Hep C Discussion Forum

Canuck · Guru

RE: My husband starts Epclusa today

CandaceV · Senior Member

Thanks, Canuck, I will suggest the big liver panel to his doctor, he seems to tolerate being told what to do by someone with a High School diploma and too much time on her hands and research as a hobby :)

His past liver function tests and enzymes were normal, with the exception of an ALT high of 52. Kidney function has always been normal. Luckily, the tumor was hanging off the bottom and not inside or more invasive and it was easily removed with 99% of the kidney intact. Which is also lucky considering his other kidney is atrophied.

Canuck · Guru

LFT's (liver funtion tests). The LFT "panel" usually contains more tests than just the enzymes. But as you say, it sounds like your family doc will be thorough and does not cheap out on annual testings for you, he will in all likelihood know exactly what he wants to test for, to fully check on and follow hubby's liver function.

In a perfect world, and if money was no object, then with his hx, I would want the "big" liver panel, namely and ideally all items up to and including the AFP, but may be overkill and your doc may only start with a handful, and if normal, he may not order some of the rest.

There may be some helpful redundant lab testing overlaps anyway, given his kidney hx. LD's and other tests, some of those seen here that are sometimes "added" to liver panels, may end up being ordered on another seperate panel req. anyway, just in the following of his kidney funtion and in the checking on of other things.

smile C.

CandaceV · Senior Member

What is LFT? Gastro said to have liver enzymes checked by family doc annually, which would be done anyway.

Yes, the BP spikes were caused by low potassium.

We both have ridden bikes all of our lives, we even met on bikes and our first date was on bikes :)

Canuck · Guru

NEVER underestimate an inquiring mind I say!!

I am so glad you get to the bottom of things!

Makes perfect sense, the way you have sussed it and lay it out (now that you have done all the work and figured it out).

More good sleuthing girl. Very interesting!

So, now, you are just a bit on the "too-lowish side" of BP's, since the pottasium?, where as before, you had some spiking systolics, and some "too-lowish" pulse rates, which we think the the potassium has reversed?

My partner too was a serious x-Lance type cyclist in his time (less the drugs), his resting heart rate too could be considered scary bradycardia to others!

Nice the gastro (otherwise) has demoted him to the following care of the family doc, LFT's every 6 months or once a year I guess?

If I hop on a bike this spring I will think of you and your hubby fondly, NOT Lance.

Hope you will Keep us posted form time to time. IT IS good advice, DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY! biggrin C.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Hi Canuck, thanks for the good wishes. Gastro said he only needs to see him one more time - for a colonoscopy. His liver damage is minimal, and absolutely no alcohol, no smoking, etc. Eat well, exercise. Feed the mind. Don't worry, be happy.

My heart beat issue has been solved with a potassium supplement. But that suggestion didn't come from my doctor, he wanted to put me on a beta blocker. Nope. They can only test potassium levels in the blood, not the cell. Blood test was normal. But...insulin is required in the cell to allow potassium in, and being a diabetic, I have insulin resistance. So no matter how many green leafy veggies I eat, it wouldn't help. After spending thousands of dollars at the cardiologist, a $15 bottle of potassium righted my heart beat. Sometimes I think I know more about diabetes and insulin than my doctors. Blood pressure is a little low, but I walk around 15 miles a week, so my heart is still efficient. My resting heart rate is in the 50's. Not quite Lance Armstrong tier, but really good for an old lady :) And I can get back to riding my bike since we're having a nice spring.

Take care, be well.

Canuck · Guru

Big congrats you two on another milestone. That EOT+24 week UND feels good to get behind you, doesn't it!? The continued good news (on all fronts), the good MRI feedback/follow-up, is really nice to own too.

I realize how hard the journey has been for both of you, but you did it!, and did it really well. You both completed a lot of hard work to get these good outcomes. I really admire all your gutsy, thorough stick-with-it-ness and alert advocating that you did on his behalf to assist, you two make a good team, you both had to do some heavy liting to get and to do the treatments he needed (knee, kidney, liver!). So, be very proud of what you two have accomplished for your future health.

