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)

7 Weeks Post Treatment

In 2006 I treated my Hepatitis C for the first time with PEG-Interferon and Ribavirin. Through a grueling six months I endured side effects no human should suffer, with a less than satisfying outcome. It took me roughly 16-17 weeks to go undetected on a 24 week therapy that should have been 48 weeks, with only a 34% chance of a cure. In just 3 weeks post treatment, I had relapsed. Emotionally I was drained. Physically I was pushed to my limits.

Fast forwarding 7 years later, and the drug Sovaldi was approved by the FDA in December 2013. By January 21st, 2014 I was on treatment with the new drug, and in just 4 weeks my Hepatitis C was gone! Not only was I a rapid responder to the new drug, but I remained undetected for the duration of my 24 weeks to July 7th.

On August 18th, 2014 I was due for 6 week "post treatment" labs to be drawn. Given my previous history in 2006, I was more than just anxious, I was on edge. The results are to your left (click image). 6 weeks post treatment, and I'm still undetected.

I can't begin to tell you the feeling deep inside. Pure joy, and knowing that God is always in control. It's easy sometimes to loose sight of Him, and it just takes a split second to look down. Not only does this serve as a reminder to me that God is still in control of my life, but He still is in the healing business. Psalm 41:3 says, "The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness."

Clinically, my status cannot be called a cure until 6 months post treatment, which is January 2015. But, I'm off to one heck of a start, and I know "God's Got This."

On a side note, I had reported a few weeks ago that I was experiencing some digestive issues post treatment, especially with diarrhea. After talking with my doctor, she recommended I try a daily probiotic to balance out my stomach and restore the good bacteria in my digestive system. She explained that Hepatitis C treatment often can kill or damage the good bacteria needed to break down foods.

After just two days in taking this supplement, my diarrhea had resolved, and I was back to some sense of normal again. So if any of my fellow dragon slayers are experiencing digestive issues during or after treatment, I highly recommend starting a daily probiotic. I still have random occurrences, but usually it's based on my diet.

I'm Rebooting

Today, July 28th, is #WorldHepatitisDay, and as we mark today with global awareness, I want to share some pretty awesome news from a visit to my liver doctor today. I had a follow up visit with my Hepatitis C physician Dr. Katherine Smith in Orlando, Florida. It's been over a month since I last seen in her clinic, and this visit was my "post treatment" visit. The virus still remains undetected at the end of therapy, and I will follow up with Dr. Smith on October 20th for my 3 month post treatment visit. Here is a look at my recent lab sheet from the viral analysis.

I told the doctor about a few symptoms I've been having; restlessness, insomnia (mind going a million MPH), and, not to be too informative on this one, but for the sake of the #HCV community I'll list it, diarrhea. She said it was not uncommon for patients who have totally cleared the virus to experience waves of energy, motivation and strive. and the restlessness and energy at night is my body attempting to adjust to a new normal. For so long my body has been used to fatigue, lethargy and a general run down sluggish feeling that I haven't had much energy to do much day to day. Now, I'm hard wired to and ready to plow ahead. As for the random moments of dysentery, same thing applies in my digestive tract as well. My body is rebooting from the inside out. My liver is regenerating, my metabolism is rebuilding itself, my digestive tract is adjusting to a new function of normality, something I'm not used to. Dr. Smith stated that over time, the body will eventually level out, and my symptoms will become less and less enhanced as the weeks go on post treatment. Pretty amazing stuff. I never fathomed my body literally healing and regenerating, but now, it's really happening. I'm a new man, walking in a light and a new victory, leaving my dragon to nothing more than ashes of ruin and a vague memory in the vastness of the future that lies ahead.

As if my life couldn't get any better, this research was published on July 21st, 2014 about a possible upcoming cure in the fight against HIV/AIDS. As if my life couldn't get any more fantastic, the actual word cure and HIV are now being spoken in the same sentence, and the research is under way. Take a moment to watch this amazing and informative video on the new science that could possibly make HIV a thing of the past. To read the official release from the research at Temple University, click here.

Day 168, Final Day of Liver Treatment on Sovaldi & Ribavirin

Sitting down with my lovely wife, we reflect on the past 6 months of treatment, offer words of hope and encouragement to those on treatment or soon to be; and celebrate as I take my final pill.

Day 165, Final Two Days

It's been a busy week, and this final week of treatment has flown by. With the July 4th Holiday yesterday and my friends being in town out of Atlanta, my wife and I have been spending a lot of time with them which has helped get me through these final days of liver treatment.

