper when we had to euthanize our 14-year-old dog, last year. And our friends have been posting it on our Facebook walls when Cal did. It's comforting; makes me cry each time I read it. I'm glad you got to be their with your loved pets at the end, as well. Some people can't do it. I feel I must, every time. And Bri is right there, with me. Life is so darned difficult at times; so heartbreaking. But as with this tx, we must keep on keeping on.
I know you already know that 99% of Orange/Red Tabbies are males. I've heard over and over that they have the best, sweetest personalities for cats. I've experienced this with Calvin. He went on trips with us, went hiking in mountains with us, went to all of my ex-husbands softball games while sitting on my shoulder, many things in his youth. In his old age, he would still ride in the car with us to take Bri to school and go to Petsmart. He would ALWAYS come the first time we called his name, no matter if he was upstairs or downstairs. Always. And we could talk forever. You'd say something to him, he'd meow back, on and on. We have a dog stroller for him; we would walk him around the neighbor in it. He loved his car rides and he also drank from all 3 of our toilets, like a dog. Exceptional, unique cat.
You are so kind to care for your neighbor's cat; I've always done the same for a stray or needy animal. Just last month, my next-door neighbor's short sale finalized so Bri and I adopted her 10-year-old dog. Coco is now with us and very loved. I do wish all people would spay and neuter their pets. Should be the first thing to do, along with the deworming and shots. Big hugs to you!

-- Edited by Judy S on Monday 10th of September 2012 07:50:29 PM

Hey Judy you sould like me... my heart is in the right place just with 4 dawgs and 3 kats.. my house is sorta furry.. & wallet very small... Yes , now that you jogged my foggy bottom brain the fact about orange Tabby's being males, they are amazing, thanks for sharing his outstanding personality with me & all of the animal lovers on this forum..

I believe they all are waiting over the " Rainbow bridge" and I ain't changin my mind on that one..

Ditto on taking your neighbors older dog as the "older" pets don't seem to have a good adoption rate. I adopted 2 dogs, one at the time was 4 or 5 had been doggy jail or a no kill shelter for a year.. smartest dog I have ever had the pleasure of being his caretaker, anyway he's half cattle dog and half catahoula.. and then I went back the the " rescue" lady and got a terrier corgi mix sweetest dog .. I just need to win the lottery and have a farm or a zoo..

I wish you all the best and enjoy your human family & furry family.. peace and love MJ

Mary Jane · Guru

Wow... I need a tissue... (( hugs )) to you and your daughter.. I used to be a VET tech a gazillion moons ago.. How wonderful and heartbreaking to be there for our furry friends when that time comes , it takes courage and they deserve it, they give us so much in such a short time.. How ironic with his health condition. I have had this honor myself with some of my beloved furry friends..

Family bonding very important in my book.. Your daughter is so blessed to have a mommy like you and to be able to have the funds to share some amazing adventures.. you both will cherish those times forever.. I've been to Vegas once about 5 years ago and I couldn't keep my jaw closed the land of decadence to say the least but yes, great pools, shows and interesting people..

My grandmother and my daughter both had orange tabby cats they were the best.. ironically they both were named Tigger.. anyway I have 3 Katz.. and I think the neighbor is moving and dumping her cat on the neighbor hood .. I feed him and so does the lady across the street, we'll figure it out he's a sweetie just needs to be fixed..can't take that " TOM" cat spraying.. yuck..

Love and healing is your path now...all the best may all our furry friends & your Calvin, may they all be wagging, meowing, swimming, crawling, flying and running on the other side, my friends at the animal rescue call it the " Rainbow bridge"..

peace and love MJ

Mary Jane · Guru

Judy S wrote:
Hi all! Well, it's now 4 weeks post tx. The roller coaster ride continues!
7 days after stopping tx, Bri and I flew out to Vegas to stay at Mirage for 3 days. (We do this a few times each year for a week, but didn't want to try more than 3 days just now.) The day after returning, my brother flew out from TX and stayed with us for 8 days; I hadn't seen him in 17 years! We took him to airport on Sunday (Sept 2) and then 2 days later, our cat died!!! I've had Calvin for 15 years.....since 1997!! Bri and I were heartbroken; cried for one week. He was 15 and developed Pancreatitis and liver failure......we had to have him euthanized on Tues, Sept 4. It was Bri's first day of 6th grade, also my deceased mom's bday. So, after school, we took Calvin at 3:15 and we stayed with him the entire time until the end, just like we did with our 14-year-old dog last year. SO hard. It was just Bri, Calvin, and me. We were his 2 mommies. All of our Christmas cards were pics of the 3 of us. Soooooooo sad. : ( : (
Now I'm focusing more on recovery, as I have some time to myself. Did Labs last Friday. Everything looks great. Just my WBCs are still low and RBCs still just a tiny bit low. Platelets shot up to 186!
WBC 3.5
RBC 4.09
Hemoglobin 12.5
Hematocrit 38.4
MCV 93.8
MCH 30.6
MCHC 32.6
RDW 13.3
Platelets 186
Alkaline Phos 53.0
Creatinine 0.9
GFR 68
Glucose 102
AST 19
So blood cells are MUCH better and kidneys and liver functioning much better; my numbers are better than ever.
Now, just waiting on the all-important Quantitative. Should be back by Wed. Will let you know!
I feel MUCH better, just have a very painful muscle spasm that's locked my left shoulder/neck. Can't turn to the left. Started the day I stopped tx, 4 weeks ago. I get deep tissue therapy weekly but this one is tough; nobody can get it out. Other than that, working on gaining back my strength, tone, endurance, etc. Skin still quite sensitive to sun; it takes Riba 6 months to leave the body.