At last tally, you got you own blood sugar thing in control - now, all we need is to keep that wayward systolic behaving, and lose that pulse competition you have going with Lance! I hope these things even out in the wash, resolve or are tolerated, without any further worry to you.

Please keep us posted on how both of you are faring going forward.

What did the doc instruct, as far as what you need to do, for the next/future "following" for the SVR?

You bring up a very good point and I feel the same as you, about how the wait for treatment turned out. In my case, being undiagnosed/untreated for 40+ years was a double-edged sword, but, had I been diagnosed/treated earlier, the ride and outcome may not have been as good. I feel extremely fortunate indeed to have been treated now, and received the stellar new drugs of our era, such as epclusa!

Good fortune comes in strange twists sometimes. Do keep in touch. Happy for both of you! C.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Thanks, Tig and Shadowfax...my husband sends his thanks and appreciation as well. I've been working on this "project" for 30 years. 25 years to get him tested, 5 years to get him treatment. In a way, it's good he waited for treatment. The new treatments are more effective and have fewer side effects.

If I can help in any way, just ask :) (HUGS)

Shadowfax · Guru

Congrats!

These are the posts that make our day!

SF

Tig · Admin

Hi Candace,

Congratulations on your combined Victory!! That's the kind of update we all enjoy reading. My best to you both. Check in and let us know how things are going, good luck!

CandaceV · Senior Member

Final test result is undetected! Doctor comment: Sustained viral responder. Also, his latest kidney MRI is clear. Gastro said Hep C in all probability caused it.

Thanks and good luck to everyone! You've been so helpful and supportive of me through this and your help here is invaluable. I'm always available through PM here if anyone has questions about Epclusa.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Congrats and good luck to you as well! Thank you...

EricChuckFar1 wrote:
Last I Posted here I hadn't started my treatment yet, and now I have just 2 weeks to go; and your husband has now achieved SVR!! Congratulations!! Good luck with everything!

CandaceV · Senior Member

Thanks, Tig and I will. Next blood test is 4/14/17.

Tig56 wrote:
Hi Candace,
Please pass my congratulations on to your husband for achieving SVR! You have both had quite a run together. It looks to me like the road ahead will be far smoother than the one recently traveled. Good luck and please let us know how things progress.

EricChuckFar1 · Veteran Member

Last I Posted here I hadn't started my treatment yet, and now I have just 2 weeks to go; and your husband has now achieved SVR!! Congratulations!! Good luck with everything!

Tig · Admin

Hi Candace,

Please pass my congratulations on to your husband for achieving SVR! You have both had quite a run together. It looks to me like the road ahead will be far smoother than the one recently traveled. Good luck and please let us know how things progress.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Hi Canuck, thank you. No more itching. He still sweats at night if he uses both quilts, his feet and hands still sweat. Kidney scan a few weeks ago is clear. And, it wasn't UTI's...it was prostatitis from drinking way too much caffeine and eating too many hot peppers and chili powder every day...he grows hot peppers...not anymore! He has mild prostate swelling, but with the dietary changes, it's improved. He went from peeing 6 times a night or not being able to pee at all, to once/night. He hasn't lost the 10 lbs., but his clothes still fit, it will probably come off when the weather warms up and we can get out on our bikes.

My blood sugars are better than normal...I don't eat sugar OR carbs, except what I get in veggies. But I've been sick all winter with a cold, then the flu, then food poisoning. I'm having heart palpitations and the top number of my blood pressure shoots up a couple times a day. Electrolytes check out, they don't know what's causing it, other than my wiring is getting old :) I haven't been sick in 7 years and I'm mad about it, because they don't know what it is and it has cost a small fortune that we don't have. My pulse is 48...the doctors in the original ER asked me if I was related to Lance Armstrong :) I guess walking 3 miles a day and bike riding has made me sort of an athlete. I do it for stress reduction, though.

I'll be back in touch in April, hopefully with good news!

