Lucky number 3

You know what they say - the third time is a charm, but on the other hand, they also say three strikes and you're out, so I don't really know what end of the stick I will end up on this time! Thursday night I started my third attempt to treat the Hep C. I have been not-so-patiently waiting for the new medications to be approved by the FDA and in May the dream became a reality. So after much debate and a failed attempt to get into an even newer drug therapy that is still in clinical trial, I am using the Incivek triple therapy along with the Pegasys.

The last two times I went through treatment my side effects were very minimal and I really felt just fine the entire time. Unfortunately, the treatment did not work and I became known as a null responder. So, I know the odds are stacked against me, but I feel very hopeful. Three is a good number - I was born in March, I am the third daughter in my family, and of course there are the Three C's. I think it's a sign for sure.

What I did not expect this go-round, was the yucky weekend I just had. I woke up Friday just fine but by mid-afternoon I was starting to feel it and by the time I got home that evening, I was spent. Saturday started off ok, I had promised the kids we would go to a local children's museum and the mall. Plus, I was meeting an old friend that I haven't seen in way too long, so that was enough to get me motivated and out the door. Five hours, one movie, watching the kids zip line lots of times and three pairs of "toe-shoes" later, I again was totally spent. By Sunday I was much, much better and hopeful that the worst is behind me. I don't know if it was Thursday night's shot that got to me, or just the medicine getting into my system but let's just say whatever went down came out quickly.

The only other part I don't really like about this new medication is that I have to take it every 7-9 hours along with a high-fat food. I know eating ice cream in bed at 10 or 11 every night might sound not that bad to some, but believe me it has not been as fun as it sounds. Especially when the sight of food makes you gag. Not to mention the fact that I really don't want to be as big as house when this is all over. The rash that all of the other patients seem to be getting sounds lovely enough all by itself.

But hey, if I have to gain a few pounds, get a splotchy and pasty complexion, deal with a little nausea and potentially a few bald spots and end up with a virus-free, healthy liver then I'm game. Bring it on. :)