Proactive Waiting

Next week I'm due to have blood work to see if my blood is red enough for the challenge of treatment. I read that people's bodies produce interferon naturally; it's part of the immune system's ability to stave off virus infection. Hepatitis C virus camouflages itself so well that killer T-cells don't recognize the virus as a noxious invader. Taking ribivarin with the interferon enables the T-cells to recognize and attack the virus.

Reading blogs affects me positively when the person is still free of C after treatment. I get somber when I read that someone relapsed, or had two or three courses of treatment before it worked. Sometimes treatment doesn't work. Some of the bloggers took part in experimental trials. Today some receive interferon by intravenous drip three times a week. Others have regimens with varying mixtures of medicines.

At the orientation in September, the nurse related some history of treatment. Huge amounts of interferon were formerly given. That's not necessary, now that they know ribivarin is needed to catalyze the immune system's work. She told us the drug company charges $3600 a month for the interferon shots. We pay whatever copay is required for brand name medicines by our membership plans. The ribivarin will be generic, lower cost and lower copay.

Postponing treatment was frustrating and bewildering. I was all set for it. Friends and relations geared up to be supportive. Now I'm in limbo. Still, since I was willing to cope with dreaded side effects, I thought I should make greater efforts to improve my health and organize my home. So that's what's proactive about waiting.