One Year Ago Today, A Reflection of Life

I officially obtained my one year "post liver treatment" lab results early this morning, marking my official one year anniversary of ending treatment on Sovaldi and Ribavirin. I ended treatment on July 7th, 2014. After one year of completing the toxic regimen, the virus remains "Undetected," which means the my Hepatitis C is 100% medically, officially and without question gone for good.

It's a little overwhelming to know that I don't have to face one of my dreaded fears of liver transplant, ESLD (end stage liver disease) or cirrhosis. I always projected my life going downhill in my late 30's based on how many years I actually had Hepatitis C and the estimated pattern of how the virus was attacking my liver, which was pretty regular. But now, God has gave me a new sense of normal, I'm cured. I don't take this cure for granted, and I walk each day with a new fresh perspective, and certainly with a sense of humility for the extended years added.

I remember a deep conversation I had with my wife before we exchanged vows, and in that late night discussion, I told Alexandra some things she should be prepared for concerning my health, age and overall well being. I recall that night being tearful, sorrowful and painful. But true love conquers all barriers that life hurls at us. Thankfully, she stuck with me, and now, the cure has happened. All those dark disturbing things we talked about won't happen the way I envisioned my life to progress. Even though it was my job to inform Alexandra the consequences, she loved me regardless, despite the difficulties and trying times, that's the power of "real love."

Quotes from Joseph Burke

When I first met my wife in 2008, my mind was so fixated on the "what if's" and the "could be's" instead of what God can truly do with a little patience. That was the life lesson I was taught by the Big Man upstairs, patience and forbearance. I treated once in 2006 for 24 weeks on Ribavirin and Interferon injections, to ultimately relapse 3 weeks after treatment ended. I had very little expectation going into this new treatment on Sovaldi, but despite my fears, it worked! No more fixations and daydreaming about my life spiraling out of control as my liver fails. It's pretty overwhelming, even as I write this, as the tears of rejoicing just flow.

I recall my wife telling me often, that she was praying for my cure. She frequently reminded me in church and home that her one main prayer was for the cure to happen. Above all else, she wanted her husband around, and the moment that prayer was answered, and God showed up, was mind blowing.

I'm fortunate, lucky and persevered through the trying times that us hemophiliacs faced in the 1980's and 1990's. It wasn't easy being a bleeder with HIV and Hepatitis C in those days. The stereotypes imprinted from the negative press are still very relevant today, but it's my job through this blog and "I Strive 2 Thrive" to educate the masses, and offer hope to those who suffer with my illnesses. It's enough to have hemophilia alone, but combine HIV, chronic pain and my now my cure of Hepatitis C, I've become empowered to educate those who still have those uneducated beliefs about any of the illnesses I endure daily.

This win may be of science, and the pharmaceutical company Gilead for manufacturing Sovaldi, but the real win here is one for God. He allowed me endure just a little longer, become married, and through that I learned patience and a deeper understanding of who I am, and whose I am. I count my blessings daily, and don't take each breath for granted. This cure has empowered me to help and enrich others lives, and do it with love that only comes from God. Today marks two anniversaries in my life, my parent's 37th wedding anniversary and the one year anniversary of my cure. Funny how God does that right, almost like a wink and pat on the back as I'm reminded how truly awesome He is.

A Conversation with A Modern Day Miracle

After several years, I finally get the chance to speak at my church and before my brothers on my testimony and how God has radically changed my life. This 18 minute interview gives an in depth perspective on the life I've lived, and offers a ray of hope for those who struggle with Hemophilia, HIV or Hepatitis C today. This interview marks the 11 month post-treatment point since my Sovaldi and Ribavirin liver therapy from last year. July 7th, 2015 will be one full year since I completed liver treatment, and even though I don't know those results yet, I am confident based on my 6 month undetected status that God's got this once and for all. 
It is my prayer that those who watch this are encouraged, enlightened and filled with hope for their own paths and destinies. God has so richly blessed me to continue doing His good work through my church and community, and this interview is just one small part of that initiative. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 
Too Blessed 2 Be Stressed, Joe

