Author Topic: Harvoni 24 week EOT results check in. (Read 193402 times)

BattleTheBeast · « **Reply #100 on:** November 10, 2015, 04:09:51 pm »

My results are finally in SVR24!

I am cured.. I am really cured. Now I get to deal with just the treatment aftermath...

I feel so damn lucky that I finally get to say I AM CURED!!!

Mel

Bree · « **Reply #101 on:** November 10, 2015, 04:49:26 pm »

That is awesome Mel!!! Congratulations to you!
Now the focus can be living your life... the life you want to have!

I'm 6 week post and everything is looking good so far... I'm trusting for a good outcome too. Love to hear these results! Bree

Mugwump · « **Reply #102 on:** November 10, 2015, 10:17:04 pm »

More than just congratulations Mel!!! and thank you for all the hope you have extended to those of us who are in the same boat with F4.

As you so aptly put it ON WITH LIFE AFTER HCV and let us encourage the others who are going through a tough time with cirrhosis and all the complications it brings

FANTASTIC GIRL, YOU ARE THE BEE'S KNEES!!!!!!!

Lynn K · « **Reply #103 on:** November 11, 2015, 01:51:33 am »

Quote from: BattleTheBeast on November 10, 2015, 04:09:51 pm

My results are finally in SVR24!

I am cured.. I am really cured. Now I get to deal with just the treatment aftermath...

I feel so damn lucky that I finally get to say I AM CURED!!!

Mel

Yay Mel Yay wooo whooooo

So glad you can say the magic words now "I am CURED!!!!!!"

didn't we say something last year about going all Braveheart on the nearest hill top throw up our kilts and shouting at the top of our lungs:

FREEDOMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!

ok you first lol

Lynn

mario555 · « **Reply #104 on:** November 11, 2015, 07:17:36 am »

I have some uplifting news for the group! Liver health can improve dramatically after reaching SVR!
I met my liver specialist yesterday and had my blood work done in order to get the results of my 24 weeks post Harvoni treatment. During that visit I asked to get a fibroscan test. He told me that it was too early to think I might have had an improvement. I started Harvoni 1 year ago and did a 24 weeks treatment. I was SVR12 after the treatment. I believe I am still UND because of my elevated energy level. Anyway, at the beginning of my treatment, I received a fibroscan result of 28 which is well into cirrhosis. This test was repeated twice at that time (27 and 28). Yesterday, the same nurse did my test. At the end of the test, she appeared 'mixed up'. She said 'Wait a minute". She redid the test with the other device (she has a machine with 2 probes). 5 minutes later she said "you have a result of 13". She left the room and came back with the doctor because she had to tell someone! The doctor had never seen such a rapid improvement!
I don't know what to think anymore! Were the tests properly done? Was the machine in good working order? Both the beginning test 1 year ago and this test yesterday were duplicated.
I have read multiple articles talking about an improvement appearing in many post-hep patients. The article talked about a 5 years delay for the improvement. It is true that those follow up were done through the old methods and were done a minimum of times but with the fibroscan, tests can be done fast and easy. It seems improvements can happen much faster than previously believed!
Anyway, that is my uplifting news for today. If anyone has the opportunity to get a fibroscan after your cure please let us know if I am a real lucky bugger or if improvements are happening to all of us!

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #105 on:** November 11, 2015, 08:52:39 am »

WOW, Mario! It couldn't happen to a nicer guy. The same nurse and the extra-careful checking -- it sure sounds for real. I can hardly wait for beto to see your post.

Bree · « **Reply #106 on:** November 11, 2015, 10:56:14 am »

Mario, that's awesome. Beto just had a similar result on his scan and and that was at about 5 weeks post treatment! This is a great trend for post recovery. Like Gnatty, I can't wait for Beto to see this.

Lynn K · « **Reply #107 on:** November 11, 2015, 01:04:47 pm »

Wow that is great news Mario!

I guess I will see if they will do a fibroscan next April when I go in for my annual visit. What I am most looking for though is an improvement in my platelet count as that would definately indicate a reduction in portal hypertension and a structural improvement to my liver.

Anyway thanks for the hopeful news and congrats again
Lynn

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #108 on:** November 11, 2015, 02:20:53 pm »

Fantastic news Mario about such dramatic reduction in fibroscan score! Beto had a similar experience. Sounds like this is the real deal! Gives hope to all.

kim

Corey · « **Reply #109 on:** November 18, 2015, 07:09:08 pm »

Hello -

Just another SVR+12 check in. 24 weeks of Harvoni....SVR+12 results came in yesterday. Still trying to digest that magic word "UNDETECTED".

Cool, huh?!

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #110 on:** November 18, 2015, 07:41:43 pm »

YES!

Bree · « **Reply #111 on:** November 18, 2015, 07:43:40 pm »

Cool beans!!!

Lynn K · « **Reply #112 on:** November 18, 2015, 09:19:51 pm »

Congrats Corey

My favorite flavor UNDETECTED!

Welcome to the other side

Lynn

Mugwump · « **Reply #113 on:** November 20, 2015, 04:29:47 pm »

svr 24 finally!
Time to start recording happy dance(s)

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #114 on:** November 20, 2015, 04:31:57 pm »

awRIIIIIGHT!