Canuck wrote:
Hey Candace,
So glad to hear from you again! Wonderful the EOT+12 week UND. BIG BIG congrats to the both of you! He's got it in the bag, but actually, you had it in the bag quite early on. You've both done such a super job of killin it.
Let us know how all else has been going. No more itchy armpit episodes. Is he still sweating his normal buckets - I had hoped with the resolution of his renal problem via tumour removal and after blowing his HCV into oblivion, that if luck had it, maybe he might get a little less diaphorisis (if, in part, some of the sweating was due to these "other" things). That would have been a nice bonus.
So, no more UTI's for him? How is he making out with his new knee? How does he feel?? Did he end up hanging on to the 10 lbs. you noticed he gained during HCV tretament. How are you making out with your own blood sugars.
You two have certainly had a lot on your plate to deal with this last while.
You both deserve a long smooth spell.
Lovely news. C.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Hi Tig, all is well. Husband had his kidney scan as well, cancer is gone. Yes, SVR 12. He feels fine. Hope you are well!

Tig56 wrote:
Hi Candace,
Congratulations! What has been going on? I hope you are both feeling well and enjoying all this good news. If my math is correct, that's SVR 12. Is it not? The April test will just be a confirmation of this. After SVR 12, the chance of relapse is <1%.
Stay in touch, it's nice to hear from you

Canuck · Guru

Hey Candace,

So glad to hear from you again! Wonderful the EOT+12 week UND. BIG BIG congrats to the both of you! He's got it in the bag, but actually, you had it in the bag quite early on. You've both done such a super job of killin it.

Let us know how all else has been going. No more itchy armpit episodes. Is he still sweating his normal buckets - I had hoped with the resolution of his renal problem via tumour removal and after blowing his HCV into oblivion, that if luck had it, maybe he might get a little less diaphorisis (if, in part, some of the sweating was due to these "other" things). That would have been a nice bonus.

So, no more UTI's for him? How is he making out with his new knee? How does he feel?? Did he end up hanging on to the 10 lbs. you noticed he gained during HCV tretament. How are you making out with your own blood sugars.

You two have certainly had a lot on your plate to deal with this last while.

You both deserve a long smooth spell.

Lovely news. biggrin C.

Tig · Admin

Hi Candace,

Congratulations! What has been going on? I hope you are both feeling well and enjoying all this good news. If my math is correct, that's SVR 12. Is it not? The April test will just be a confirmation of this. After SVR 12, the chance of relapse is <1%.

Stay in touch, it's nice to hear from you smile

CandaceV · Senior Member

Blood work of 1/20/17 is still undetected! One more to go, 4/14/17!!! Sigh of relief...

CandaceV · Senior Member

There's a foundation named PAN that has anonymous donors, I think they're in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, that pays your co-pay for Epclusa and/or other Hep c drugs. They pay your co-pay if you earn less than $100K per year for 2 people. My husband's co-pay was $600 and they paid every penny of it. I really bothers us that we can't actually thank the person that donated.

I'm a problem solver. I had a boss at one time that told me I was a terrier, always chasing rats. I don't give up easily. I will pester someone until they do what I want, especially doctors. I'm notorious for being a "difficult patient" and "difficult spouse of patient". I don't care. Do your job, because I'm going to babysit you and pester you until you do it. So just do it and save yourself time and frustration. I don't know why I'm like that, but I am and I'm very effective.

But my husband is as stubborn as I am a pest, it took over 30 years to get him tested and treated. But I did it! Told you I don't give up :)

Thanks again.

Canuck · Guru

Wow! Weird. I just don't understand how your system works (or is supposed to work down there), but the good news is that they (Medi AND billing both said "it was paid" - whew! TG for that (or more accurately thank Candace for that, as you have done such a good job, keeping on top everything). How does stuff like this happen!- both the 20K "problem" they dump on you, AND then, the just mysteriously resolved "after"!?

Nor did I "git" the anonymous donor thing for the co-pay for the epclusa.