A Video Testimony

Joseph is not only a survivor of the horrors during the dark days of the pharmaceutical industry, but a living miracle by medical standards. Born with severe Hemophilia Type A (less than 1% clotting factor in the bloodstream), the very product used to treat the blood disease (Anti-Hemophiliac Factor VIII) to many became a death sentence in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Plasma pools were riddled with live HIV and Hepatitis C strains from skid-row and prison locations. As a result, Joseph became co-infected (both HIV & HCV) around age 3, trailing a life of extended hospital stays, appointments and never-ending infusions sessions. Today, less than 1.8% of the 12,000 hemophiliacs in the United States are alive. Joseph is one of those fortunate warriors to carry the torch and be that voice for those who no are no longer with us. In 2014, Joseph underwent extensive liver treatment on the new drug called Sovaldi, and within four weeks of a six month therapy, his Hepatitis C virus was no more. Today, Joseph shares his life, struggles and realities of living with debilitating complications resulting from hemophilia related injuries, and maintains a healthy lifestyle with a well controlled HIV anti-viral suppression regimen. He is unique, unfiltered and a survivor; and it's for that reason God is using his life in a major way.

Today, My Life Changed Forever

It's pretty astonishing to think about it, and I'm still attempting to process the real scope of things surrounding the past year of my life.

On January 21st, 2014 I began a journey that would ultimately change my life forever, I treated my Hepatitis C with a new breakthrough drug called Sovaldi. Rapidly within 4 weeks of therapy, my virus went undetected, indicating that treatment was working and I was on my way to 20 more weeks of medication, lab work, doctor visits and a plethora of side effects. By the end of treatment on July 7th, 2014, I was still undetected and on my way to hopes of a possible cure.

My infectious disease doctor told me treating with Sovaldi and Ribavirin, I stood an astounding 94% chance of being cured even co-infected with HIV.

Having previously treated with much more toxic and brutal drugs in 2006, this new therapy was a breath of fresh air, but also had it's own mess of side effects. But in the end, the side effects weren't severe, and I powered through treatment like a iron arrow going through the heart of a dragon. Not just any dragon, the king of all dragons, Hepatitis.

The results are in today January 12th, 2015, 6 months post treatment, and officially I can say I am cured of Hepatitis C once and for all. My dragon has been slain, and my life is forever changed. I'm still sitting here processing the events of the past 24 hours of my life after getting this spectacular news. Sovaldi truly works, and the words cure and HepC can now be uttered in the same breath with confidence. Click on the graphic to see the lab work for yourself.

As I pause in this time of reflecting, evaluation and focusing on God more, I am truly humbled by the events of the past year of my life. Never again will I lie sleepless in my bed pondering my own fate. No more weeping in the pillow of my own mortality, and the fate of my beloved wife. To never fathom again the thought of liver transplant, end stage liver disease, cirrhosis or liver cancer is for the lack of better terms, new.

But, I can't forget to give credit where credit is rightfully due. If it wasn't for my persistent faith in Jesus Christ, my surrounding band of brothers and church family, my amazing wife and the endless sacrifices of my parents, none of this would be possible today. Thanks to my caregiver Dr. Katherine Smith for treating me, and lastly to Michael J. Sofia who developed this new miracle drug called Sovaldi.

My blogs will continue, as this is just the beginning of a new era for myself and I Strive 2 Thrive. I am working on a new video documentary as we speak, and I hope to share it with you hopefully by Spring of this year. Forever grateful, eternally humbled and delightfully changed, thanks to everyone who has been a part of this amazing journey with me the past year.

In His Holy and Blessed Name,
Joe Burke (I Strive 2 Thrive)

A New Dawn

The labs are in for my 3 month post treatment, and remarkably, I'm still undetected! I can't begin to tell you how enthralled I am at the power of these new wave of Hepatitis C drugs; They work!

The proof of seeing cure in black and white is surreal, almost like I'm living a dream in a fantasy world that I never want to wake up from. But of course, it's not fantasy, it's reality and I'm living the life I only dreamed of as a teenager.

Never to worry about liver transplants, end-stage liver disease and all the horrific complications that come from chronic Hepatitis C. It's as if God Himself waved His hand over my life and gave me a second chance to thrive.

My liver is also showing signs of healing, as various levels like platelets, alkaline phosphatase are resolving. My alkaline phosphatase at 6 weeks post treatment was 177, now down to 153 with a normal range of 119. ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin, HGB, HCT are all now normal range and have been since the 4th week of treatment.

With the healing of my liver and the second chance on life, it's now time to fix the damage of living with Hemophilia for over 30 years. On Thursday October 16th, I went in for X-rays of my bad right knee. What the doctors saw on the scans (shown to the right) left them speechless. They realistically didn't understand how I was able to even walk or move the knee as good as I did.