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #115 on:** November 20, 2015, 04:38:39 pm »

C*O*N*G*R*A*T*S M*U*G*W*U*M*P !!!

Philadelphia · « **Reply #116 on:** November 20, 2015, 04:55:13 pm »

Great news Mugwump and Corey!

Mugwump · « **Reply #117 on:** November 20, 2015, 05:04:11 pm »

Thanks everyone! I spoke to my nurse and she let me off the hook and my status on her spreadsheet is now green instead of pink. LOL We discussed the post treatment possibility of how the liver might be producing antibodies for the disease that it no longer has. She said that it is a distinct possibility that many who clear the disease are actually experiencing a return to a robust immune system and that it is very possible that this also causes flu like symptoms in some individuals.

I will get another fibroscan in the new year after my liver has a chance to heal long term. It turns out there is very much interest in those who were f4 at treatment and clear the virus and how much of an improvement we experience over the long term. This is because the specialists are seeing something new with so many people at f4 clearing the disease. It is a whole new ball game and it merits close examination.

Eric

Lynn K · « **Reply #118 on:** November 20, 2015, 10:03:45 pm »

Like your jumping happy fish mugwump congrats and woo whoooooo!

Yes an interesting time for science of liver disease I was planning on asking to do a fibroscan next April when I go in to see the nurse I likely won't be seeing my doctor.

Our bodies will forever produce antibodies to hep c that is why we will always test positive on hep c antibody testing. But who knows if maybe the immune system has forgotten what it is like to be free of the virus I am sure mine probably has after 37 years of being infected.

Really as I started treatment 1 years and 2 days ago and was not detected in mid December my liver has been on vacation for almost a year now pretty cool.

Congrats again and now fish beware, Eric is coming for you with renewed health!

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #119 on:** November 21, 2015, 03:04:36 am »

Quote from: Lynn K on November 20, 2015, 10:03:45 pm

. . . Our bodies will forever produce antibodies to hep c that is why we will always test positive on hep c antibody testing. . . .

Presumably. Here's the odd thing: after TWO complete rounds of hep B vaccination (2000, 2003), my body, after testing positive for hep B antibodies, at some point went back to testing negative for hep B antibodies. (I was checked for A and B antibodies before starting Harvoni treatment -- I still tested positive for A antibodies, but not for B antibodies.) When I asked the nurse whether I should be vaccinated against hep B a third time, she asked the hepatologist, who said no, some people just can't seem to retain the ability to produce hep B antibodies.

Anybody know of anyone who reverted back to testing negative for hep C antibodies the way some of us do for hep B antibodies? I plan to ask the hepatologist, but I don't get to see him until January.

Gnatty

Lynn K · « **Reply #120 on:** November 21, 2015, 04:28:13 am »

Wow interesting I wanted to know if I needed the measles vacine as I did not have the vaccine as a child because it did not exist yet.

I did remember having the measles. So I get tested and I do have measles antibodies from my bout with the measles and did not need the vaccine.

I haven't been tested since my hep A and hep B vaccinations to make sure that I had developed antibodies against them just assumed it was a given

Found this about hep b and the meaning of testing negative for antibodies after vaccination

https://web.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/researchlab/IH/SUOHC/HBV_FAQ_5-17-2011.pdf

Herrjoel · « **Reply #121 on:** November 22, 2015, 11:23:07 am »

Hey guys, just wanted to share the doctors official "cured" email.
I still cannot believe it's true and the hypochondriac in me is imagining all kinds of trouble.
I hope it'll settle in after a while!
I do feel great post-treatment. Appetite that I've never experienced before, energy, focus and just general well-being.
I am wealthy enough that I was able to afford to pay for both Sovaldi and Harvoni in the same year and I want to pass on this miracle after I get 24 Weeks SVR.
I would love to sponsor at least 12 weeks of someone who is not fortunate enough to afford it.

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #122 on:** November 22, 2015, 11:58:31 am »

Wow, Herrjoel, it's terrific that not only are you cured, but also that you are making such an extraordinary offer! Please tell the hypochondriac in you that your generosity has given your immune system such a boost that the "bad guys" have no chance to make inroads.

Gnatty

P.S. Watch that appetite! I've gained a few pounds post-Tx, and they are proving very difficult to get rid of.

chem_chic · « **Reply #123 on:** November 22, 2015, 12:05:15 pm »

Quote from: Herrjoel on November 22, 2015, 11:23:07 am

Hey guys, just wanted to share the doctors official "cured" email.
I still cannot believe it's true and the hypochondriac in me is imagining all kinds of trouble.
I hope it'll settle in after a while!
I do feel great post-treatment. Appetite that I've never experienced before, energy, focus and just general well-being.
I am wealthy enough that I was able to afford to pay for both Sovaldi and Harvoni in the same year and I want to pass on this miracle after I get 24 Weeks SVR.
I would love to sponsor at least 12 weeks of someone who is not fortunate enough to afford it.

Congrats I am so happy for you. Are you serious about helping out with someone elses treatment? If so feel free to PM me. I

GLCII · « **Reply #124 on:** November 22, 2015, 01:38:39 pm »

Congratulations

Herrjoel, Mugwump, Corey and everyone else that's cleared the virus. Hopefully everyone else, that's on the board and treating, will be able to post SVR's.

