Journal

In January of this year 2008, I had a physical which showed my liver level high.  I went back for additional tests and find out I have HCV (March).  April I found out the genotype which was  1a and a Virus count of 7.5 million which is high but the VA did not advise me of this.

Since I use the Veterans Health System this ordeal has been dragging on forever  (at least it feels that way). I found out about a reseach study done by the Shands hospital where they are testing a new drug and will up my changes from 40 to 85% to beat the dragon. I have a four out of five change to get this new drug.

 Middle of May I had an ultrasound done by the VA and my doctor only told me the results by letter and not what it mean.

May  28, I went in for a Biopsy at Shands (which the study will pay) still waiting for the results. The nurse told me that the doctor who did the biopsy said he thought I may have advance liver conditions, but the results would not be in till Monday the 2nd of June and I may not qualify for that particular program (or study), but she has another study that I may qualify to do. So here I wait for another weekend to pass to find out what is up. She is sending me the consent form soon.

One thing  Shands hospital is a great place with caring people, more then I can say about the Veretan Health System which makes you feel like livestock not a veteran who went to war and served his country.

May 30 Wow !!! My nurse called me Friday evening at 5:30 P.M. and went over my results from the biopsy . Results puts my liver at a stage 4 grade 4, Fibrosis ( which is advanced ). May still Qualify me for the first Study, but she had to talk to the doctor on Monday.

Monday June 2, Everthing is ok for me to join the first study, I'm so happy about that! The company which is putting on the research is Pharmasset and Roche has an interest in it too. Pharmasset is a small company, but the study nurse said they have alot of funds.

June 6,2008    I talked to the nurse  from the VA yesterday  I told her I was very unsatisfied with their performance  by putting me throught an unnecessary  test, no one answering the phone or calling me back,  and delays in my treatment What kind of service is that?!?!?

June 9 -1 day of study just blood test, temperature, Blood pressure and they took my weight.

short day just two hours .

June 10  Took my first shot of Pegasys and pills of  Ribavirin and Study Drug RO5024048 I hope. Blood's test every hour for four then three at four hours. also a EKG was perform.

June 11  About two hours visit to check my virals,  and of course take so more blood's test.

June 13  Day 5 same test as Day three,  I can not eat anything before my tests so they buy me breakfast. Seens like alot, but they are concerned will my health and take no changes. 

Day 28  Last one for the research drug and a 12 hour Day, they have taken some much blood I must have all new since starting this. My nurse told me I may find out next Monday what my VL is and if I got the new study drug . I'm counting on a big goose egg. She is sending a 14 hundred dollar check for my services and a total of Twenty-seven hundred in all. Not bad since they are paying for all my drugs, labs, biopsy and breakfast on labs days. 

Day 44 JULY 23rd The nurse called with my results on my VL for day 28 and they are UNDETECTABLE, also I did get the new drug, she said it improves my percent up 90%, but I still have to do my full year of treatment. Time for the Dixie undie  dance.

Day 87 Sept 2nd Follow up visit to G-ville for labs and more Drugs. All test are good and Viral Load is still undetectable go back on Octobor 7th for more labs. This is got to be the hardest thing I have ever go through, but I Will make it.

Its the middle of the December and I went to the refrigerator the other day after a few second I stop thought what do I want. " A can opener" Brain dead lately!!

Its the first on the New Year 2009  (Day 209) and I will be doing my 31th Shot tomorrow. My sides are not as bad as before but I do have  Riba's rash(20%) of my body which itching like hell and my hair has been falling out for a month or so. I still sleep alot and have a few head- aches not as bad or as many. Back to Gainesville for lab. work on Tuesday and more drugs. So far everything in my test are good as I go every five weeks.

Week 31 and 32 has been something. First I have been fighting a rash for about two weeks and it is starting to go away ,about 70% any how. they cut my dose of ribavirin in half 600 mg and this week up it back to 800, as my rash is doing better. Now they feel and I that I am depress and have me taking Lexapro 10 mg escitalopram. Even with the cut in my ribavirin they still feel my chance of beat this is excellence. Only 16 more Thanks God for that, WHATS NEXT!!!!!!

Week 45  I know I am close but still three more weeks. Still have fatique. generally don't feels good, headaches, rash (40%) and Brain farts.  This is the hardest test  God has put me though my entirer life but I will make it.

Week 48 oh what the hell its May 10th and I am finished . "A Dragon Slayer Warrior" I am SO Happy who knows how long I will be on cloud nine.

Week post three staring to feel better, less fatique and very few headaches. Maybe the rest of my life back!!

 Three months post and my Vl ican back UNDETECTABLE, and back on Cloud Nine again.  It may of been the hardest time of my life of fifty five years  but it was worth it.  They say in Gainesville at the study my odds are in the high ninety to win my battle. THANKS GOD for put these people in my life at the research study I have been BLESS.

your truely

Donald T Sawyer