My name is Bob. I was diagnosed HCV, genotype 1 in
December 2000. I began pegalated interferon combination therapy
in May 2001 after a biopsy determined that I had moderate to
advanced, bridging fibrosis. Blood tests determined that my virus
count was 500,000 units of the virus per milliliter. I was tested
for the virus every three months throughout the 11 month regimen.
From the first blood test through the last, following the end of the
therapy, blood tests found the virus to be non-detectable.

I had three additional blood tests following treatment: one after six
months; another after one year and the last after two years. My
results remained non-detectable. Both liver function tests remained
normal throughout the 11 month treatment period and with each
post therapy test. Needless to say, I feel very fortunate. I feel like
I've dodged a bullet.

I followed the treatment instructions to the letter and maintained a
determined and positive mental attitude to beat it. I followed my
doctor's instructions to "drink more water that you think humanly
possible." For me this amounted to 2-3 liters per day, which I think
may have neutralized some of the negative side effects of the
chemotherapy regimen. Even though my doctor didn't think I needed
an antidepressant, I suggested he write me a script for it. I took 50
mgs. of Zoloft daily for the 11 months of treatment and then
discontinued use. I decided to do this on my own, because of the
reading I did about interferon side effects and I didn't want to have
to deal with any depression, on top of all the other possible side
effects I'd read about.

The other side effects were difficult, but were manageable; intermittent
weakness, some fever and aching, diarrhea, tiredness, loss of appetite
and reduced mental quickness. What I wanted most was to get together
and share with others going through the same treatment, but I couldn't
find a group, until the last two months of treatment.