Like Mugwump, I recieved my SVR 24 on the 20th. From here on out, I might make Nov. 20th my personal holiday.

Bree · « **Reply #125 on:** November 22, 2015, 04:20:41 pm »

Quote from: GLCII on November 22, 2015, 01:38:39 pm

Congratulations

Herrjoel, Mugwump, Corey and everyone else that's cleared the virus. Hopefully everyone else, that's on the board and treating, will be able to post SVR's.

Like Mugwump, I recieved my SVR 24 on the 20th. From here on out, I might make Nov. 20th my personal holiday.

I love that!!! Date of SVR a personal holiday. As soon as I get there, I think I'll do that too... 6 weeks post I'm still UND so odds are definitely in my favor!

chem_chic · « **Reply #126 on:** November 22, 2015, 04:58:01 pm »

Wonderful news Bree! We will be waiting for the good news!

Bree · « **Reply #127 on:** November 22, 2015, 05:22:00 pm »

Quote from: chem_chic on November 22, 2015, 04:58:01 pm

Wonderful news Bree! We will be waiting for the good news!

Why thank you, ChemChic!!!

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #128 on:** November 22, 2015, 06:08:55 pm »

Bree, of course you'll make SVRforever -- aren't you hosting the reunion luau? Whether Tommy is going to be able to get the gator entree on board an airplane is far more unsettled than whether you'll reach the next SVR milestone.

Gnatty

Lynn K · « **Reply #129 on:** November 22, 2015, 06:10:20 pm »

GLCII

Congrats on your SVR if we had a calendar with everyone's SVR date we probably could celebrate every day of the year!

With so many of us making SVR maybe every day should be a day for a celebration of life.

Best to all who have been cured so far and hoping the next time is the cure for those who so far haven't made it there yet

Bree · « **Reply #130 on:** November 22, 2015, 06:41:32 pm »

Quote from: gnatcatcher on November 22, 2015, 06:08:55 pm

Bree, of course you'll make SVRforever -- aren't you hosting the reunion luau? Whether Tommy is going to be able to get the gator entree on board an airplane is far more unsettled than whether you'll reach the next SVR milestone.

Gnatty

Hey Gnatty, if Tommy can't get the gator thing through... they are quite picky about bringing animals and vegetation over here aka invasive species (which we all have had personal experience with

we can have coconuts, mango, luau meats, halpia, and all kinds of local fare... lomi lomi salmon, etc... after we do an awesome hike and some sunning at some of the most stunning beaches on earth I happen to know about ...and oh yea, the documentary!!! ...The future is so bright I have to wear sunglasses

lporterrn · « **Reply #131 on:** November 22, 2015, 11:04:02 pm »

There is lots of wonderful news being shared on this thread. Congratulations to everyone, and most especially Mel who has been a long time Forum Member and example of compassion and fortitude.

Herrjoel, your generous offer caught my eye. It sounds like an amazing offer, but we have to be careful on the Forum, it can become uncomfortable when money is exchanged. I can see so many potential complications that can arise. May I suggest that instead of making an individual offer, you work with the Patient Advocate Foundation http://www.patientadvocate.org/ or Patient Access Network http://www.panfoundation.org/ or the Bonnie Morgan Foundation for Hep C http://www.notwithoutafight.org/. Agencies such as these have ways to make money go a lot further since they can negotiate with pharma, etc. Plus you would get a tax deduction.

As for those inclined to accept an offer such as this, please tread carefully. We can't verify these offers, and we need to be hyper-aware of scams and other deals that seem "too good to be true." Contact the links listed above if you need help getting medication.

GLCII · « **Reply #132 on:** November 23, 2015, 07:17:07 pm »

Thanks Lynn

By this time next year, this board will probably be experiencing multiple SVR posts on a daily basis. So much so that this site might need its own dedicated server to handle all the traffic and posts. Wouldn't that be cool.

Now that the doctors have the Hep C by the throat with harvoni and scientists now having a base drug on which to improve on and manipulate and new drugs coming to market, I see next year being the big year as far as cures, of all genotypes, go. I also see the relapsers being retreated and hopefully coming back and posting their final SVR's. Wouldn't that be cool?!

Eventually, the site might want to start a dedicated thread for "Retreated Relapsers" so that the people on here, that relased and others, can come back and post their good news stories. It's kind of hard Not to Think of them, when posting an SVR 4, 12 & 24.

I think most of us, who were cures by the harvoni and had a SVR, are going to remember our SVR dates for the rest of our lives. How can we not. It's deffinitly a milestone date, especially for those of us who are multiple relapsed retreaters and have been living with this for decades.

Even though every day is a day of celebration from here on out, I think I'm go to take November 20 as a day of celebration for myself. This way I have a legitimate excuse to take a day off work. I also like the fact that it's the week before Thanksgiving.

Bree

I have No Doubt, that since you made SVR6, you Will make SVR12 and 24 if you decide to do the 24 week test.

In your case and a few others, it's just a matter of waiting to get the news.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #133 on:** January 29, 2016, 02:33:19 am »

Just got my SVR24 results today!! And my book about my Hep C journey also came out today!! I feel like the Universe is carrying me along in its magnificent current right now.