Hello Judy very sorry to hear about your kitty, pets are part of the family. I do believe they will be there on the other side..

Very joyful see your brother, after such a long abscence. Vegas wow now that's an interesting place. Thanks for sharing all & stay focused on the " brass" ring that be you.. all the best that you slayed the Dragon & you regain your strength... peace and love MJ

Judy S · Senior Member

Hi all! Well, it's now 4 weeks post tx. The roller coaster ride continues!

7 days after stopping tx, Bri and I flew out to Vegas to stay at Mirage for 3 days. (We do this a few times each year for a week, but didn't want to try more than 3 days just now.) The day after returning, my brother flew out from TX and stayed with us for 8 days; I hadn't seen him in 17 years! We took him to airport on Sunday (Sept 2) and then 2 days later, our cat died!!! I've had Calvin for 15 years.....since 1997!! Bri and I were heartbroken; cried for one week. He was 15 and developed Pancreatitis and liver failure......we had to have him euthanized on Tues, Sept 4. It was Bri's first day of 6th grade, also my deceased mom's bday. So, after school, we took Calvin at 3:15 and we stayed with him the entire time until the end, just like we did with our 14-year-old dog last year. SO hard. It was just Bri, Calvin, and me. We were his 2 mommies. All of our Christmas cards were pics of the 3 of us. Soooooooo sad. : ( : (

Now I'm focusing more on recovery, as I have some time to myself. Did Labs last Friday. Everything looks great. Just my WBCs are still low and RBCs still just a tiny bit low. Platelets shot up to 186!

WBC 3.5

RBC 4.09

Hemoglobin 12.5

Hematocrit 38.4

MCV 93.8

MCH 30.6

MCHC 32.6

RDW 13.3

Platelets 186

Alkaline Phos 53.0

Creatinine 0.9

GFR 68

Glucose 102

AST 19

So blood cells are MUCH better and kidneys and liver functioning much better; my numbers are better than ever.

Now, just waiting on the all-important Quantitative. Should be back by Wed. Will let you know!

I feel MUCH better, just have a very painful muscle spasm that's locked my left shoulder/neck. Can't turn to the left. Started the day I stopped tx, 4 weeks ago. I get deep tissue therapy weekly but this one is tough; nobody can get it out. Other than that, working on gaining back my strength, tone, endurance, etc. Skin still quite sensitive to sun; it takes Riba 6 months to leave the body.

JIme · Guru

Oh Lord Judy! Those pics of Bri and Calvin......sheesh. He looks just like our Mel. Life is tough sometimes aint it? Sounds like your getting stronger by the day. God bless you both!

Here's a pic of our Mel. Show it to Bri if you want. Take care.

-- Edited by JIme on Monday 10th of September 2012 10:30:47 PM

Judy S · Senior Member

Yes, Rainbow Bridge. Bri's teacher gave her that paper when we had to euthanize our 14-year-old dog, last year. And our friends have been posting it on our Facebook walls when Cal did. It's comforting; makes me cry each time I read it. I'm glad you got to be their with your loved pets at the end, as well. Some people can't do it. I feel I must, every time. And Bri is right there, with me. Life is so darned difficult at times; so heartbreaking. But as with this tx, we must keep on keeping on.

I know you already know that 99% of Orange/Red Tabbies are males. I've heard over and over that they have the best, sweetest personalities for cats. I've experienced this with Calvin. He went on trips with us, went hiking in mountains with us, went to all of my ex-husbands softball games while sitting on my shoulder, many things in his youth. In his old age, he would still ride in the car with us to take Bri to school and go to Petsmart. He would ALWAYS come the first time we called his name, no matter if he was upstairs or downstairs. Always. And we could talk forever. You'd say something to him, he'd meow back, on and on. We have a dog stroller for him; we would walk him around the neighbor in it. He loved his car rides and he also drank from all 3 of our toilets, like a dog. Exceptional, unique cat.

