Hi Levicah,
We're all still around. I post more on the Hep C site than I do here, because so many times I posted here and never got a response, or at least not for a long time. This site isn't very active. I suppose most people on this site just feel bad much of the time. Anyway, glad to see you. Marilyn

I am checking in everyday and hoping everyone's ok. In our area, there is a lot of flu, both respiratory and the Australian strain of stomach flu which is just plain nasty. Snowed in pretty much today unless one has 4 wheel drive. Good ol' Lake Erie.........gotta love it!

I can surely understand why it gets quiet at times. With the liver disease itself and all of the side problems that goes with it can make patients just want to sleep, be alone and try to "cope". That is the way it is with me, anyway.

I have a question that I want to run past our most knowledgeable members here. My doctor told me that, with the cirrhosis disease comes a much increased chance of getting cancer. I took that to mean pancreatic or liver cancer. Does anyone know if that means
"cancer in general" such as breast cancer, stomach cancer, skin cancer or the like? If it is a reason to watch more closely for cancers in general, has anyone here been told that they have cancer secondary to end stage liver disease?

I am due for biopsy for breast cancer on Jan. 30. I have a history (and 4 past lumpectomies) of benign fluid cysts and I don't want to have anymore surgeries if I can help it. With the low, low blood platelet problem and problem I have had with platelet transfusions, I don't know how dangerous it would be to have surgery to remove a benign cyst. No history of cancer of any kind in my family back 4-5 generations on both sides of the family.
Have been somewhat "lax" in getting mammagram this past year and since I have had total hysterectomy years ago, have been told that I don't have to have paps or cultures but every 3-5 years.

I will have to say that, when one has a major, life altering disease like cirrhosis, it has a tendency to making us sometimes hyper over our health in general. I really don't want to do that.

Thanks for whatever help you all might offer.......Hugs and prayers.........CarolLentz

Still here.

Just making an attempt at going back to school plus my neighbor fell and although she didn't break her hip, it was close, so she's using crutches and a walker and needs help with things for a while.

Will post more as things settle down.

I really enjoy this forum because it's more personal and private compared to others.

With some forums, you post a comment and 30 minutes later you're pushed way down the list and forgotten. With us being a much smaller group, that doesn't seem to happen as often. Plus with so many sites not moderated, the anonymity of the internet brings out the trolls in droves.

I've stopped reading a lot of the comments on many sites because people are so rude, racist, ignorant, etc. It's amazing how awful people can be when they think they're anonymous.

Not ignoring you Marilyn, but not having Hep C or a transplant I don't want to make comments about something I have no experience with.

As for my status, MRI pushed back until Feb. 1, followup with GI visit on the 4th. Will post any new info at that time.

I started to post yesterday everyone must be doing great or nearly dead b/c there was no one on here! Glad to see my "peeps" posting! Carol in answer to your question it is my understanding it is liver cancer that we are checked for. Every six mths I have an ultrasound or mri and my Dr, so far has always said no noduals (Sp?) that would mean cancer. So I would assume that to mean liver cancer since that is what is being scanned. Hope that helps. From now on I am going to take it that no posts means everyone is ok. Y"all have a great weekend:)

Carol, Cirrhosis sometimes can lead to liver cancer. That's what mine did, then I got the transplant. Got rid of the cirrhosis and cancer but not the Hep C. Now it's in my new liver, so here we go again.

HI Carol,

What is Australian Flu ? I am over her in Oz (and it is actually Australian Day) but I have never heard of it ? It is Summer here and today is 85 degrees here at the moment .

About the Austrailian flu. There is a relatively new strain that is moving like wildfire according to our local news and the one national news source I rely on. (Our local news reports on flu regularly in hopes that it will help folks avoid the pitfalls of catching the bug). They said it was originally found in Australia thus the name.

This flu is particularly bad because it comes on the heels of the regular flu strain that the flu shots were designed for this year. Many have gotten the regular flu in spite of the flu shots. The Austrailian flu is an intestinal flu and is wreaking havoc on already weakened systems of those who have just recovered from the other variety (which I had and was down for the count for over a month).

Our family had something recently that caused about 3 days of horrible gastrintestinal symptoms so we are figuring it was what they have been talking about. My husband and I are the only one's that are really concerned with avoiding the flu at all costs because we both have ongoing health issues (mine being Cirrhosis and his being Post-Polio Syndrome).