I am only very happy that it DID work out this way for you two (on both of these "costs" fronts).

It's really is too bad getting good care is so hard for people to achieve. Hear ya about the babysitting. I've routinely got a "bad name" going to bat for myself, and, advocating for others - it shouldn't be like this, to glean what little we ARE allowed to glean within broken, budgeted systems. It is a whole dif ball of wax in Canada, but our system(s) here too are fraught with screw ups, cold budget driven, no one "seeing" the person or the problems just to add to the insult. Especially frustrating are the large cracks, the lack of continuity of care and communications, never mind the limitations (and the waste!).

Man, could we ever borrow you up here, with your never say never and stick-with-it-'ism! I would want you in my corner, that's fer sure.

Glad you got the Capone thing in before she hung up - hee hee.

I am so glad you two have these UND's to savour, that there is this new leaf. Those Und's sure help take some of the sting out of all else. biggrin C.

CandaceV · Senior Member

I talked to Medicare today, they paid it, but they're investigating, that's all they would say. I find it odd that they would pay it at this point. I also called the hospital's billing dept. and told them Al Capone would be proud of them. She said it was paid and that's all the information she could confirm and hung up on me.

Phoenix17 · Senior Member

Congratulations on the UND Candance!

I can't believe your bill for the ER. It sounds a little excessive to me. Get a itemized bill from them. There may be something that's not right in there.

Canuck · Guru

Ah, lovely Candace! another delicious UND for you two. The cherry on top! Keep enjoying those sighs of relief and gratitude. More sweet cherries in store for you with every PCR from now on! Just desserts, even if it did take a while for the treats to arrive. A reward well worth waiting for. Done deal! HCV struck off the list! I think you two must be good match, and he is so lucky to have you in his corner. Do keep us posted. I am so pleased for the both of you. biggrin

Aren't we lucky to be the recipients of these new drugs! I still can't get over that! My partner keeps reminding me, gee what if you HAD been diagnosed earlier - just think about what limited drug regime choices would have been available (and not so very long ago either)! What a dif a day (a couple months, or a couple years) makes!

Hey, what did you mean about your "anonymous" donor?? smile C.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Thank YOU, Tig! Big hug! We couldn't have done it without this board and the smart people here. It's been a 30-year battle. He's lucky he has minimal damage.

If anyone else wants to know about my husband's journey with Epclusa, point them to me, I'll help any way I can. I'm so grateful there was an anonymous donor near us to donate the co-pay, wish we could thank them too. Otherwise, there's no way he could have afforded treatment. For all the bad in the world, there's a lot of good too.

Tig · Admin

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Thanks for the fabulous update. We're ALL thrilled for you!

CandaceV · Senior Member

Undetected!!!! as of 10/28...I'll update again after January's test or if I have anything else to report. Thanks to everyone for holding my hand and helping us. Love you guys and gals!

Candace & Kenny

CandaceV · Senior Member

Hi Eric, contact me here if you have any questions once you start treatment. My husband felt tired and headachy, his armpits itched a little, but nothing bad. He took it before bed, which helped him sleep through headaches. Drink more water every day than you want, a lot more. He gained about 10 lbs., but I think that's because he ate more so he wouldn't feel nauseous, which he wasn't.

Yes to the shingles link...if you've had chicken pox, then start treatment and within a few days or weeks start a painful rash with blisters, get yourself to the doctor immediately. Print the link below and take it to him, because he won't believe you. Doctors spend no time on the internet actually getting up to speed on anything. But don't get me started...

Canuck, he started having bladder symptoms on a Friday. Urologist sent him for a urine culture, which takes 3 days, fever spiked on Saturday morning, went to ER, did a dip stick urine test, negative, sent him home. Sat. evening, fever was 103.7, so back to the ER and I demanded they keep him for observation. They started him on antibiotics even though the dip stick was negative, and sent him home Sun. afternoon. Note: dip sticks are notoriously false negative for bacteria.