You are so kind to care for your neighbor's cat; I've always done the same for a stray or needy animal. Just last month, my next-door neighbor's short sale finalized so Bri and I adopted her 10-year-old dog. Coco is now with us and very loved. I do wish all people would spay and neuter their pets. Should be the first thing to do, along with the deworming and shots. Big hugs to you!

-- Edited by Judy S on Monday 10th of September 2012 07:50:29 PM

Judy S · Senior Member

Thank you Mary Jane. I also believe animals have souls and our pets wait for us on the other side. And what did my beloved, 15-year-old Calvin die from? Liver failure. Sheesh. How depressing. It's all a part of the roller coaster ride that began with my tx on March 9. God Bless little Calvin.

It was wonderful to see my brother again, and Bri LOVES her Uncle Mike. That was so, very much needed.

Back when I was married for 13 years and had some money, I'd take Bri to Disneyland 4 times each year, for a week at a time, staying there at the Hyatt hotel near Disney. We also flew to FL once for an 8-day stay to visit all of Disney World, which was great. But now that she's 10, Bri's favorite get-away is Vegas because the strip hotels all have the fabulous pools which are mini-lakes with mountains and waterfalls and bridges; they hold about 900 people each pool. Each strip hotel has several pools; it's a huge oasis and each is a resort. Great shows out there, too. We go for the pools, shows, and buffets.

I've attached 3 pics here. The first one is of Calvin saying goodbye to Bri at the Vet. We stayed with him, talking to him and petting him the entire time, through the muscle relaxer and then the shot in the vein to stop his heart. The last 2 pics are after he passed. Bri wanted to hold him one more time. It was SO hard. Calvin died all wet, from our tears on him. (15 mins between relaxer and final shot).

-- Edited by Judy S on Monday 10th of September 2012 05:51:01 PM

DJ · Senior Member

Yes please keep us posted. I think a month from now you will be feeling a lot better. Just give you body time to heal.

JoAnneh · Guru

Sorry u had to stop and hope u feel better ASAP. U have had a hard road.
Keep us posted and God bless you. Glad u r improving
JoAnne

Judy S · Senior Member

Thanks, guys. Just a quick update.....my stomach has taken a huge hit as well from all the meds. Stopped tx on Tues, it is now Saturday and I'm still nauseated, but no longer vomiting and the diarrhea has stopped, more or less. I get these waves of horrible anxiety and I'm feeling extreme sadness for anything and everything; I hope this leaves as the meds leave my body. I know it takes 6 months for the Riba to be cleared out; that's the longest one. This tx hit me very, very hard physically, but it's also really messed me up mentally and emotionally. I'm praying it did all of these things to the virus, as well, and it stays GONE. My Quantitative tests:

Wk 0 - 4.7 million

Wk 4 - 371

Wk 8 - UND

Wk 9 - <43

Wk 10 - UND

Wk 11 - <43

Wk 14 - UND

Wk 17 - UND

Wk 21 - UND

Wk 23 - UND

Next Quantitative test in 4 weeks, on Sept 14. Will keep you posted.

greenqueen · Guru

That's great to hear, Judy and good that your health is improving after all you've been through

Love Steff xx

Shep · Guru

Judy--I am keeping my fingers crossed for you! Do enjoy your weekend!

DJ · Senior Member

Judy S wrote:
Just got the Quantitative results from last Monday's labs......UND still.

That is wonderful Judy. And I hope you are feeling a lot better and enjoy the weekend with your daughter. They grow up SOOOOOOO fast. My twin girls start college on Monday, and I miss the days when they were 10 years old so much. Those years are precious!

Judy S · Senior Member

If you're traveling, they're good for keeping different meds in, to separate it all. If you have too many to fit into a smaller pill case. My little daughter's idea. She even went so far as to think about putting shampoo and body wash and stuff in them, for travel, but not sure if they're good for liquids. Not sure I want the Vic memories, lol.

Had my dr appt today and told him the news and I started crying. He said he knows for a fact that I gave it my all and he gave me a big hug. More labs in 4 weeks......will keep you guys posted on my results. I've been consistently UND for months; I posted a copy of my tx labs in a spreadsheet on here. Subject is "Do you need help with Labs?"

Just got the Quantitative results from last Monday's labs......UND still.

hrsetrdr · Guru

Ha! I saved those little Victrelis bottles too, probably until the 14th week. I never could figure out a use for them, they really didn't stack as good as you'd think, so one night I just chucked 'em all in the trash!