I wrote my book during my 12 weeks of treatment (May-July 2015), and I posted about that here: http://forums.hepmag.com/index.php?topic=3853.msg37829#msg37829

Good health to all!
kim

Lynn K · « **Reply #134 on:** January 29, 2016, 02:39:29 am »

Hi Kim

Wow SVR 24 and a published author on the same day!

Nice pic! So there you are

Bree · « **Reply #135 on:** January 29, 2016, 02:46:02 am »

Yes Kim, you are cured and "Undetectable"! I'm so thrilled for you and your book will help many others!

Hip Hip Hooray!

slats1056 · « **Reply #136 on:** January 29, 2016, 09:00:29 am »

Yeppers to all You Heppers!

Looks like a never ending Happy Dance is in the making. Think we might have to make it a relay or schedule breaks. Great to hear Kim

Somebody dim the lights a little, it's starting to blind Me

BTW, just noticed the Avatar. One day I will have to challenge My old Tech-Challenged butt and figure it out!

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #137 on:** January 29, 2016, 01:37:16 pm »

Quote from: slats1056 on January 29, 2016, 09:00:29 am

BTW, just noticed the Avatar. One day I will have to challenge My old Tech-Challenged butt and figure it out!

No challenge required, it turns out, since Gnatty posted these great instructions about how to make any photo your avatar here, using Tinypic.com: http://forums.hepmag.com/index.php?topic=3234.0

I don't know if I would have figured it out otherwise.

Cue the sunglasses!

kim

scott · « **Reply #138 on:** January 29, 2016, 05:39:09 pm »

Hi all I was preparing an elaborate speech to scream out that I also have reached SVR 24 but then I flipped a switch and my letter body disappeared into cyberspace! So there it is SVR 24 for Scott.
My liver enzymes are still in the 50's so my doc has scheduled blood work for three months from now and I'm attaching a pic of the REQ form for those who know what it all means, and please if you do know please educate me! However it seems they won't let me insert from my own desktop, and photobucket is down at the moment so I'll get back with that.

Meantime I am very happy the virus is finally gone!

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #139 on:** January 29, 2016, 05:49:41 pm »

Congrats on reaching SVR24, Scott!

Bree · « **Reply #140 on:** January 29, 2016, 06:01:50 pm »

Yep, Scott, so happy you persevered and got rid of that nasty buggah! Congrats!

Mugwump · « **Reply #141 on:** January 29, 2016, 06:23:16 pm »

KIM SCOTT;

I don't know what to say other than another than it is great to see others get the monkey off their back! I feel like going fishn' Trouble is, cutting a hole in the ice big enough with a chain saw to get in a good fly cast where I like to fish can be a little difficult.

FANTASTIC

scott · « **Reply #142 on:** January 29, 2016, 07:36:14 pm »

I will soon be going ice diving so cut the hole to 8 feet in a triangle for me! I'm actually going on a wreck dive sunday in the st.lawrence river the water is 36*F ! I get it thoughbut the fish won't be awake enough to go after that fly, and even fish know there are no flies in winter !

Mugwump · « **Reply #143 on:** January 30, 2016, 03:22:32 pm »

Scott my enzymes were up and bilirubin was up over 21 at eot and didn't go down till after 24 weeks post tx.

TOO MUCH LOOKING IN THE MIRROR for jaundice ensued and the warts started to show up on my worry glands!

Cirrhosis is a PITA and we are all going to respond and heal differently.

Anyway when you get into the St Lawrence I hope you have good water quality. What they did in Montreal should have flushed well north by now, you would think! And the brown tea colour from all the deciduous river flushed tannis that the water north of Montreal is famous for should be reduced and you might have more than the normal 5-6 feet of vision. If you are diving north of Montreal watch out for all the used cars and snow mobiles on the bottom LOL

Keep your eyes peeled for elvers moving down, there should be some moving out of the main streams by now. If I were to fish in the Lower St Lawrence this time of year I would not try conventional methods, instead an imitation of the current food source would be more effective at the river mouths as the ice clears.

I gather you will be diving where there is less current at the opening past Montreal rapids?
Interesting area that I have always wanted to explore.

Cheers
Eric

scott · « **Reply #144 on:** January 30, 2016, 05:51:05 pm »

No worries for me Mugwump the St.Lawrence runs west to east and we go west from Montreal to dive where the shipwrecks and long abandoned locks are submerged.. I'm expecting vis about 20 to 30 ft.

Whatever was dumped in has most certainly long since flushed away. It was only 25 years ago that all city waste water was re-directed to the water treatment facilities and yet nobody used to complain back then when billions of litres a year would float downstream!, So the project comes along and says well we are going to have to dump X amount of waste into the seaway for X amount not exceeding 7 days and everyone hears about it! Also the dumping lasted three days less than originally expected with significantly less raw sewage infiltration.

Mugwump · « **Reply #145 on:** January 30, 2016, 07:50:30 pm »

Quote from: scott on January 30, 2016, 05:51:05 pm

No worries for me Mugwump the St.Lawrence runs west to east and we go west from Montreal to dive where the shipwrecks and long abandoned locks are submerged.. I'm expecting vis about 20 to 30 ft.

Whatever was dumped in has most certainly long since flushed away. It was only 25 years ago that all city waste water was re-directed to the water treatment facilities and yet nobody used to complain back then when billions of litres a year would float downstream!, So the project comes along and says well we are going to have to dump X amount of waste into the seaway for X amount not exceeding 7 days and everyone hears about it! Also the dumping lasted three days less than originally expected with significantly less raw sewage infiltration.