The cushion space as shown in the normal leg are unremarkable, while my target joint right knee is all deformed with barnacle like bone structures and literally bone on bone grinding. No wonder I suffer from chronic pain.

Within the next 4 months, I will be seeking a full knee replacement and rebuilding my body since my liver is now healed. My goal, by the time I'm 40 is to have all my injured joints fixed or replaced and push my body to limits never imagined before. I want to compete as an athlete in cycling and running competitions. They say 40 is the new 20, so we'll see! My orthopedic appointment is set for October 27th, 1PM, and I'll be sure to blog the post visit information here on this web site.

On October 10th, oddly enough my wedding anniversary, the FDA approved yet another Gilead Sciences behemoth that is boasting up to 94-99% cure rates for Genotype 1 Hepatitis C patients.

The future is here. Gilead have now combined Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and the newer formulated drug Ledipasvir.

Harvoni is a daily pill that includes Gilead’s NS5A inhibitor ledipasvir plus the company’s nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir. The latter drug was approved in December 2013 under the brand name Sovaldi, which quickly became a blockbuster. As some of you may or may not know, Sovaldi is the drug that cured yours truly.

The future is here, the Dragon Slayer nation rises! Makes me wonder how far away we are from an HIV cure? Months? Years? With my cured healing liver, a possible repaired physical body, all we need now is a cure for HIV, and AIDS will officially be no more.

Finally, here is a song I wrote in 2010 on my second album called "A New Dawn." Little did I know 4 years later, that title would have a lot more significance to me. Hope you enjoy the song, and if you like my music, head over to my iTunes, Amazon or Spotify pages for a listen.

Day 100, Recovery & Moving Forward

Since my two ER visits last week, I have since completed my antibiotic therapy and am recovering slowly from the sinus infection from last week. Some lingering after affects from the ordeal have left me with sore lymph glands under my chin and neck area near my throat. Even today, it hurts to swallow food and water, but I must press on and continue with the daily fight. My wife, the RN, is keeping a close watch on my tender and aching glands under my neck, as it's typical for those areas to become tender considering the trauma I've went through the past week. I'm no stranger to glands swelling up by the way. It's not uncommon for someone like myself to experience these types of occurrences after an infection has been sited. When I lived in Kentucky, during the Spring, my glands would swell so bad, they were visible from just looking at my neck and jaws. Spring time in Kentucky I do not miss at all. Florida is green all year around, and we have mild Springs in January through February. Yet another reasons why I love the sunshine state.

I can't believe today is officially day 100 of treatment. It's been such a journey just getting here, and now, next week, I'll call the pharmacy to order bottle #5 (month 5) of therapy. I had a follow up doctor's appointment with my liver doctor this past Monday the April 28th, and my CBC labs looked great. No decline in white blood cells, and my immunity is at an all time high since I've been keeping track. My liver enzymes were also at an all time low, ALT-14, AST-15. I guess with the swollen glands, I take that as a good sign, not a bad. If my immune system was compromised, I would not and could not have the bodily defenses to attack and fight back. A doctor at University of Kentucky once told me, "...swollen glands, though scary and painful, for you are not a bad sign, it's a good sign that you have immunity and that your body's defenses are doing their job." My liver doctor whose treating my HCV asked to see me next month for follow up and labs. I asked her before I left, given my unique case, what is her protocol for calling me cured post treatment? She told me given my complex medical background, a viral load would be taken at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post treatment. The true definitive gold standard in her eyes is I'm still undetected at 1 year post treatment, that would be the declaration of a cure in her eyes.

In terms of moving forward, amazingly as I literally knock on wood, haven't had any major side effects to report in the past 2 weeks while on liver treatment with Sovaldi and Ribavirin (800mg). Sure I have the afternoon waves of lethargy, moments of zoning off into Neverland, but overall, everything can easily be managed with drinking lots of water, eating right, and taking my Ibuprofen as needed. I give credit for all of this to God in Heaven. Truly He's looking over me during this whole treatment process, and I know for sure His Mighty hand is orchestrating this entire journey to mold me into something far more greater. It's time for the Slayers to awake, it's time for our dragons to die, it's time for lambs to become lions and lead the pack. We're on the cusp of this exciting new era in liver treatment, and I for one don't fail to give God all His rightful deserved glory daily!
I thought I'd never hear the words Hepatitis C and cure uttered in the same breath, but truly these are remarkable times we're living in. Stay fruitful, and strive 2 thrive in everything you do daily! #IStrive2Thrive

Day 93, Feeling Better!