Sed3 · Veteran Member

Good luck! Maybe you've cleared and it will stick!!!

kiwi · Senior Member

judy i give you the thumbs up and much respect mate.... thank you.... i just say, thank you....

Judy S · Senior Member

Oh, I have so many! Do you want me to send you some?

mallani · Guru

Judy, Glad things are on the mend. I feel ripped off! I'd love some little bottles to play with, but my Vict. comes in nasty little pushout cards, 12 caps per card.

Shep · Guru

Judy--So glad you are feeling better!! And absolutely love the Great Wall of Victrelis! I recycled everyone of those nasty little bottles.

Caryn · Senior Member

I am glad to hear you are feeling better, Judy. I know it was a hard decision for you to stop, but only YOU know your body.

angelwish · Member

My thoughts and prayers with you and your daughter. Your post have been inspirational to me because my husband is having a tough go of it. He also has non-hodgkins lymphoma also.Thank you for sharing and please take care of yourself. You will find a soulution and cure for this.

Judy S · Senior Member

Lanai, Shep, Elizabeth, DJ, Kiwi, Jill, Alan, Bauhaus, Dave, Iggle, Karen, Mallani, Iris, Kristy, Tim, Jeremy, Jim, and Kelly, Thank You! I'm saving this in both my electronic Hep C folder and also my hard copy of my folder. We've all been down the same road; nobody understands the way you all do.

I'm HAPPY to report that I feel a tremendous difference; all I really have now is some fatigue, headache, body pains and lots of emotions. Still have a great sensitivity to smell; I have developed the nose of a bear, lol. I'm eating a bit and holding it all down. I can taste food again! That Victrelis nasty taste is 100% GONE and my taste buds are returning.

I built a Victrelis house out of my empty Victrelis bottles. I've attached 3 pics of it, here, just for memories. You know, each of those little bottles held 12 Victrelis pills, which is the daily dose of Vic. I was supposed to take Victrelis for a total of 44 weeks. I know Mallani and some others are in the same boat. Anyone else save their bottles? Hmmm...what to do with them? Guess I could store various sizes of nails, screws, nuts and bolts in them, or earrings or something, LOL!

LanaiSurferGirl · Senior Member

Hey Judy!!

The good thing is that you made it 23 weeks....that is amazing and much more than several people. I am hoping that all of that hard work you did will make a difference and you will achieve SVR :) Cheers to feeling better now!

aloha,

Meghan

Shep · Guru

Hey Sweet Judy--I am sorry that you had to stop but you have given it your all and it is time for a rest. There's new tx around the corner (hopefully without interferon). You really are my hero--think about you often. Hope you get some relief soon and get to get back to "normal" life. TX is one of the most difficult and trying ordeals of a lifetime. Sending you and your daughter big hugs and smiles. REST, REST, REST and then rest some more.

elizabeth · Senior Member

Judy, when I read stories like yours I am overwhelmed. I simply cannot imagine being strong enough to go through what you all endure in this fight. I'm praying that you feel better quickly and return to a normal life with your beautiful daughter. May God bless you and watch over you and Brianna.

DJ · Senior Member

news wrote:
If I had any money, I would send you and Bri to Disney World. Isn't that where people go right after they do something incredible? You guys deserve it. As Speedy Alka-Seltzer used to say "Feel Better Fast".
Alan

Yes...go to Disney World when you feel better. That little princess of yours would love it :). Although I actually like the Disney Cruise even better than the parks (yes I am a Disney Freak). But for now feel better soon. You have a lot of wonderful days ahead with Bri.

kiwi · Senior Member

wow judy, ive been away for a few days and came back to this news. so sorry mate. well im hopin you start to feel better in the coming days.

as we say in new zealand 'kia kaha' be strong. well youve done that. so time for you girl. thanks for always being a supporter for this lil kiwi down under. just been talkin to my mum who has come down to stay. they felt i was 'down' and needed some company. awww. so i was reading your posts. it makes them realize what a battle this treatment can be.

you are in my thoughts mate.

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Judy, I`m so very sorry to read this. cry I`m quite sure you`ve done the right thing, and in fact the choice was taken out of your hands in the end by your body`s refusal to accept any more battering. It`s only because you`re such a strong, brave and determined woman that you`ve managed to last through this far, most people would have given up after the reaction you had to your very first shot.

You must be feeling physically and mentally drained, so take plenty of time to rest and recuperate, it`s what you need. In fact you deserve a medal for what you`ve endured! Take good care of yourself and your beautiful little daughter, and I hope you manage to keep some food down and start feeling better very soon.

Best of luck, big hug from Jill xxx

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