Week 24. 48 To Go

   I guess it's a good sign that I don't feel the need to blog as often as I originally did!  It's been 3 weeks, and I really don't have a lot to comment on! 
   I'm not experiencing any new or changed symptoms at this point.  I am working and giving it my all, very tired when I finally do slow down or stop, and pretty wiped out on week-ends.  My hair loss seems to never slow down, but thanks to a wonderful hair-dresser, and good genes, it's not real noticeable.  I do get a bit freaked in the shower, when I wash it and end up with hair all over my face, like a spider web!  And I try to be aware of my shoulders during the day and brush off my clothes.  I keep wondering how this will end up, and if ultimately I'll end up with a wig or funky hat.  But in the long run, that's now a lot to worry about.
    Good friends of ours came to visit Friday night and brought food with them!  It is so relaxing to be able to stay home and just enjoy the company.  Again, old friendships come with many blessings!
    We went out of town for the 3rd time since treatment began on Saturday. We're used to driving a lot, and usually I can't keep my eyes open.  But I'm finding I can't really relax, and have a hard time sleeping in the car.  Not a good thing if that's the only available time to rest!  We enjoyed checking on our boat at the marina, and went on to spend the night with good friends.  It was good to get away again, but I was wiped out by Monday!
    So I just realized I am 33% of the way through this!!  That's a milestone I can sink my teeth into!  Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers and good wishes!  No news is usually good news with me!  
   

Status Quo

  Things are pretty much at a status quo right now, which is good.  I am actually stronger and feeling better than I expected to at this point, and I attribute that to starting the procrit early, and also to taking a day off work each week.
   I am still pretty tired on the week-end, after my shots, and I guess I might be crankier than I think I am. (according to my husband). 
   Saw the dr on Wednesday and things seem to be going well from his perspective.  I discussed a new sleep aid, switching to Nexium from Prevlacid, and changing my shot schedule.  I can move the time of my shots by 12 hours each week, to get them more in the middle of the week and then I'll  have some quality time on the week-ends for the summer.
    CANNOT WAIT TO GET DONE WITH SCHOOL!!  3 more days.  I've been operating a lot on adrenaline this last week, and know that I need to crash a day before my daughter and grandson get here for a nice long visit!!!  Thanks for checking in!

Lab work is in

Well, the confirmation genotype lab work came in this week.  Just as suspected, it confirms that I am a gen 1a, not a 3.   I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that I endured 6 months of grueling treatment and complications for nothing.  It even states right on the first lab results that a gen 3 is typically treated for 24 weeks, but that a gen 1a always requires 48 weeks of treatment!
    The good news is the viral load is undetected (UD) at this point, which ups my chances of totally beating this thing.  The other up side is now I am considered a first time treater again, since I was not properly treated the first time.  Statistically, that also ups my chances of reaching SVR (sustained viral reduction).
    Still pretty wiped out from fatigue, but otherwise hanging in there.  Did my second shot of procrit last night, but know that it is too early for it to really be kicking in.  I'm anxious to see my hemoglobin levels; have sort of lost track of them in the past few weeks.
    I still have 8 days of school left, so I'm plodding along with no thought of anything but getting my work finished so I can totally relax and take things at my own pace.  Thanks for checking in!!