Cool! So I guess you will be going in off L'lle Perrot, up in the fresh water country with no tides. The area that fascinates me the most is down past Quebec City around Saint Anne de Beaupre where the aquatic life is different. I always think of Quebec City as being north by east of Montreal as the crow flies, but maybe crows in Quebec fly a little differently. AARFF
Out here in Victoria we are a little behind the times and rely too heavily upon the much vaunted "theory of dilution to take care of our effluents.

I was pulling your leg about Montreal[size=78%],[/size]

Have a great dive!
Eric

Patience · « **Reply #146 on:** February 23, 2016, 01:16:59 pm »

My 24 weeks post tests came back as undetected! Another notch on the Harvoni belt! Has anyone heard of relapses occurring after being undetected at 12 or 24 weeks post treatment?

Lynn K · « **Reply #147 on:** February 23, 2016, 01:27:38 pm »

Congrats patience
I have not

SVR12 is 99.8% likely not to relapse and most doctors are calling SVR12 cured!

SVR24 is just icing on the cake.

They say the only way to again to have a viral load is to get reinfected the odds of relapse are nil

You are FREE

Bree · « **Reply #148 on:** February 23, 2016, 01:30:52 pm »

Quote from: Patience on February 23, 2016, 01:16:59 pm

My 24 weeks post tests came back as undetected! Another notch on the Harvoni belt! Has anyone heard of relapses occurring after being undetected at 12 or 24 weeks post treatment?

Yea Patience! Congrats!

Patience · « **Reply #149 on:** February 23, 2016, 10:19:46 pm »

Thanks Lynn and Bree. My Gastro did say if I was undetected at 24weeks it would be as if I never had been infected. Kinda liked hearing that! Hope he's right.

So, having always been a huge fan of icing, Im going to eat lots of cake!

chino1969 · « **Reply #150 on:** February 26, 2016, 07:29:45 am »

Just got my 24 week post Harvoni blood work results. SVR. Great news. I'm enrolled in a 5 year U of Penn clinical study tracking fibrosis. I'll be getting a Fibroscan in June to establish baseline. Do not give up as this disease is on it's way to being eradicated.
1. 4wk - 12 wk EOT VL status = SVR
2. Treatment duration = 24 weeks Harvoni only - 2/23/15 to 8/10/15
3. tx naive or experienced
• Interferon/Ribavirin - 2003 timeframe - unsuccessful, taken off treatment due to no viral load reduction coupled with anemia, low platelet count, low WBC count
• Solvadi/Olysio combo. - spring 2014 - 12 week couse - SVR all during therapy, relapsed 12 weeks after treatment
4. Genotype (1a or 1b) = 1a
5. F1-F4 fibrosis status (date) = unknown, will be getting Fibroscan in June, enrolled in 5 year University of Penn study for fibrosis tracking.
6. Initial VL (date) = 6 million units

Mugwump · « **Reply #151 on:** February 26, 2016, 10:30:48 am »

I WON"T MESS WITH THE FONTS BUT PATIENCE AND CHINO YAHOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I am so glad that I did't do the S/O myself. I do not know if I could have handled another failure!

I should be getting the one year results early in May and hopefully the determination that my cirrhosis is under control and not a concern. I just had two ultrasound sonogram checkups in a period of two months so if there are bile duct and problems with blood flow I will be informed. No sign of ascites on the first one.

It is really encouraging that us 24 weekers are seeing cures. If there is an increased risk of damage during treatment by going the 24 week route the risk certainly seems worth it, considering that many of us were starting to knock on heavens door!

PS my intention starting this thread was so that both the 12 and 24 week treatment duration individuals can share the joy of reaching the 6 month SVR milestone.

Perhaps it might be a good idea to concatenate the treatment results for all drugs and I should have title the thread 24 week SVR check in. Perhaps a moderator can change it???

Time to study up Canarios again because my feet are shuffling in a happy dance seeing more make it out of this nightmare of a disease.

Eric ;-> <-; (-;opps I messed it up AGAIN ROLF

chino1969 · « **Reply #152 on:** February 27, 2016, 09:22:18 am »

Quote from: mario555 on November 11, 2015, 07:17:36 am

I have some uplifting news for the group! Liver health can improve dramatically after reaching SVR!
I met my liver specialist yesterday and had my blood work done in order to get the results of my 24 weeks post Harvoni treatment. During that visit I asked to get a fibroscan test. He told me that it was too early to think I might have had an improvement. I started Harvoni 1 year ago and did a 24 weeks treatment. I was SVR12 after the treatment. I believe I am still UND because of my elevated energy level. Anyway, at the beginning of my treatment, I received a fibroscan result of 28 which is well into cirrhosis. This test was repeated twice at that time (27 and 28). Yesterday, the same nurse did my test. At the end of the test, she appeared 'mixed up'. She said 'Wait a minute". She redid the test with the other device (she has a machine with 2 probes). 5 minutes later she said "you have a result of 13". She left the room and came back with the doctor because she had to tell someone! The doctor had never seen such a rapid improvement!
I don't know what to think anymore! Were the tests properly done? Was the machine in good working order? Both the beginning test 1 year ago and this test yesterday were duplicated.
I have read multiple articles talking about an improvement appearing in many post-hep patients. The article talked about a 5 years delay for the improvement. It is true that those follow up were done through the old methods and were done a minimum of times but with the fibroscan, tests can be done fast and easy. It seems improvements can happen much faster than previously believed!
Anyway, that is my uplifting news for today. If anyone has the opportunity to get a fibroscan after your cure please let us know if I am a real lucky bugger or if improvements are happening to all of us!

