Spoke too soon

I may have spoken too soon about DH feeling better.  This weekend has not been as good.  Yesterday he seemed quite ill when he awoke from his nap (he always takes that daily nap - I know he needs it).  Today he seemed quite ill before he "went down" (he's down right now).  We're waiting for the results of the blood test.  Apparently the lab screwed up, so he had to go yesterday morning to get his blood taken again.  The results of this test will be the next test for the virus (next after the 4-week test).  Hoping for those wonderful words "virus undetectable" of course.

Going into Week 9...

Is it my imagination, or is DH feeling a little better?  MB the body gets used to the meds.  That seemed to happen on the 1st round of treatment.  I'm glad he's on the short-term disability and can rest when he needs to.  Tomorrow he gets his 2nd blood test for HCV levels.  We were at the doc on Wed. and they said they wanted a full week 8 b/4 the test ( so they didn't test that day).  Hoping for another "virus undetectable."  I told them how very depressed he had been and he said some of that was just melodrama.  I told him if that was true to knock it off - told him how very, very worried he made me (and that he was bringing me down, too).  So, we'll see. 

Uncertainty

Uncertainty is a given right now.  Uncertainty about a cure, uncertainty even about what life will be like after the treatment.  Some people are so affected by the HepC treatment that they never return to work.  I don't think DH will be like that, but who knows?  The short-term disability was approved, but long-term would be another matter.  My not having a permanent job adds to the uncertainty for sure.  Like they say...one day at a time.

Week 7 coming up

Tonight DH gives himself shot #7 of Interferon.  So, week 7 of Incivek - 5 more weeks to go.   I'm pretty sure they'll test for the virus again during week 8.  Hoping for the "undetectable" again.  He continues to feel "poorly" - all side effects of the meds.  And he still gets VERY depressed.  He got depressed because Steve Jobs died and said he's going to be "just like him."  NOT TRUE!  Poor man had pancreatic cancer and DH has HCV and is GETTING CURED!!!  I'm going to ask the doctor if mb they should up the anti-depressant - but that's mostly about me because it bothers ME to come home to that every day (selfish, I guess).  The coughing continues.  Prob ask about that, too.

Happy face.

I'm working as a contractor, so I can't really decorate my office.  But last week I printed out a copy of a picture of DH from a bike ride he went on years ago when we were just dating.  I tacked the picture up beside my computer.  I asked myself why I like the picture so much.  Is it because DH looks cute in his cycling outfit?  Well, yeah...but that's not really it.  It's his smile.  He looks so happy...and healthy!  I don't see that smile very much these days, but I know it's in there.  And he's a fighter...he's fighting to get back there.

Weekly blood tests

Found out that DH has to have his blood taken weekly now.  They're watching the creatine levels and red and white blood cell counts.  This stuff is hard on the body!!!  DH not thrilled to go in and get stuck every week.  Before he started this round, he had to get a PINT of blood taken every week for several weeks to treat his hemachromatosis so that he could start the treatment.  He became exhausted and week from that.  At least he's just getting his blood tested, not "drained."  Gees!

Still depressed...

DH is still depressed even though he got the negative reading at Week 4.  I think I understand why.  He doesn't want to get his hopes too far up only to be disappointed as he was after the 1st round of treatment when he relapsed at only 2 months out.  And, besides, it's not like getting the negative reading means the ordeal is over.  Many more weeks to go and no guarantee of success.   Also, I'm sure he wonders if he'll ever be the same.  ALSO...the depression is a side effect of the meds, so no getting around it I guess...even with the anti-depressants.  The reality is that some folks become suicidal on these meds.  DH is not THAT bad...but still it's hard.