Yesterday we went to EPCOT at Walt Disney World, and spent the day with each other and ending the night with a bang for Independence Day. Mike, his family and I go back 8 years together. He was there for me when I finished my liver treatment in October 2006, also the best man at my own wedding, even his children took part as ring bearer and flower girl. It's not one of those friendships you wouldn't simply call best friends, it's more family. He's from Atlanta, and whenever his family is in town, which is pretty often luckily, we always end up having a blast in the theme parks. Mike and I have weathered many storms together, personal lives, overcoming, and doing our best to rise up. He's truly like the brother I never had.

As Monday gets closer, the final pill and day of treatment, I feel as if I need to pinch myself to make sure the past 6 months has not been a dream. It's not everyday you find "the" good doctor who introduces you to a ground breaking and life changing liver treatment that will spare one's life from transplant, cirrhosis and end stage liver disease. Sovaldi has been that drug for me. It really works, and a cure is really achievable! After over 30 years, I will soon be walking in the shoes of a second a chance on life, and stride in victory as my own dragon has been slain. With no pun intended, or for lack of a better phrase, that truly is "a hard pill to swallow." But, one I embrace with open arms.

See you on Monday gang.
Joe

Day 155, My Prayer Today

Thank goodness, the last couple weeks have been relatively side effect free. I've been utilizing this time not only in reflecting over the last 6 months and where God has brought me from, but also humbled with a heart of thanksgiving. Seeking treatment, in my case, has been a huge undertaking and might I add not an easy one. Over a year it took me bouncing from doctor to doctor in search of treatment, seeking hope of a cure of my Hepatitis C. The fact I'm finishing up on the final two weeks, and ultimately got the treatment I needed, and got the cure, is nothing more than a miracle from God Himself. Even more astounding, the medication comes with a hefty price tag of $1000 per pill, which is roughly $84,000 for 3 months or close to $170,000 for 6 months. God not only spared me of this financial behemoth, but at zero cost out pocket. I'm simply flabbergasted at how insanely awesome the past year has been from seeking treatment, finding it and taking the drugs themselves (Sovaldi & Ribavirin). I've had my share of struggles, but the clouds of gloom have evaporated, and the Son is shining so much brighter now than ever. Today, I officially have 12 days remaining, and for the first time while on treatment, I don't have headaches, I don't have congestion, sinus infections, riba-rage, mood swings or moments of brain fog. It's like removing a film from the eye as everything gets crisper, brighter and more vivid. The clarity I have now mentally is truly peace of mind, and the focus will not be on my own selfish needs, but sharing this testimony with the world.

I rejoice today, with heart of thanksgiving to honor my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who not only paved the way for my healing, but allowed me a second chance to spread the news of the gospel to even more. My years have truly been extended, my body is healing slowly after the 30+ year dragon that dwelt within, and my soul is on fire for God. “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30.

Closing Prayer - Father in Heaven, I praise you and give you glory today and honor your son's sacrifice on the cross to give an undeserving man like me a chance to shine, not for my glory, but for yours. Lord I thank you for these past six months, I praise you for the struggles, trials and hardships as they've made me so much stronger physically and mentally. I rejoice in my suffering, because I know you have something truly amazing in store for me. I rejoice and give thanks for providing me with the hands of care, the doctor's and nurses involved during this whole treatment process. I pray you give them each a special blessing in their lives. Thank you Father for providing for my family, food on our table, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet and even more importantly a second chance at life. Lord in all that I do, I will honor you. Put a fire in my soul to be more like you, and therein help others around the world see proof that you still can heal. Forgive me Father for my sinful nature, and those things that I do that do not bring you glory and honor. In everything I do, everything I am, have your guiding hand in my life. It's in His holy and precious name I pray, Amen. 

Day 140, The Final Countdown

Well, it's been a long winding road filled with twists, turns, bumps, setbacks, side effects, ER visits, doctor's offices and countless needle sticks, but the end is finally in sight. Today officially marks my final 28 days of treatment on Sovaldi + Ribavirin (800mg). If some of you don't recall, I'm a genotype 3a, with hemophilia and HIV. Having gotten both HIV and Hepatitis C when I was a child around age 2 or 3, it's been an uphill battle both physically and mentally. Not only has this new "non-injection" Hepatitis C therapy been a blessing, but a breath of fresh air. I treated previously in 2006 on PEG-interferon and Ribavirin, only to go undetected around week 17 of the 24 week therapy, and relapse shortly thereafter 3 weeks post.