Just an update on my condition. My sinuses are almost completely cleared thanks to the antibiotics, my eyes are healing up day by day. I'm feeling a lot better, no more chills, fevers, aches, cramps, shakes, headaches etc... The worst is over, now to get on with life. Thanks to everyone who over the past week has sent up prayers for both me and Alex. Words can't express our gratitude, love and humility for our fellow brothers/sisters/friends. We love each of you so much, and are thankful to have you along this journey with us of healing, restoration and replenishing. Too Blessed to be Stressed!

Here is a great video talking about the new drug I'm on to cure my Hepatitis-C, check this out. Pretty amazing I'm on this drug and on the road to a permanent cure. I love seeing editorials like these despite the enormous cost of the therapy.

Day 92, 12 Week Lab Work Just In!

Click Lab Image to view larger version.

Well, "proof is in the pudding" as they say. I went in for my 12 week HCV viral load check and sure enough, it's undetected just like at week 4! I got the results today from my routine 12 week visit to my doctor, and I must also report that my immunity is at it's highest since I've been keeping lab records. Proof that Sovaldi is working, proof that the virus is gone, my system is rebounding after years of fighting and dragon slaying, and now these bones can thrive! Everything on my labs came back amazing, AST & ALT were all normal. Officially going into week 13 of treatment, almost into week 14, it's amazing to look back at these blog posts at the road I've traveled the past 12 weeks to get here to this point. How amazing the times we're living in where the were HepC and Cure can now be uttered in the same sentence with assurance and confidence. Again, this is not my story, it's God's hand undermining this entire therapy. I'm just a vessel for His testimony and message, and I can't wait to end therapy and share with the world my story of being cured!

I Strive 2 Thrive The Video Testimony

One man's struggle to overcome obstacles and challenges he was born with, and how God delivered him from a towering giant of persecution, rejection and self doubt. Many said I couldn't get married, I couldn't work, I couldn't thrive, my life would be cut short, but Christ had other plans. #istrive2thrive

Day 60 of Sovaldi

Day 60, and it feels just like a week ago I began treatment with Sovaldi and Ribavirin. My current dosing for treatment is Sovaldi one tablet daily, 800mg of Ribavirin daily; 400mg in the morning and 400mg at night, and I take Sovaldi mid day around 4-5PM. It's not been an easy road, and side effects to this day still come and go, but no where near as severe as they initially were at the beginning of therapy. Hope you enjoy the video, and be sure to check out my Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube pages!

Day 59, 2 Months Complete

Yesterday I started Sovaldi bottle #3 which means I just finished two full months of therapy. It's mind boggling to think that in my mind, it seems as if I just began liver treatment only a few days ago, but that's how life and being busy goes. Before I know it, therapy will have ended, and I can simply move forward from this phase of my life with a breath of fresh air and new light. Still no side effects, and nothing new to report. But I'm going to take this chance to give some Praise to my Boss upstairs.

I was thinking the other day about our lives, and how we all get caught up in the rhetoric of life; the unending cycle of events, obligations, appointments and commitments. I was listening to a song from the new Casting Crowns album called Thrive, and truly we were made for so much more than just ordinary lives, we were made in God's image, an image to Thrive. This song kind of goes perfectly along with my "I Strive to Thrive" aspect of life these days, that we're meant to do so much more. Proverbs 11:28 says, "Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." This challenges me, invigorates me to do more, impact more and let God do more through my life and hands. With this liver treatment, not only with second chances be given, but a chance for my roots, tree and body to thrive in Christ. Trust me, not a day goes by that I don't reflect upon my own healing, and give account to truly where the miracle came from. Doctor's and scientists may have invented the drug, but God gave them the wisdom to change lives, and in a way the seeds were planted of knowledge, and they came along and water the ground and the drug Sovaldi came to be. Today, make it your primary focus to thank God for all He's done for you, whether it be healing, marriage or finances. Even more, Praise Him for the trials you're going through, because it's those trials that will mold you to be the child of God you were destined to be. We all have to be refined by the fire of life before we can truly begin to shine like a diamond for God and this world.

