Hep C and ILC

Hi Lisa

I was diagnosed in 2003 with Hep C. I had a Hepatitis outbreak when I was 19 years old. They told me it was Hep A. Imagine my shock in 2003. I did tx but knew I had relapsed sometime after tx within 6 months. I also lost my job and health insurance and have only recently gotten health insurance again though I have worked for the last 10 years. I was out of work with tx for Hep C for about a year and I had a hard time getting my energy back. I do have some damage to my liver but I hadn't made it back to my Gastro because I was diagnosed on August 26 with Invasive lobular Carcinoma and it's pretty bad. I have had a double mastectomy and another surgery which has been worse than the 1st. But I am on the mend...I have already started making diet changes.

I am choosing to go forward without chemo and rads because of the nature of my cancer, the fact I have had Hep C for 33 years and other factors. I have done a lot of research and my decision wasn't easy because the doctors really want you to do traditional tx. I am choosing to heal my body naturally. My gut instinct kept leading me away from chemo and rads and once I made the decision it was the 1st time since Aug 26 that I felt peace in my heart and soul. Now keep in mind that most people do not have a Hep C outbreak so they do not know how long they have it. I got mine from a dentist (no disrespect to dentist, I guarantee you he didn't mean to do it, things were different back then) in my eye tooth as I needed a root canal. I believe once the infection reached my brain that is when I almost died. My boss found me on my apartment floor after not showing up for work for 2 days. It did a lot of damage then. Fortunately I have always been pretty active and have always eaten pretty healthy (country girl) so it has helped me somewhat but this cancer has been nasty and I know that I will have a better quality of life if I do it my way. God will bring me home when he is ready.

Did you have to do chemo the first time around? Tell me about your experience...

Catherine

Hi Lisa

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have done a lot of research and I am still reading. I just know for some reason that if I do the chemo and rads that I will not fare well. Considering the fact that ILC does not always respond to chemo helped my decision. I am taking the natural approach and am feeling better every day. I don't ultimately know how it will work out but I do know that because my decision gives me peace and contentment that whatever the outcome I will be happy. I am amazed at all the support I am getting as well, including my BS who surprised the heck out of me. We had a great conversation. What year did you have chemo? I wish there was something I could do or say to make this journey easier...because I know it is a tough journey...the only thing I know for sure is that I am a lot happier since I made my decision. I think it helps that I have strong faith and the support of my children and most of my closest friends. Keep me informed of your situation and thanks for posting....I was beginning to think that I was the only one with BC and Hep C which is hard for me to believe as Hep C is an epidemic that people don't talk about (I completely understand as I have been through that hell myself). Take care...sending hugs your way!