Living with Hepatitis C has been a constant drain on me physically, dealing with bouts of lethargy and minor digestive issues like acid reflux. Also, the psychological aspects have been draining as well, as the cloud of gloom and doom of my own mortality was left uncertain and unsolved. I don't want to say I lived in the fear of the disease itself, but it definitely played a huge role in my overall outlook on life to some degree. For example, I was hesitant to even drink my own champagne toast at my wedding in fear of damage to my liver. Sure it's only only a small glass of bubbly, but small things, special occasions and socially I knew there were boundaries in which I dared not to cross. But I did do the toast with my lovely wife on that day back in 10-10-10, and didn't let that fear cloud the moment of joy and happiness with my wife.

Now, looking back over the past 5 months of my 6 month treatment, it's been a blessing with this new treatment on Sovaldi. Yes, as you've read over the past few months, I've had my fair share of side effects, ER visits and stumbling blocks with insurance, but being cured is my prize at the end. Simply how I got on treatment has been divine intervention by God, as I technically shouldn't even be treating right now. Since I've moved to Florida back in 2009, I've bounced from doctor to doctor, seeking treatment for my Hepatitis C, and some offered the old standard injection based therapy, but I waited for something better. From one doctor, to another, to another, I felt like a kid lying on the floor of a bounce house just tumbling and rolling on the constant waves knocking be back and forth. No progress, no forward motion and no treatment, until Sovaldi came along. I was originally referred to my current treatment doctor from a friend of a friend of a doctor, and basically she was my last hope. She informed me on December 3rd, 2013 that she was going to treat me on PEG-interferon and Ribavirin and to come back in 1 month to go over a treatment schedule of up to 48 weeks. I was not happy. Then on December 6th, 2013 Sovaldi was approved by the FDA and during my next visit the following month my doctor was ecstatic to put me on the brand new drug. By January, 14th 2014 the treatment was outlined, scripts were written for the medications and 5 days later was approved by insurance and on January 21st, I took the first pill to begin my 6 month journey.

As we count down these final 28 days of therapy to July 7th, 2014 together, I would like to take this time to thank all those who have commented, read and kept up with my progress over the past 6 months. Not only have you given me strength in low times, but your prayers and uplifting spirits have literally carried me through the roughest of times dealing with side effects and insurance woes. Keep them coming! I'm sure I'll need them now more than ever as we approach the final 4 weeks of treatment. To those on the fence about treating, DO IT! What are you waiting for? Just because you feel okay now doesn't mean you won't be in the same physical state in a few months, or couple years down the road. Time does damage with Hepatitis C, and it's nothing to take lightly, so treat now, and save yourself pain and misery in the future. This is just the beginning of my Strive 2 Thrive blogs, as we enter the post-treatment era, I'll be blogging continually as this web site will be an ongoing resource and central location for my health, well being and that of others. We've only just begun!

Day 128, Feeling Better / Doctor's Visit

I can't begin to thank you all so much for you prayers over the past couple of days. I'm feeling much better after my bout with another treatment related sinus induced, yet pharmaceutical enhanced side effect driven illness; [Dang that's a mouth full]. The swelling of my glands is now gone, and even though I'm still left with a nagging cough and some lingering yellow junk secreting from my head's membranes, I'm doing terrific. I feel the best today I've felt all week since I started coming down sick again on Monday, and I know it's a God thing and He's healing me once again. I'm almost certain though I haven't seen the last of things #RibaFunk, as I still have one more month left of Sovaldi and Ribavirin, with a total of 39 days remaining. We all know though, in the end, it will so be worth a few months of headache to thrive with a life free from something damaging my liver. After over 30 years, my dragon will be slain, and I've made this Dragon Slayer Shield logo to commemorate those who are close to, or have completed Hepatitis C therapy. God Bless our slayers, pill takers and valiant warriors around the world.

Today I had a doctor's visit on my 5 month check up into treatment. Wonderful news, good vibes and great results all the way around today. All my vitals and lab work came back astounding, all in normal ranges, especially my liver and immune functions. Talk about being blessed beyond measure! Even though this treatment regimen has given me ups and downs, #RibaFunk, #RibaRage etc... the end is almost within grasp, and the finish line is ever so close now. For those of you outside the Hepatitis C community, RibaRage is a slang term for the harsh side effects induced by taking Ribavirin, one of the companion drugs to Sovaldi to act as a 1-2 punch to the virus. Check out my previous post from two days for more details and links on Ribavirin side effects. Upon the end of my visit this afternoon, I was given a 2 month post-treatment appointment slip and lab work to be done at the end of treatment. Wow... My doctor informed me that HCV RNA viral loads will be check at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post treatment for 100% confirmation. But I'm sure with a relapse rate of 2%, the odds are in my favor being a Genotype 3a.