His actual surgery was in May, but he was still recovering, it was an awful surgery with 18 stitches. The only good news was they got it all. I asked about antibiotics at that time, but they said they don't do that anymore because of super bugs.

He got the bladder infection because he was outside a lot on the patio and it was just too hot. He didn't shower until bed. So he was sweaty all day because the big baby didn't want to move because it hurt.

EricChuckFar1 · Veteran Member

Congratulations Candace! So encouraging to see Epclusa doing its job. I, myself will be starting on it later this month.

CandaceV wrote:
I ran across this yesterday, thought it should be posted here. Shingles (herpes zoster) and DAA's:
http://hepatitiscnewdrugresearch.com/hcv-agents-reactivation-of-herpesvirus.html
My husband has 7 more doses, then blood work, we're almost there! He's doing well, he's had some weight gain, but cut back on the carbs and lost about half of what he gained.

This is interesting. Is it a known link between herpes and hep C?

Canuck · Guru

... "20K for a bladder infection!...fever was close to 104, he was recovering from kidney cancer surgery"...

OMG! Just unbelievable! Between a rock and a hard place, with no choice. Criminal, abominable, I say! Hindsight, why oh why had they just not gone ahead and put him on prophalactic antibiotic therapy before he left hospital with his kidney surg - they ALWAYS seem to give urology pts. a good-bye gift of some kind of UTI when you leave their "instrumental" institutions!! The bill is just a really bad added insult, for all you two had already been through! Man! I don't know how - but you go get 'em if you can girl! Maybe chat with urologist about this one - I don't know. hmm C.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Yes, his last dose was 10/27, blood draw 10/28, which was last Friday. He gets another blood draw January 20 and on April 14. His Fibroscan was 1-2.

The gastro said there is no reason to come back, unless the blood work shows a reason to. So I don't think there are any more scans planned, but I will ask.

Amazing doesn't even describe how grateful we are for these type of drugs!

Just a side comment about the cost of medical care...last July, my husband was in the ER twice on the same day for a high fever, they admitted him and kept him overnight - it was a bladder infection. Got the bill today...$19,294.00. Pharmacy was $4,044. I'm calling Medicare tomorrow. The only meds they gave him was an antibiotic, which he also had a few years ago, and paid $11 at the pharmacy for it. $20K for a bladder infection! Something has to be done about this.

I made him go the ER because it was on a weekend and his fever was close to 104, he was recovering from kidney cancer surgery.

Canuck · Guru

Candace,

Dem dare blood results are beauts! biggrin They are most lovely numbers to admire!!

This Alt 10 and bloods, just done, IS for week 12 EOT??, right?, isn't it?

I've lost count, and you've got no sig line to refer to, but I think Oct 27 was supposed to be EOT, wasn't it?

So, you'll soon post the VL, if and as it was drawn with this last lot of bloods - then, when will the next VL's be done? - I assume they already told you, you will get EOT+12week and EOT+24weeks VL's?

Did they say he would get any further future abd. ultrasound or fibroscan done?? He was F1? I can't rightly recall. Remind me again please if you don't mind.

Lovely numbers you posted. All going your way now!(But I do believe it was "going all your way" even with that first pill past the lips, with epclusa, shown by his first crashing Alt!) Just amazing, this stuff, and all the new DAA's eh? biggrin C.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Yes they are, Tig! Actually, I posted them here even before my husband knew, he was at work. Ha!

I'm concerned about the other test...I didn't look at the order, I hope they ordered it. I should have looked. I'm thinking because he had one at 6 weeks, they would think he doesn't need one now. I guess there is no trust, I feel like I have to babysit. If the results aren't emailed by tomorrow, I'm going to give them a call. He's always had that test on a Friday and results were in our email by Sunday night.

Hubby was elated with his ALT!