Mario,
I don't know the answer to your question but I am enrolled in a 5 year U of Penn study to track fibrosis with those who cleared Hep C but have some degree of cirrhosis. My base line blood work and initial Fibroscan will be performed in June. I will keep posting with info. & results.

chino1969 · « **Reply #153 on:** February 27, 2016, 05:27:52 pm »

I've been dealing with this dreaded disease since 1973. I am finally free of Hep C after a 24 week course of treatment with Harvoni. I had two prior relapses on different treatments. My 24 week post treatment HCV was undetected and I knew it would be. My hepatologist is one of the best in the U.S. and is involved in most of the clinical research studies. When I saw him in January he was optimistic that Hep C would be eradicated. He enrolled me in two clinical studies with my approval. The first is the development of a more precise and thorough one to replace the current AFP tumor marker test. The second is a 5 year clinical study involving those who cleared Hep C with some degree of fibrosis. They are currently researching drugs to repair a damaged liver from Hep C. To all of those who have Hep C, hang in there.

Bree · « **Reply #154 on:** March 20, 2016, 10:37:39 pm »

24 Week Results Check. Tested March 14, 2016 (exactly 24 weeks post treatment) Results. Cured. HCV Quant: NOT DETECTED qual: NEGATIVE
ast: 26 alt: 18

I called myself cured at 12 weeks and this is icing on the cake!!!!

So happy to be rid of this and ready to advance my life... one step at a time!

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #155 on:** March 20, 2016, 10:56:26 pm »

CONGRATS BREE !!!

Lynn K · « **Reply #156 on:** March 21, 2016, 12:37:20 am »

Congrats Bree!

I am also reporting in with my 44 week 10 months post results still not detected!

ALT 24, AST 22, AFP 10.8, platelets up to 111.

Cool

Bree · « **Reply #157 on:** March 21, 2016, 01:12:55 am »

Quote from: Lynn K on March 21, 2016, 12:37:20 am

Congrats Bree!

I am also reporting in with my 44 week 10 months post results still not detected!

ALT 24, AST 22, AFP 10.8, platelets up to 111.

Cool

That's fab Lynn... your ALT and AST are great. not sure what the AFT is about. My platelets are still low, that's the only thing out of whack as far as I know. On March 14 they are 123 ... in Dec. was 141 and in Nov. was 88, seem to fluctuate in that range. Anyway, seems like we are on the mend!

Lynn K · « **Reply #158 on:** March 21, 2016, 01:27:34 am »

AFP or Alpha-fetoprotein is used as a tumor marker to help detect and diagnose cancers of the liver along with abdominal ultrasound. As I have cirrhosis and am at increased risk of liver cancer I have this blood test along with all the usual tests.

My old test from 2013 was 26.6 with 0 to 8.3 being normal so this is the first time I have been this close to normal AFP in years same for the platelet count which had been in the 80 to 90 range.

Yep our numbers are heading in the right direction

Patience · « **Reply #159 on:** March 21, 2016, 07:38:56 am »

Fantastic news, Lynn and Bree! I used to think "normal" was boring - now it's my favorite status!

beto · « **Reply #160 on:** March 21, 2016, 12:02:39 pm »

Yeaaaaaaa! Lynn...girl I'm telling you, your liver is getting so much better. Looking forward to more good news.

Bree...my twin hepper. So happy for you. Now you have to have a party. My bloods were drawn last Friday. So per usual I am feeling the anxiety of the wait.

Gnatty...what the heck? You should be soon too...

slats1056 · « **Reply #161 on:** March 21, 2016, 01:09:07 pm »

Bree, here is to You & Your SVR24. Here in Texas, that is gravy on the biscuit!

Tell Else that I got her last PM. Sure is a long way from upper west coast. At least she gets to spend some of it with You!

Lynn, great to hear. Very deserved on Your part. Good looking numbers , too!

Beto, I'll be waiting for the results. Mine also comes up in a couple of weeks.

Gnatty, You should be right there as well , right?

Bree · « **Reply #162 on:** March 21, 2016, 02:44:10 pm »

Thanks Yall and all of us, we're coming up cured one by one.
I just know the numbers will be great for those waiting....
The support system of our group is amazing!

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #163 on:** March 21, 2016, 05:05:35 pm »

Yes, our support system practically has us-all joined at the hip(s)--picture THAT! It seems almost solipsistic to be congratulating everyone -- we're ALL going to be UND!
I took the labs last Wed. and was going to call tomorrow, since the VL takes >= 3 business days, but with you-all asking, I just called: see the updated sig. file below. What with the reference ranges for the two different labs (hepatologist and PCP), there are barely enough characters left for the results of the FibroScan I'll take in late June.

Gnatty

Bree · « **Reply #164 on:** March 21, 2016, 05:14:19 pm »

Yep, awesome stuff Gnatty!!!! I know what you mean, it's almost a foregone conclusion! We are all just so stoked to be free!