Day 54, Literally No Side Effects

I assume my body has finally adapted to liver treatment, as for the past few weeks I've had no side effects at all. Early on I reported brain fog, some difficult to describe sensations in my head and some muscle cramping/aching. But now, 2 months into treatment, I feel fine, refreshed and rejuvenated. I have my typical bouts of lethargy that hit me after lunch hour, the mid-day slum, but other than that, feeling fantastical. It's amazing how well the body adapts to medications over time. But I also know beyond any doubt, the Good Lord in Heaven is guiding me through this entire process, so I know He's probably looking out for my best interest.

The cold sore on my lip is doing much better after doing a topical ointment treatment on it. It's finally crusted over and in the healing phase now. Those things are so annoying and painful, especially in the corner of you mouth on your bottom lip. I purchased the highly recommended $20 tube of ointment from CVS called Abreva, and it's specifically for cold sore topical care. It's a lot cheaper on Amazon.com, but when you're suffering from cold sore, you need relief ASAP, so I couldn't wait for the whole shipping process. The stuff actually works, it's cut in half what a normal cold episode would take to heal. So, I highly recommend this product if you're like me and get the occasional cold sore on the lip.

 Just an FYI to my online friends who follow me on these blogs and this journey together, I've starting a Facebook page, Google+ and Twitter account for "I Strive 2 Thrive." God's really been speaking to me lately, and this will be the title of my autobiographical journals and memoirs when I'm done with my book. Please take a moment to Like and Follow me on both networks to help spread the word about my therapy, testimony and blogs.

       

Day 51, Cold Sore

I was in Cape Coral and noticed a tingle on my lip. This particular spot on my lip has been prone over the past few years to be a target spot for cold sores. I had chicken pox when I was kindergarten and then around age 22 came down with a round of shingles around my abdomen. Weird to have it so young? Not when you have a compromised immune system on top of treating a liver damaging virus. The initial bump, which appeared to be nothing more than acne, healed and went away. But today, that tingle was back, and this time with 4 more bumps around the old one. I knew right away it was my old friend, the cold sore coming back. Now, I'm not sure if this has anything to do with my liver therapy, a coincidence or just my luck of the draw, but at any rate, I have to treat it. So I got some topical ointment from CVS, which was $20 a tube, and started treating it tonight. What's interesting, I haven't had this cold sore thing in over 4 years. It's been a long time because my body and immunity have doing very well. But all of a sudden, oddly, in correlation with liver treatment, this cold sore aka (herpes labialis), is now throbbing on my bottom lip. No I don't have herpes, HAHA! That's just the name of the chicken pox/shingles/fever blister virus that lies dormant in your body regardless of your age. Luckily for me, it's shaped like a hidden Mickey... GO FIGURE!

Aside from this, I am doing incredibly well on liver treatment. No side effects to report, headaches, brain fog and that delusional feeling has seemed to slowly fade away as my body adjusts to the treatment; I know show no signs of ANY side effects. I am 5 days from finishing bottle #2 and month 2, and pretty excited to finish bottle 3 as that will be the halfway point, and another round of lab work.

Day 49, A Time To Recharge, Reflect & Reboot

This 4 day get-away has been such a blessing for me, and could not have come at a more perfect time in my life. This past Friday, I received bottle #3 of Sovaldi, and came to the realization that my journey on this new therapy is almost at the midway point, and I'm halfway home. Just a few more days and tablets separate me from completing bottle #2, and then it's onto bottle 3 and month #3 of therapy. With that being said, a weekend trip to Cape Coral, Florida to visit my in-laws has been a breath of fresh air, long nights of rest and just downtime that I've been needing to catch up on my thoughts and reflect over the past few months since starting treatment for my liver.

To those who are close to me, know that for the past 8 years, I've been working and reworking on my life's story in autobiographical form. Last night, I took a long hard look at things, and realized I needed to not focus entirely on my story, but God's story through my life. With that vital epiphany now a prominent part of my everyday life, letting God lead and being his vessel for His testimony, I sat down for the first time in over 6 months and took a refreshing look at the story I had conceptualized before. I spent several hours last night, up to 2AM, brainstorming ideas, and renaming, rearranging and adding new chapters, new stories and content. It wasn't until this past Winter that I realized the biggest part of my testimony, the Dragon Slaying of the HCV, was probably the highlight of my life. Now, I don't have to worry about facing a liver transplant, cirrhosis or end stage liver disease; even worse liver cancer. Having slayed this dragon with the help of God my Father, and the miracle drug Sovaldi, I have done and continue to do just that day to day. I re-wrote many of my chapters, and made an all new chapter outline of my story, this time with focus on my healing, story, but a greater focus on God and living the life we were called to live.