Tig · Admin

Hi Candace,

Those are beautiful numbers! You must both be thrilled with that good news. With indicators like that, you should be very positive right now. Let us know as soon as you find out smile

CandaceV · Senior Member

Liver panel is back, still waiting for the other one:

ALP 66 (normal range 39-130)

AST 20 (0-41)

ALT 10 (0-40) down from high of 58, was 28 last month

Bilirubin 0.7 (0.3-1.2)

Albumin 4.2 (3.2-5.3)

Protein 7.2 (6-8)

From September, for comparison:

ALP 58 (normal range 39-130)

AST 24 (0-41)

ALT 14 (0-40) down from high of 58, was 28 last month

Bilirubin 0.7 (0.3-1.2)

Albumin 3.9 (3.2-5.3)

Protein 7 (6-8)

Shadowfax · Guru

This sounds like good news all around. Thank you for updating us and that link.

Almost there, yes.

SF

Phoenix17 · Senior Member

Thanks for posting Candace. Will have to keep an eye on that. Glad to hear he is doing well!

CandaceV · Senior Member

I ran across this yesterday, thought it should be posted here. Shingles (herpes zoster) and DAA's:

http://hepatitiscnewdrugresearch.com/hcv-agents-reactivation-of-herpesvirus.html

My husband has 7 more doses, then blood work, we're almost there! He's doing well, he's had some weight gain, but cut back on the carbs and lost about half of what he gained.

Canuck · Guru

Hi you two,

Always nice when something improves (headaches/fatigue)!! Just great.

I agree, paying $0.00 is just right - I was afraid they were going to sting you, so that worked out really well.

You two are doing so well, keeping on top of everything.

You can always ask a doc if THEY think LFT's and bloods are in line for 10 lb. wgt gain, then they would make the decision for you. My guess is still, 10 lbs is just 10 lbs. Unless you and he can obviously see he is suddenly grossly edematous or something!, and even then, my mind would just automatically go to the simple - how much salt he is consuming. Edema would be quite obvious. Maybe it is just simply the same intake going in, or some increased intake going in, with a little less activity and calorie burning going on, that's how most folk gain a few pounds. But you would know all about calorie intake issues given your own sugar/insulin balancing.

How is he managing with walking on that new knee now? Is he back to any semblance of normal physical activities?

How is the "sweat machine" oozing - just the same? I know that people can just have hyper-hydrosis for life, but I hold out the "faint hope clause" that in the future what with his kidney issue fixed, his HCV fixed, that maybe, miraculously, the sweating might decrease a little - you never know! Maybe, (maybe) the other health issues could have (in a small way) played a part in the sweating, thus maybe it may lessen a bit? Something else to wish for.

Did he ever experience anymore itchiness or itchy armpits?

Perhaps (like some menopausal women I know!) who tussle around in bed exhaustively every night sweating out buckets of fluid, their slippery nightly water fight keeps them slim (what with the calorie burning that was going on and the extra water loss). Maybe, what with just his health changes for the good, you will see him fatten up a wee bit!

It will be so good to wait and see what benefits are gleaned from having this burden and insult to his liver and health stop.

I am so glad all is going better. smile C.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Hi Canuck,

The headaches and fatigue have been gone for quite a while, he's doing great. Yes, Medicare paid for the 6-week blood test :) They reduced it from $900 to $148 and we owe a zero balance, can't beat that.

He says he just wants to keep an eye on the weight gain for now. He has a scan scheduled next month to be sure the kidney cancer tumor isn't coming back. Thanks for your reply!

Canuck · Guru

Hi again Candace,

Glad to hear from you.

How has everything been going otherwise?

Not knowing anything else, I would venture a guess, that that 10 lbs, is just that, 10 lbs.

Always look to the most likely, most obvious first.

But you and he are thorough and if it makes you wonder or worry, then that alone is justification to ask for extra testing.

When testing comes back not showing anything, then it may relieve your wondering. Up to you guys.

BTW - did they make you pay extra for that last PCR? Or did insurance cover it. Just wondering how that turned out.

Wow, Oct 27, not long away now, to EOT. Great!

Gee, we are sure starting to get a lot of epclusians joining the ranks eh?

