Health issue, not so good news

[avalen]

Well, here it is......................................................... Gonna have lots of
doctor appts coming up, getting all the little ducks in a row and start another round
of chemo for my liver. There, I've said it!  To back up the horse a little, back
in 1978 I had a hysterectomy and was given contaminated blood (4 units) no testing
done in those days (not until 1982). I came up with hepC and did a round of treatment
4 years ago, killed the virus but it came back which it sometimes done. Not surprising
really, they pulled me off the treatment when it started attacking my thyroid. Option
is to kill the thyroid and put me on thyroid medication and then do the treatment.
Next appt is later February. Its not something I can ignore, lost one friend who refused
treatment and died 6 months later from liver cancer, and lost another friend who died
from it because she didn't take care of her liver after it kept coming back. (she did
two rounds of treatment and was VERY sick) I at least take care of myself and don't
drink, and eat healthy. I am determined to kick this.
If anyone has been through this then you know what I'm facing. Its not like cancer
chemo where I'm gonna throw up and get bald but I will be very sick. The medicine
has lots of side effects. I've been visiting my support group and reminding myself
the different side effects I had. The one I really hated was the horrible psoriasis rash
I got all over my body and then of course the thinning of the hair, and the awful fatigue!
It was a chore really to climb in my van and just go to the store for a few groceries.
Maintaining my job was all I could manage and I took every wednesday off and slept.
The treatment is a year long, last time I did 7 months when they finally pulled me off
of it. The gastro doctor was not very supportive so I have since found another one that
I feel will help me better. At least this time I know what to ask and ask for. Last time
I did this I was in a "roommate" situation so I did have a little help but this time I don't
so I'll be relying more on my daughter. I have a few friends willing to help with the dogs
as they will need a little more exercise than I will be able to give them. I'm actually
hoping to wait one more year before I start treatment but my next visit will determine
that. If I start the treatment this year, I want to start may or june cause the first few
months will go ok and I can manage my job for summer school on a 4 day normal
work week. They don't let us use sick time during the summer so by the time I start
getting sick from the medicine the normal school year will have started and I can use
sick time when I need extra rest.
Ok, now that I have that off my mind, I feel better just getting it out in the open.

[Liz]

Prayers and (((hugs))) going out to you Ava. I know what dreaded news that is and I also know you are a strong and determined woman who with God's help can and will get through it. ("I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me").

When the going gets tough and you need to escape from it all, we are here to take you away. I know when I went through chemo for cancer, I relied on this group of ladies every day to take my mind off the pain and other side effects. They'll never know how much they helped me. Meanwhile, if there's anything else I can do to help you, please ask.

[AlmostThere]

Ava, my heart goes out to you. Wow, I didn't know hep C causes cancer. To be honest, I know next to nothing about the disease. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and continue to share what's happening. You know we are all here for you and prayer is powerful. With your permission I'd like to put your name on a few prayer chains I belong to.
Love you!

[asirimarco]

Ava - so sorry the news. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you at all times. My friends husband went through that treatment. He was miserable but now is doing great. Glad you have a support group and these ladies for you to share with. Try to remember that laughter is one of the best medicines.

[NakedPupsAndMe]

My prayers and thoughts are with you Ava.

[Paulette]

Ava...(((((((hugs))))))) and ditto what Liz said! Keep the faith.

[ohlucy05]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It sounds like you are ready to fight the battle. I also hope that the school will help you - the faculty and adminstration could help you - friends will help to step in when needed. Hope that your report in February gives you better news.

[Bethers]

(((((((((((((((((((((Ava))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Thanks for sharing your news- so that we can be here to help - whenever and however we can!

I'm so sorry you have to go through this - but, yes, I know you are strong and you aren't going to let this get you down. Maybe temporarily, but for the long haul - you'll be fighting and kicking to get healthy.

I had hepatitis (many, many years ago) that almost killed me. But, fortunately, it is completely clear of my system. Please, please, if and when you need a friend, or an ear, or just to talk - we're here. Always.

[Nasoosie]

BIG hugs, Ava....and so glad you decided to share the news with us. There is definitely strength in numbers, particularly from those who have gone through similar situations.

My daughter that I gave up for adoption back in 1965, whom I have met at last about 6 years ago, and is now a member of our family, has Hep C also. At one point in her young life, she used injected drugs and shared needles. She actually didn't find out about the Hep C until after we finally met, so I am so glad I was around to help her deal with it. So far, her liver tests have been good, so she hasn't needed chemo or any drugs at this point. She managed to NOT give the disease to her daughter or her husband, for which she is very grateful. I am so glad that she now might have a chance for a liver transplant some day, should it come down to that. Biological families can be a great help.

I wish someone lived closer to you so we could cheer you up daily, and walk the dogs, but it sounds as if your daughter and a few friends close to you can help out when you need it. And we will all be here online every day, when you are up to being able to sit and read posts for a bit.

Molly sends healing licks to you, also....psoriasis is no fun!

And who knows....perhaps this time the side effects will be less debilitating than the first time. We can always hope.

Keep us posted, and get some crossword puzzles and games you can play while resting.

Candle lit here for your doctor visit, and healing strength coming your way.

[avalen]

thank you for your prayers as I gear up for this. The school district was good to me
last time, very supportive, even the students seemed to understand I wasn't in the
mood for any shenanigans on the bus. At the moment, my biggest concern is my budget.
Thats nothing new, I think "the budget" is always first and foremost on everybodies
mind. We do have insurance of course, copay runs $40 a pop, and once I start the
treatment, doctor visits will be once every two weeks, the medicine is very expensive!
Can't remember exactly from last time, but it was like in the thousand dollar range
per month, and although insurance will pay the majority, not sure what I'll get billed
for, we have different insurance this time. The medicine consists of a shot (interferon)
I do myself and 5 capsules (ribovarin) daily. The ribovarin is what destroys my skin.
The interferon has to be kept in the fridge and gets shipped to me in a cold pack.
I am grateful for you girls to let me talk about this, it really helps.

[Pooker]

Ava - I'm so sorry and will include you in my prayers. Talk any time you like. We may all be scattered around this globe of ours, but we are as close as the electronics allow. There is strength in numbers and the more prayers, the more strength.

[retiredhappy]

Ava (((((((HUGS)))))) to you. Please use all of us a part of your support group. You know you can let it all hang out with us. We will all keep you in our prayers and I firmly believe that the more people you have praying for you, the better it helps. Its so much better for you when you don't hold your worries inside. We're all here to support you any way we can.

[Shirlv]

Ava, You are getting your ducks in order. Glad to hear you have changed to a better doctor and you have a support group. I was told a positive attitude means a lot. I know you can't always be up but we will be here for the down times. Hugs and prayers coming your way.

[Barbzeee]

Ava, you know we are all here for you... You and I talked about this awhile back and I know from the times we chatted you are a strong woman...This too shall pass..and we have enough sista's that are near you.. that all you need to do is let us know.. and posting when you need to talk or for that matter Sista... we have Verizon...so it's free calling... but you know I'll also call you... I will keep you in my prayers .. Hold on to us all...

God bless..

Zeee....

[Sparkle]

Ava, I'm so sorry. What an awful thing to have to face and you are being so brave about it. Is it worse or better knowing what's coming? I can't believe you are calmly planning your timing for when you really feel bad. What a brave person you are.