So I'm gonna go on something called Pegasys...

[TZ]

Insert random flying horse joke *here*:D
What it is actually is a version of alpha-interferon..a drug used in cancer treatment, as well as for treating Hep. C.
I however, may face a fight with my insurance company since this drug has never *technically* been approved by the FDA for treating my condition...Oh and I got pretty much the best news I could hope for at Mayo....The disease is a bit more active yes..and my blood counts were very high once again..flirting with the range they consider putting me at risk for a thrombotic event (stroke, blood clot) also since my family has a bad history of coronary disease that also is something that raises my risk..My disease can add to a pre-disposition for heart disease/attacks. But the good news is there is NO sign of it progressing to a more serious disease...myelosis..where the bone marrow wears out nor any sign that I may be going into leukemia..So thats a relief. Basically, hopefully easing me onto Pegasys will reduce the likelyhood of side effects (something thats been an issue with other drugs) and will cut back on the god awful symptoms I've been having..headaches, fatigue, tingling in hands and feet.
Interesting..on my CT scan my spleen was normal..but the high end of normal..something that I suppose I will need to watch..splenic issues are something that are common with the disease.
So anyway, its pretty much good news..and I am looking forward to getting treatment that may help things without being overly unpleasant..The doc at Mayo says he thinks the meds I will be on is a stop gap that in 5-7 years there will be some much more effective drugs for this...

[Longhorn]

1. I'm so glad to hear this!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your insurance company doesn't give you any trouble but if they do, give 'em hell! Let's get that treatment started and see some results! You're long overdue! :hug:

[lost-in-nj]

2. Hi you

This sounds like good news!!!

and I hope your insurance company is flexible..

glad you made it home safe!!!!

:hug:


lost

:hi:

[ThomCat]

3. I really, really, really hope

that you never get any of those other conditions. We want to keep you around for a long, long time. :hug:

I hope the Pegasys can keep you healthy. No thrombotic events or cancer for you. Ever.

:loveya:

[lizerdbits]

4. Great to hear

You can ignore my PM from last night asking what the news was, I sent it while you were on the plane apparently.

[fight4my3sons]

5. Hooray for pretty good news!

Hope that insurance company doesn't give you a hard time. :hug:

[trotsky]

6. Excellent news.

I'm very glad to hear your trip was worthwhile, the weather seeing you out notwithstanding... ;-)

[TZ]

7. Haha

Enjoy your snow Trotsky! Its gonna be 80 here...

[trotsky]

8. I will merely note

that since you are back at home, the magic of Minnesota weather still works.
:P :P :P

[Orrex]

9. That's fantastic news--I'm very glad to hear it!

And if your medication gets out of control, there's a counter-agent called Bellerophyn that should straighten you right out.


:hi:

[KitchenWitch]

10. I am so glad to hear that it is treatable and that it is not "neoplastic"

:hug:

When my hemoglobin dipped to 7.7 (due to excessive menstruation) my platelets increased to 400x the normal range. Once I had a minor procedure and my hemoglobin was back to normal, my platelets went back to normal too.

Blood thingies are kind of scary.

[dpbrown]

11. I'm so glad that you got this positive diagnosis!

I was very pleased to have met you on your visit to Minnesota and of course I hope all goes well for you and we can welcome you back sometime!