Do let us now what your thinking and how things have been going for you two. smile C.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Minor side effect: Weight gain. My husband has weighed between 150-155 since he was 20, he's 62 now. This morning, he weighs 166. Would it be a good idea to call the gastro and have a liver/kidney panel run? He had kidney cancer and a small tumor was removed in May.

His last dose will be Oct. 27th.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Sure, 50 is young, if you're name isn't Candy! LOL

JimmyK wrote:
CandaceV wrote:
LOL Actually, Pablo, Candance is actually how most everyone misspells it. I tell them that I can't dance, and it's spelled Candace. My family has always called me Candy, but when I turned 50, I changed it professionally to Candace, because, well, Candy was cute at 5, but not at 50. Ick, I hate my name.
I admit to being terrified that it wouldn't work on him, but this board pulled us through that, and I'm forever grateful.
Yea yea...please consider, to many of us, 50 is considered a much younger woman!

Tig · Admin

Candace,

Your messages make me smile! I'm happy that you and your husband found your way to the forum. We've got some very "cool" people here, that are always willing to help. I look forward to continued good news!

JimmyK · Guru

CandaceV wrote:
LOL Actually, Pablo, Candance is actually how most everyone misspells it. I tell them that I can't dance, and it's spelled Candace. My family has always called me Candy, but when I turned 50, I changed it professionally to Candace, because, well, Candy was cute at 5, but not at 50. Ick, I hate my name.
I admit to being terrified that it wouldn't work on him, but this board pulled us through that, and I'm forever grateful.

Yea yea...please consider, to many of us, 50 is considered a much younger woman!

smile

CandaceV · Senior Member

LOL Actually, Pablo, Candance is actually how most everyone misspells it. I tell them that I can't dance, and it's spelled Candace. My family has always called me Candy, but when I turned 50, I changed it professionally to Candace, because, well, Candy was cute at 5, but not at 50. Ick, I hate my name.

I admit to being terrified that it wouldn't work on him, but this board pulled us through that, and I'm forever grateful.

Pablito · Senior Member

Congrats to you and your husband Candace. I knew the 6 week VL would be UND. Maybe you can change your profile name to Can-dance, and you can do a little celebratory jig. Corny word-play, I know, but I couldn't resist it.

CandaceV · Senior Member

Thanks for the happiness for my husband and me.

He had the blood draw on Friday morning, sent to Cleveland Clinic a couple hours away, results late last night. Even over a weekend. So we woke up to the good news. The pharmacy called today, he'll have his last Rx shipment on Friday.

Sent an email to gastro, thanking him for his cooperation, even though it was like pulling teeth or like it was coming out of his pocket. We pay $914 a month for health care, I don't CARE what it costs! If it had gone back up, they would have saved $25K.

He's feeling good as well, takes the dose at bedtime and sleeps through the sides, but not sure if he even has them anymore. He's got more energy, he's happier. I'll be in touch at the end of the October when the next blood test is due, unless something comes up. Thanks again to all. Couldn't have done it without you. <HUGS>

If anyone shows up here with questions about Epclusa treatment, feel free to have them contact me, since he's one of the first not on a trial. I'll be more than happy to help out.

Canuck · Guru

Great UND result for your 6 week PCR. Congrats! That was no easy feat to wrangle a PCR at 6 weeks either! You should be feeling very good about that too!

I thought myself lucky to get a PCR so often (due to my trial), at 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and EOT 8 weeks (then EOT+12 and next at EOT+24), and not having to fight to get them, as they were pre-ordained "by formula" for Gilead trial purposes. I was glad for every one of my PCR's, and all my bloodwork.

Having this 6 week result under your belt should help in feeling more confident (altho I was very confident for you - I know - easy for me to say!). You two are doing such a good job with all this!! All is going just as it should.

Wow - you got results back quick! Within 3 days. Although I knew some of my PCR's results had returned within days (just like yours), and I did get some of them within a week, others were hard to obtain, and I had to wait gruelling weeks to get my hands on some of them. Nice the results come back fast to you.

Very happy for you, all 'round. smile C.

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