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #165 on:** March 21, 2016, 05:17:05 pm »

Awesome news on your SVR24, Gnatty! Feels great to see that in print, doesn't it?

kim

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #166 on:** March 21, 2016, 08:01:45 pm »

Thanks, Bree and Kim. Hooray to everyone, including Beto and Tommy*, who'll be celebrating very soon.

*and Scout and Philly (and anyone else I forgot and won't be able to add once the Modify button goes away on this post)

beto · « **Reply #167 on:** March 21, 2016, 08:27:10 pm »

hip hip hooray! I am so happy Gnatty. I have always considered the 24 the gold standard. I know 12 is the cure considered by many, but when I got my 12 I was more saying; "3 more months". So cool that you and Bree got the news at the same time. Yes, can't wait for Tommy and others,,,oh yes I guess me too...to lick this thing once and for all. I will know in a day or two, and yes I'm a wuss as usual...hehe. When you get your scan in June you will be F:0

slats1056 · « **Reply #168 on:** March 21, 2016, 11:09:25 pm »

Gnatty, TOP OF THE WORLD MA! Glad to see Your results, happy for You Dear!

slats1056 · « **Reply #169 on:** March 21, 2016, 11:32:47 pm »

Hey Gnatty!! Does that mean We are Hippies again, or is the ex-heppies. LOL.

Scoutdoy · « **Reply #170 on:** March 21, 2016, 11:51:49 pm »

Wow gnatcatcher, that is just fantastic. I am really happy for you! Now enjoy your freedom and let the elephant on your back go its own way. You have made it, and even made the second phase of ..doubledog 24 week...are you positive it's gone test......really....., it's gone!

Scout

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #171 on:** March 22, 2016, 05:48:02 am »

Thanks, Scout. Believe it or not, when the results email appeared in my inbox a few minutes after I phoned, my heart didn't go crazy while I was opening the attachment. Also, my bp readings have been pretty darn good lately!

Tommy, another gem from you (ex-heppies). -not sure this straight-laced, nerdy classical musician ever qualified for hippiedom, but heppiedom yep definitely.

Beto, pretty soon we'll need a thread to record everyone's kPa drops.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #172 on:** March 22, 2016, 05:57:07 am »

Well done Gnatty. How fortunate we are to have this merry band with which to share the joy. What an awesome support group - could not have asked for better!

BillT · « **Reply #173 on:** March 22, 2016, 01:24:10 pm »

Congratulations Bree,Scott,and Gnatty.I'm chomping at the bit to get my 12 weeks done.I did get a 24 weeks set up today but I'll be happy to get past the 12 right now.Congratulations again to all of you.This keeps getting better by the day.

beto · « **Reply #174 on:** March 28, 2016, 03:49:54 pm »

Add Beto to the cure list! Sweet! ALT 19 AST 18 ALP 50 HCV UNDETECTED!!!!

To all the newbies sweating bullets over results; this is your future.

To all the folks fighting for meds and to those who have had the misfortune of a relapse...you will see cure, and the remainder of us will not rest until we are all free.

Congrats to all of those who have made it all the way to 24 and beyond. let us all keep up the fight for our hepper brothers and sisters.

If I had not been able to get these meds for another few years I believe it would have been too late. The four or five years prior to Harvoni treatment I had really started to go down, but was in such denial and disassociation I had convinced myself that I was OK. I was not.

Party at Bree's!!!

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #175 on:** March 28, 2016, 05:11:31 pm »

CONGRATS BETO ON YOUR SVR24 !!

kim

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #176 on:** March 28, 2016, 06:13:53 pm »

Yeah, Beto! So very glad it wasn't too late!

Scoutdoy · « **Reply #177 on:** March 28, 2016, 08:31:09 pm »

Congrats Beto,,,, you go girl! Getting my 24 week test tomorrow...hope I can join your cure train!

Scout

Lynn K · « **Reply #178 on:** March 28, 2016, 08:56:36 pm »

Awesome news Beto congrats!!!!!!!

Good luck Scout!!!!!

slats1056 · « **Reply #179 on:** March 28, 2016, 09:55:37 pm »

Way to go Beto! I can almost see the grin on Your face as I read Your post

El Rey del Mundo,

Damn , I had to dim the contrast on My screen to finish reading it!
Still waiting on the call to go pick up My Lab orders. I found out that only the main nurse that was there when I started Tx. is left. One left, one went on maternity leave, and the one left is covered up deep. Doesn't look like the temp. is doing very good. Oh well , it's out of My control yet again!

It ain't like it's My first, second, or third rodeo

Happy to read the good news there Big Boy! Congratulations and salutations!

kimlav · « **Reply #180 on:** March 29, 2016, 09:52:55 am »

Congratulations Beto! I may be one of those sweating bullets...

I have been lurking for quite some time and I feel like I "know" so many of those that help with advice, information and lots of empathy. Thanks to all those who post their experiences - it has been an invaluable resource to me.

Take care,

Kim

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #181 on:** March 29, 2016, 04:10:06 pm »

Quote from: kimlav on March 29, 2016, 09:52:55 am

Congratulations Beto! I may be one of those sweating bullets... I have been lurking for quite some time and I feel like I "know" so many of those that help with advice, information and lots of empathy. Thanks to all those who post their experiences - it has been an invaluable resource to me.

