Okay, so I guess now I know why I'll never make it as a committed writer or blogger....It's been almost 2 months since I've checked in here. My how time flies when we're having fun!!!!
All things considered, not much is new. I suffered from a really nasty sinus/respiratory infection for 7 weeks in the fall, and that threw me for a loop! I'm guessing my compromised immune system had a lot to do with it, but then again, others I know had the same condition. The worst part was the inner ear involvement which then brought on severe vertigo. Never had it before, and hope I never have it again!! Innumerable dr. visits and 3 antibiotics later, I now realize how bad I reallly felt!
HCV wise, we're plugging along. I'm at week 34. Almost half way to the ideal treatment length, and 3/4 to the minimal treatment time of 48 weeks. I can't deny that I'm really tired of it!! I push myself to get through the things I have to do, and am getting better about prioritizing extra stuff. I've thrown in the towel on a lot of my independence, and let my husband drive me around to do the week-end errands.
Symptom wise, I think the hair is the worst for me to deal with. I still have some, and I admit there are lots of people out there who would be thrilled to have what I have. But my hair used to be one of my very best assets, and now it is flat, coarse, and unresponsive. I've gone to a very short "pixie" cut, that still looks awful, and I am seriously considering a wig. My doctor assures me that it will grow back when this is all done; seems like a long ways away!
Otherwise, I continue to be tired, my skin is very dry, but knock on wood, I haven't developed a true riba rash. I have restless leg syndrome, particularly on the week-ends after my injections, and get lots of aches, pains, etc. But it is tolerable. I notice that I have more "brain fog" lately, and try to be careful about what I say and where.
I appreciate the support I have from all those who are seeing me through this journey. I am realizing that it is a long road, and wish there was more recognition of it and support for it in a public way. For example, I could really benefit from some of the American Cancer Society's resources for dealing with my appearance, i.e. hair loss and make-up needs. But I hesitate to fib my way into a meeting by projecting that I have some sort of cancer. That's just bad karma as far as I am concerned. Most people just don't realize what a full plate HCV and treatment is.
Wishing you all Thanksgiving blessings. Thank you for your interest, hope, and prayers.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
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