Hope this helps. I haven't seen any forums where the folks are talkling about the Australian flu so don't know if that is a designated name or just one of those names that happened to point to the first place it was seen.

Don't know where you are living with 85 degree summer weather. I assume you are in Australia or southern California. Sounds heavenly compared to the cold wind, blowing snow and ice we have here on Lake Erie in Ohio.........Love the area for many reasons (especially the proximity of The Cleveland Clinic for me) but hate the area several months out of the year. Hope you have time to sip on a cold drink and wish you blessings.......Hugs and prayers......CarolLentz

Oh, one more thing. Thanks for the info on the cancer issue. I hope to get this testing over with this week and hear that it is nothing more than what I have experienced in the past. I hate mammagrams and honestly have felt that they insisted on way too many "lumpectomy surgeries" for nothing in my case. I am just now that willing to climb up on a surgical table again until I know for sure that there is valid reason.

Marilyn, I pray for you everyday. I can't imagine how you must feel after having gone through this horrible disease of Cirrhosis and the transplant and then be told you are problematic again. I pray the Lord gives you strength. You are certainly a blessing here on the forum.

Also, WilburTheCat. It is just like I picture you to be. Taking care of a needy neighbor. Blessings to you my friend. Will hope to see more posts when things slow down for you.
Hugs and prayers............CarolLentz

As sweetcuppins said, my MRIs are every six months to look for nodules on my liver which would indicate liver cancer. They also note any new vein formation as blood bypasses the liver (kind of my own slowly growing mini-TIPS).

Six years and no nodules, but apparently I'm at high risk for these so they always watch.

If they do form, it depends on the size as to whether it affects your MELD score and bumps you up the transplant list.

Not positive on the measurements, but 1 1/2 cm. they start watching closer. I think 5 cm. is the limit and they want to get you a transplant. Marilyn may know the stats better than me, I'm just recalling several conversations I had with my GI and might be off on the numbers.

Part of why this disease is considered chronic. It must always be monitored, blood tests taken and medicated as best as possible.

Speaking of the flu, I had my injection in November, had a slight case of the flu (probably had already picked it up, didn't realize it takes up to two weeks for the injection to kick in), but luckily it was pretty mild.

They basically take a guess every year as to what will be most prevalent. From what I've read this years' vaccine protects you from about 60% of what's going around. Apparently they missed the Australian flu, but so far I've been okay.

It's turning out to be pretty serious.

Take care, avoid close contact with other people as much as possible, wash your hands, cough and sneeze into a Kleenex, etc. The US has already crossed over into pandemic stage, so it could be a very dangerous couple of months, especially for us.

Speaking of flu, I'm still 'bouncing back' from a nasty and protracted case of it. No doubt my weakened immune system contributed to both its severity and duration. Glad to get updates from you guys..!! I seem to have a case of the mid-winter blahs - and am ready for some warmer weather!

Glad to hear from you pugdaddy! I sure know about cabin fever. It's so wet and cold here. constant 40's rain rain rain. Our spring will be here around late may. Even june is often nasty, at least the rain is warmer.
God bless, hope you feel better very soon.

Sorry Pugdaddy but, we have a ways to go yet until warmer weather. As it is, in the frozen state of Ohio, we are freezing, below zero one day and then it warms up again to 55-60 degrees for a couple of days. It is not good for folks with arthritis or other joint/muscle problems. During late winter/early spring, when we have this cycle going on for a month or so, it is particularly miserable.

Just make yourself a pineapple/orange drink, put on some lazy music and dream that you are in Florida (or better yet, Hawaii). Won't make you any warmer but might be fun!!!!
Hugs and prayers, CarolLentz

I don't check in as often as I should, but I do appreciatte the smaller group feeling I get here. I do check the Hep C site too, but since I failed treatment twice there isn't a whole lot of usable info there for me. I'm lucky, I have stage 4 but don't have many problems yet. Was feeling really tired awile back not sleeping etc. Dr gave me some good sleeping pills and now I feel better during day. Appreciatte the support and help .

Thanks

Thanks for your prayers. I was very apprehensive about going to Cleveland Clinic today for that series of mammograms but am pleased to report that the testing (overseen by 3 doctors) shows nothing to be concerned about. The same problem that I haved so often before....benign fatty tumors. Sure is a load off of my mind.

Wishing all of you well and sending hugs and prayers......CarolLentz