Take care,

Kim

Welcome Kim (from one Kim to another)! And congrats on completing treatment. Good luck on your EOT results and beyond.

kim

kimlav · « **Reply #182 on:** March 30, 2016, 09:49:46 am »

Hi Kim,

Thank you for the kind welcome.

I did receive some results yesterday and I am happy but slightly disappointed. The nurse told me it was undetected but when I pushed for exact numbers, I was told it read < 12 which equals zero to them. Not so much from my research....

So now I wait for the next test in June. Sigh.

I signed one of my posts as "Kim in the Boreal" thinking of you.

Kim

Kim

Lynn K · « **Reply #183 on:** March 30, 2016, 01:26:48 pm »

On treatment testing means little we have had a few here who were weakly detected at end of treatment but still went on to acheive SVR. The only test that matters is the 12 week post test. On treatment testing really survers no propose except to reassure the patient and can cause unnessary stress when the person does not see a not detected result on treatment.

Everyone sees significant reductions in viral load to not detected on treatment the only test you want to see it 12 weeks post not detected any prior viral load test is just noise.

You will be cured believe it!

kimlav · « **Reply #184 on:** March 30, 2016, 03:43:38 pm »

Hi Lynn,

Thank you! I needed that.

I have noticed that most who had a < 12 or < 15 did go onto SVR 12 so it helps a lot to read everyone's posts.

I will post in the right place next time.

Kim

Scoutdoy · « **Reply #185 on:** March 30, 2016, 09:35:41 pm »

Just got my 24 EOT test results in,,,,undetected! AST 18 ALT 10.....

Oh what a feeling! The 12 week EOT was the big one, but this one just reassures me that I am finished!

Scout

slats1056 · « **Reply #186 on:** March 30, 2016, 10:28:11 pm »

Well there You go! You made it ! With all the bells & whistles I might add! Super news My dear. So good to hear the news. 2016 is going to be Your year

Lynn K · « **Reply #187 on:** March 30, 2016, 11:23:31 pm »

Awesome news Scout!!!

Scoutdoy · « **Reply #188 on:** March 30, 2016, 11:45:37 pm »

Thanks tommy, I got rid of the husband, got rid of the virus, and now I am thinking of getting rid of the job. I am feeling some bigger and better changes coming my way this year! If I could just kick the smoking habit

Scout

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #189 on:** March 31, 2016, 12:18:12 am »

Congrats on your SVR24 Scout!

kim

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #190 on:** March 31, 2016, 06:21:45 am »

Scout, you're going for a trifecta -- your immune system must be really pumped!

slats1056 · « **Reply #191 on:** March 31, 2016, 08:33:56 am »

Scout, Yea the smoking is a real bugger to stop. Especially with all the turmoil around. Good luck with that! I'm still having a problem with it as well!

april · « **Reply #192 on:** April 01, 2016, 01:02:02 pm »

6 months post treatment I am still undetectable, the Dr. said I am considered cured. Harvoni treatment was a breeze, hardly even knew I was taking it. Past treatments with interferon and ribaviron nearly killed me. I am so thankful for this new treatment and hope anyone with HepC has the opportunity to try it. I was on 3 different treatment plans in the last 15 years, nothing worked after months and months on the awful treatment plans of the past .

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #193 on:** April 01, 2016, 01:05:06 pm »

Wonderful news, April! It must be especially sweet after all you went through earlier.

beto · « **Reply #194 on:** April 01, 2016, 01:12:27 pm »

April is your avatar and and it is April 1. Such wonderful news! After what you went through with the PEG failures...you so deserved the 'breeze' with Harvoni. Now go out and change the world

slats1056 · « **Reply #195 on:** April 01, 2016, 02:57:06 pm »

April, Glad to see that You aced the exam without any problems. Congratulations on Your success and SVR.

beto · « **Reply #196 on:** April 01, 2016, 04:00:34 pm »

Hey Scout...did I congrat you yet? Coolio for you-lio. I'm thinkin bout chucking my damn job too. That's right girl, clean house completely. Start anew!

shawreb2015 · « **Reply #197 on:** April 02, 2016, 12:54:48 am »

It was very heartening to hear about your success with Harvoni. I started on Harvoni 8 days ago and I am still having some minor side effects: mild headaches some days, light-headedness, some chills and fevers at night, but overall it is not bad. I waited for almost a year to get approved for the Harvoni and I am hoping that it works well for me. I have COPD and Rheumatoid arthritis, so I think some of the side effects may be from that as opposed to Harvoni. I admit that I am having a hard time drinking a lot of water, but am going to stick with it. I was starting to feel tired and fatigued before the Harvoni due to Hep C being in my body for many, many years unbeknownst to me. Thank God I finally got approved. Thanks for the upbeat prognosis and I hope I have the same luck.

Lynn K · « **Reply #198 on:** April 02, 2016, 01:16:02 am »

Hi Shawreb and welcome

If it helps at all it doesn't necessarily have to be water just fluids. So juice and even ice tea all add up to fluid intake. Even though tea has caffeine the diuretic effect is off set by the volume in vs out.

Good luck to you on treatment

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #199 on:** April 02, 2016, 06:27:45 am »

Great to read your good news April

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