With all of this, now my wife is starting a new job on March 24th as a marketing rep for a healthcare company, and for the first time in her 7 year hospital working career, she can have freedom to work at her own pace, spend more time with me at home with a M-F job, and weekends/Holidays off. It's a Godsend. March has already been a breathtaking month, with my undetected status at week 4, to my wife's new job, to a re-visioning of my memoirs, God surely has blessed my family, and continues to do so. Sure there's "bumps in the road" as my mom always says, but it's nothing my God can't handle, so I leave my struggles up to Him and I focus on more important matters than fear, doubt or worry. Psalm 55:22 (NIV) states, "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

Day 47, Counting My Blessings

Floridian Sunset March 7, 2014

Yesterday was one of those days where God just poured out a bounty of blessings for both my wife and I. She just got the news of a new job and starts work on March 24th. After over 6 years working as a floor nurse in the hospital, she finally gets a chance to spread her wings a little and become independent as a nurse and marketing rep for a Southern based home healthcare company. Combined with my recent good news of being clear of HCV and undetected, we came down to visit with family in Fort Myers area of Florida, 3 and a half hours south of Orlando. It's Saturday, and already I feel rejuvenated, refreshed and well rested. I got a full 8 hours of sleep last night, and spent the morning reading my daily bible devotional and reflecting on how awesome God truly is. This weekend, this get-away, is all about hitting the pause button from our busy lives, and catching our breath. A refresher if you will.

I was reading Psalm 84:2 this morning, and it says, "My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." In a generation where try to thrive, obligations and commitments tie us down, even in those moments our very beings cry out for the truths and righteousness that is only from God. Don't let the world cloud your joy in serving God, in any capacity! Rather let your joy shine like a beacon through the overcast sitatuations to clearer horizons ahead.

Day 44, Break Every Chain

This video reminds me a lot of the my own walk, journey and the struggles of dealing with one's own mortality. With tears of joy this morning, I write from my heart on how blessed I am. With this new found hope in my liver treatment, the miracle drug of Sovaldi, my chains have been broken, I've been set free from the prison that Hepatitis C had on my mind and liver. No longer do I have to worry about undergoing a liver transplant or do I have to fear the worst of end stage liver disease. The song states, "There's an army rising up." It reminds me of the people who have been on this journey with liver disease, dealing with HCV and now taking this new medication, there's hope and truly an army of dragon slayers rising up out of their own ashes like a glorious phoenix. This morning, I praise God, I worship His name and give Him all the glory for my liver therapy, because of Him, I can live to tell my story with everyone. This is the gift that has been granted to me, a second chance, and Hallelujah my chains and shackles are broken and I'm free from this wretched disease. Sometimes, I just need to praise His name for all He's done for me. Whether I get cured or not, I praise Him for this season of reflection, understanding and patience. Amen!

Day 43, March is Hemophilia Awareness Month

Every March is time for reflection, in the advancements made, we count the losses from those who lost battles, and we pray/hope/dream of one day having a cure for hemophilia;  or at least leaps forward in treatment options and therapies. Many people don't truly know what Hemophilia is, how it's passed from mother to child, and the complications of the disease stemming from the individual. In the 80's, many Hemophiliacs were subject to the horrors of the pharmaceutical world, and even great terror of parents administering what was thought to be a life saving infusion, and injection of death. The 80's gave us the "Hemophilia Holocaust," and it was well documented in the amazing work by Marilyn Ness in the film, Bad Blood; (Bad Blood is on NetFlix as a Streaming Movie) As a result, Hemophiliacs worldwide who contracted HIV, Hepatitis C (or both) from negligence that could have been prevented. So in March 1986, President Ronald Regan signed into law the Proclamation 5442, that from that point forward, the world and nation would remember the small 12,000 group of Hemophiliacs that were infected and left to suffer.