So here I am, finishing up bottle 5, and my final shipment will be in hand next Thursday. I never knew what 2014 would bring for me in terms of health, treatment and overcoming, but wow has it been a wild ride, but in a good way. God has delivered on time, and gave me a treatment that I can tolerate, and in the end be cured once and for all from Hepatitis C. The future is wide open. No more lingering thoughts of liver transplants, cirrhosis or end stage liver disease. I can't begin to tell you how joyful that makes me feel, and blessed!!!

Before I go, I just wanted to share this video with you from contemporary Christian music artist Kari Jobe, and her newest release called "Let The Heaven's Open Up." This song got me through a lot yesterday as I played it over and over on loop. Amazing how uplifting your spirit can become when you draw closer to Him.

Day 120, 12 Tips For Liver Health

We all do things in life that comes with consequences; unhealthy eating, smoking, drinking or living a toxic lifestyle of drug addiction/abuse. There are factors and things we can do to prolong our lives while we're in the pool of thousands awaiting their treatment regimens on the new medications coming out for Hepatitis C. I need to state for the record before we dive in, I come from a Christian home, and so drinking, smoking and drugs were not an enticement for me. The only time in my life I ever drank any sort of alcohol was at my own wedding during the main champagne toast. Though I lived a sheltered life, it helped me in the long run be healthier in my adult life.

