Treatment time

Thanks Judit!

Mark.. have no been to California since I moved a former girlfriend to Moraga, jeez might be decade. Would like take a road trip in the TT that way. Hoping to semi or flat out retire (be 66) in 2020. That will free me up. I'll check a map to see just where you are. Kelseyville would be on the way. We can go fishing!

Such a trip would entail a swing through Eugene I suspect ;)

I had an abdomen ultrasound last Thursday. Doctor's assistant called to tell me today "no surprises". I take that as no tumors. I do suspect some degree of fatty liver and possible sorosis, which wouldn't be a surprise at this point. At about 45 years with the bug I'm feeling very lucky. I go in the second week of Jan and will start treatment then she said. Probably have a lot to share after the next visit.

It didn't take three days till the meds my doctor suggested were reject by my Medicaid supplemental insurance for meds. I can contest and should have a written explanation within a week.  

Not freaking out at all, not surprised given my overall experience with insurance. Eample #1 - I had some major labs done 12/18 and insurance declined paying for them. It was about $2,300. I knew something was wrong on this. 11 months later they "discovered" one digit was off on my birthday on the form.  They just don't want to pay is my feeling and surely some just pay the bill?

Insurance company messaged me saying I was accepted for Harvoni.

Got a call Monday or Tuesday from the docs "Minster of Finance" I guess you could say. 

She, like the rest said I will be cured out of the gate etc. Then she says the co-pay is $3,400. I didn't respond really as it is what it is I figure. Then she says.. "But we have a grant you might qualify for, what is your income"? I give her my SS plus job number and I'm just a tad on the wrong side but included the job will likely be lower for 2019 but I know don't yet as it's a commissions based number. It wouldn't take much lower to change the outcome. Then I suggested I check as we are so close to years end as I not keen on cheating. She says naa I want to wrap this up today so she goes with the lower number and I'm in for free. Hows that for a Christmas gift I think.

Left me thinking they have money to burn up by years end with the grant? Had I not starting drawing $2,400 a month on my late formers wife's SS I'd be below the threshold no problem. I got the impression they aren't all that concerned and let the killing begin.

Long Strange Trip continues..

Doc also ask if I knew anyone else with the bug so they are looking for people to cure. 

The drug my insurance rejected originally was EPCLUSA for the record.

Mark - How were the sides? Curious as I will working and traveling during this time.

Took the first Harvoni pill of the twelve week run today. 

A bit later it was nap time.

Dreamed I was being attacked by wolves (weird no doubt) but I slayed em all by stabbing with a blunt piece of rebar.

I always felt wolves were cool :/  Maybe I better see a psychologist too?

Well hello Earl. It's been a long time.. Glad things are smooth and beachy keen on your end.

My liver is beat up but I'm welding the sword for better or worse! 

1st check up - I went from 11.1 million virus in a drop to 90 in 25 days. Going the right direction.

Thanks :)

Well it turn out the doc was not happy about that 90 virus count after 25 days so she has ordered I go an addition 30 days (120 total). She also contacted my insurance and they will cover it. I'm a bit surprised the difference between her goal of 50 to 90 was enough to trigger a move when I had 11.1 million out of the gate. Doc said at 90 she was inclined to think my liver was still harboring lots of bugs as the only come out into the blood stream when they can't find a host cell in the liver. 

I did my second blood draw last Wed and that came back at zero. Drugs got me into the mess and it looks like they'll get me out!

Thanks for the support fellow Zoners!

Mark that's a bummer when you have the deer ticks in the hood. We have have different types up here. I once had 75 on me at once. None bit me though. Being a brush wackin fisherman I have had them on me many times. I have friend who REALLY got screwed up from a bite.

http://www.seasonsonthefly.com/blog/?page_id=89

All doc appts have been canceled so I picked up my 4th and final bottle of Harvoni yesterday at the drive-thru. Consequently no blood draw and it might well be July till we do that again. Definitely feeling better and my skin cleared up, which prompted my doc to think it's gone but I'm happy to take another bottle since insurance was wiling to pay for it and I have no sides.

It could be some time till I walk in any medical facility short of an emergency. Doc said early July would be ideal to stay on THE schedule. I'll certainly do it at some point to be sure, and for the sake of the program as successes drive continuation. I think a final conformation would be  what's needed for peace of mind. Meanwhile I might make a tombstone for the dragon.

Next phase will be heading down to the Senior Center and look for a dancing partner :D

Sure appreciate the Zoner support! 

Got my final prc results... negative.

AFP tumor marker 3.2 - Ast 21 - Alt 32 

Today I had the new Fibrasure Scan. This replaces biopsies. My take was it is an advance sensitivity ultrasound. All the lab techs were in on it getting the procedure dialed. I have an appt for a review of it Thursday. Between the bloodwork and scan they'll determine whether I need further monitoring. All other labs results were normal. 

You can call me lucky!