As some of you know, I am now treating my HCV, and just recently for the first time in my life am walking around with no virus attacking my liver, and undetected thanks to the miracle drug combo of Sovaldi and Ribavirin. By the end of my 6 month treatment, I will be walking away a new man, with a new outlook on life and ready to tackle the world without the cloud of the sleeping dragon attacking my liver hanging over my head. I too was a victim in the 80's, but that doesn't mean I need to sit by and not let my voice and testimony be heard from my walk. When you see me, you see proof that God works wonders and miracles in modern day, don't deny it. I should not be here, but somehow, by His Grace and Mercy, I'm here to tell the tale and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So to my fellow fallen soldiers, I take this moment to reflect on my own losses and gains, and focus ahead to a brighter future filled with joy, longevity and God's Grace.

Day 42, Battling Some Hemophilia Related Issues

The HCV therapy is going great, honestly no major side effects to report, and all the previous mentioned symptoms are slowly starting to dissipate. This past Friday, I mowed the grass, and having hemophilia with gas-powered lawn tools is not the easiest of tasks first and foremost. I ended up straining my left ankle and since then, been having some painful nights and a hard time getting around on this foot. Even though I'm taking my factor VIII injections to treat these types of issues, the pain persists, which leads me to think there is more going on in the joint than a hemophilia related type joint episode.

I'm scheduled for my next visit to see my hematology doctor's in April, so I am going to request some joint X-rays, because it feels like I have a joint spur as it makes a nasty crunching sound every time I extend the joint. That's a sign of joint damage and other possible things going on when you hear that corn flake crunch in the joint. The sound eeks my wife out, she cringes every time she hears it. But that's the glory of getting older and having severe hemophilia, luckily for me, it's not going to get better... In the picture is my worst joint from having severe hemophilia. The left knee is normal, but the right knee, my target joint, is disfigured, swollen always and makes the same crunch sound as my ankle. This is many years of internal joint bleeding, pain, and trying to be a normal kid like the others. I don't regret a mile I've traveled, but there are some things I wish I could have prevented in my teens to save me sleepless nights of tossing and turning in pain today. Sure I may have kicked HCV in the rear end and sent that dragon hurdling off into another solar system, but the battle for me is daily regardless of liver issues or not. The bruising is normal as well, just comes with the territory.That is my thumb from a deep tissue bruise, no idea how this happened. Just woke up with it yesterday morning. I could have lifted something, or who knows what. YAY HEMOPHILIA!

But aside from hemophilia related complications, I am feeling fantastical! Treatment is a breeze, and my tolerance of the new medications have finally kicked in. To be frank, I feel deep down, it's a done deal with this liver thing, and I'm cured. I just have to get through 4 and a half more months of treatment to get to the finish line. God is Good, all the time, even in my pain and suffering, His righteousness transcends all afflictions, viruses or disease.

Day 39, Feeling Fresh

I was going back through my phone the other day and happened to come across this short but life changing voicemail. This was the day on January 16th, I got the call from my pharmacy that Sovaldi and Ribavirin was approved by my insurance, scripts were written and shipments were ready. I'll never forget that moment, getting that phone call, as I quickly ran to wake up Alex that morning and share with her the good news. Little did I know, 4 weeks later, I'd be HCV free and undetected. WOW! Mind=Blown...

Been an awesome last day of February in Central Florida today folks. Been outside most of the day trimming trees, doing yard work, mowing the lawn, weed cutting etc... While most of the nation is in cold digits, sunny Florida is in the mid 70's today, and no clouds in sight, all warm sunshine. Feeling humbled, blessed and obedient to my Father's Will for me. God is amazing... But you already knew that right!?

Day 37, HCV Awareness

I was browsing the web today trying to find some sort of awareness or icon imagery that represents the Hepatitis C community as a whole. I saw a few ribbons, but nothing really concrete that truly defines who we are as a collective body of dragon slayers. The Red shield represents those who've lost their fight in the battle of Hepatitis C, but their spirit and legacy lives on forever. The yellow represents the body who are actively fighting the virus/dragon each day. The silver dragon is for those who have slain their dragons, and can move forward in their lives without fear of the virus returning. The dragon represents the Hepatitis C virus itself, and it's often cliche'd "sleeping dragon" representation. Like a story straight out of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, The dragon lies asleep until it's awakened with a vengeance, wrath and fury. The virus lies dormant for decades, until it suddenly awakens and brings havoc and wrath on our bodies and livers. Please wear, share, save and use this imagery to represent the body of unique individuals who have fought or are continuing to fight their ongoing battles against their dragons.