1. Get Educated - I can't express enough how vitally important it is to get educated on your disease and what you can do in your own life to inhibit liver damage. Knowledge is power, and if you live your life with a sense of pride and that you think you know it all, you're heading down a road of disaster. If you or someone you know is living with Hepatitis C, it's crucial you understand your limits, boundaries and do your best to change elements of your lifestyle to help accommodate your disease and in the long run, prolonging your life. You need to know what the terms viral load, genotype and rapid responder mean. Dig in and start reading! Start your education by clicking here.
2. Put The Drink Down - It was once explained to me by a University of Kentucky Gastroenterologist Dr. Steven Shedlofsky that drinking alcohol with Hepatitis C is like pouring gasoline on open firery coals. The disease progresses much more rapidly and damage including fibrosis and scarring advance at higher rates than those who put down the bottle and prefer a sweet tea or iced water. Here is a great article about alcohol consumption while living with Hepatitis C and/or HIV. 
3. Every Breath You Take - There was a time in my life when smoking sort of enticed me, but after trying my first cigarette and that horrid after taste in my mouth, I never caved to the addiction of smoking. Smoking rapidly increases chances of disease progression and eventually makes one a high risk for liver cancer [hepatocellular carcinoma]. Men with Hepatitis C who smoke have a more than 136-fold increased risk of liver cancer. Read more about smoking and Hepatitis C.
4. You Are What You Eat - Given today's increasing knowledge of harmful chemicals in processed foods like additives, GMO's and artificial sweetners can/will cause more harm to our bodies. Eating home cooked meals in balanced portions and straying from the fast food mecha can bring new vigor to your life. Everything you put in your mouth is processed, broken down and digested through your liver. Proper exercise and a monitored diet will control our calorie intake and help you avoid other unwanted medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. We owe it to ourselves and HCV survivors to change our unhealthy habits to ones better suited for really what our bodies need. HepMag fellow blogger Connie M. Welch has written an astounding article on liver disease and healthy eating. You can find that article here.
5. Seek Treatment, Don't Wait - If you've been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and your condition hasn't progressed and your dragon remains dormant, that is typically the best time to attack. I've seen many friends live their lives only to have their HCV rapidly progress in later years, resulting in liver cancer, cirrhosis and end stage liver disease [ESLD]. Just because your virus is at bay of the past few  years, you've been leading a symptom free life doesn't mean you can't treat. I cringe when I hear patients often prolonging liver treatment because they're okay... With new drugs rapidly coming on the market and available by the FDA, you owe it to yourself to fight for the cure, slay your dragon and move on with the next chapter of your life. Seek treatment today, here is a list of doctors in your area to help you fight back and reclaim your life.
6. Get Adequate Rest and Replenishment - Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep a night for the body to be fully rejuvenated for the day ahead. Many of us have crazy sleep cycles, our jobs and life get in the way and there are truly not enough hours in the day. But I can't express how important it is to get adequate rest at night. Be sure to not consume any caffeine after 6PM, and no alcohol! You shouldn't be using tobacco products first and foremost, and it's noted that tobacco use will actually keep your motor functions awake during prolonged periods of the night. Things like light, noise, hot rooms, uncomfortable bed or pillow will make your night even more cumbersome. Things like sleep masks for the eyes and ear plugs will reduce light and noise for a calm night of test. Click Here to learn more about Healthy Habits While Living with Chronic Liver Disease.
7. Drink Water, Lots of Water - This one is so easily overlooked, avoided and ignored, but essentially one of most important choices you'll make for your body. Whether you're on treatment, preparing or waiting, you still need to be drinking plenty of water daily. 64-72oz of water a day is a good threshold for water consumption. This can easily be divided up into 8-9 cups of water a day from breakfast until night. Your liver and kidneys work overtime while living with Hepatitis C to eliminate your body of toxins. Drinking water not only hydrates your body's cells, but helps promote kidney function to release toxins in the bloodstream and keep you from feeling sluggish. I recommend the Waterlogged App for assisting you with your water drinking habits, best part is it's free. For more information on water consumption, follow this link.
8. Herbal Liver Supplements - If you're waiting for liver treatment and in the process of scheduling a doctor, I highly recommend seeking some sort of herbal supplement to assist your liver function. Natural supplements like milk thistle, lipoic acid, selenium among others offer great health benefits if you're not currently on liver treatment. For a list of the Top 5 Herbal Supplements Recommend for Liver Health, follow this link.
9. Faith & Spirituality - For many, coping with the effects of chronic liver disease can be stressful. It can take a large toll on the mind and drain us of our vitality if we allow it to. Whatever faith or spirituality you believe in, often times having that hope of something greater can carry us through the darkest of times. I know it has for me, and I encourage anyone with Hepatitis C, HIV or Hemophilia to seek faith. It looks very different for very many people, but the benefits can give you peace of mind, calm your anxiety and reduce your stress levels so you can live a thriving life. For me, being a Christian provides me that level of comfort, peace and calm that no one else can offer. Sound mind for many is often times the best medicine.
10. Develop Memory Skills - It's noted that people living with Hepatitis suffer with memory skills, brain fog and or short-term memory loss. Don't panic if you become forgetful or stuck on a thought longer than a few minutes. To keep your brain active and healthy, it's good to develop techniques to help you stay sharp. Whether it's working a crossword puzzle, brainteasers, develop a hobby, play board games, learn a new language, play a challenging video game, or memorizing your most beloved quotes, any of these activities will increase your motor skills, improve your reflex time and allow you to decipher real world situations. There are many treatable conditions that cause cognitive impairment, so before we jump to conclusions, start with the basics. 
11. We Were Designed To Be Connected - Living life in solidarity for some may seem like the the only way out, but having a group or circle of friends to go to in time of need is the best blessing. We're not meant to lead lonely lifestyles, we're designed to be connected with each other, share life, live life, rejoice in our triumphs and grieve in our trials. Establishing a small group of friends while living with Hepatitis C can provide a world of conversation, an outlet of frustration and the avenue for venting. It's not easy for some being open about their diseases, but if you're bold enough, the benefits truly outweigh the risk of being alone with your disease. Join a message forum, find friends in your local area you can connect and share life together in a support group. Much joy and relief comes from those who share the load. Get connected today!
12. Think POZ - When all else fails, laughter, being with friends and family, and immersing yourself in a healthier state of mind will change the way you look at the world. I was once told by a friend from Kentucky, "True happiness is 20% the body, 80% the mind."  Embrace every circumstance for what it is, and move on. Don't dwell in the past, don't linger on the would be, could be or should be's of life. Focus your mind on those things that bring you joy, whether it's soaking up sun on a beach, going fishing on weekends, a girls/guys night out or just going out to see a movie with a bunch of friends, any of these can distract your mind to help you develop more socailly. Hobbies, outdoor activities and changing your state of mind to refuse the negative and embrace the positive will make the road of living with Hepatitis C a little less rocky. Remember, you are not your disease!!! So stop acting like you're a victim and act like the warrior you are meant to be; a dragon slayer.

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 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!

Day 80, Riba-Rage Meme

I made this Meme just for our HepC Dragon Slaying Nation. Only they will get the meaning behind it. I had some photo fun the other day, and yes, the rage man is yours truly, just RAGING!! Hope ya get a chuckle, please share and like! I must state, I was not truly having riba-rage at the time of this photography, just dramatically showcasing how I feel when the Ribavirin kicks in, and I just want to break stuff. Truly a Meme for the HCV community. 

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!