Raher's Region: 2015

I just spent a truly wonderful and important weekend. Christine and I celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary. She orchestrated the entire weekend like a maestro conducting an orchestra. My three sons and their families honored us with their presence, their humor, support, and doing all that was asked, without hesitation. A grand dinner was shared, with applicable toasts, and a poignant poetic reading by all three men. Quite moving indeed. The children must have sensed the familial aspect, because they were all angels.
The next morning, Sunday, we attended 10:30 Mass. After Mass the families gathered again, to witness Father Koepland administer our marriage vows, again. It was a brilliant ceremony. The children encircled us on the altar, while we repeated the sacred vows. Many photos were taken, capturing our historic moment. We are extremely proud. The caravan returned to our humble abode, where Christine prepared a sumptuous buffet. A relaxed, banter filled afternoon ensued. Pictures were taken, babies hugged, puzzles arranged, baseball watched, the weary napped, and I basked in the glorious love! Amen

I'm posting these notices because I'm happy about
my given situation, and if this blog happens to
outlive me, this will make interesting reading for
my grandkids. Having Hep C has been a roller
coaster ride, emotionally, physically, and
psychologically. Their have been times of despair,
times of hope, but mostly a constant consciousness
that it, was there. Now I hope to return to a
freer sensibility and enjoy what future I have,
unencumbered by the weight of impending doom.

To: Thomas D Raher
From: ANDREW I-AN LU MD
Received: 9/9/2015 9:41 AM PDT

I was informed that you have finished hepatitis C
treatment with sustained viral response.
Congratulations. I just wanted to wish you well.
 I recommend follow up with primary physician
for periodic clinical checks.  I believe we have
also been monitoring you for history of cirrhosis.
Please continue to follow up with Jim Row for
periodic checks. Contact me with any questions.
Be well. Thank you. I have asked to be
notified if you do not read this message
to ensure you get this message.

Thomas Raher

September 9 at 11:30amSan Francisco, CA

Sharing can be daunting, but my life is transparent, and I feel a need. I have good news, especially for old friends, who like me, misspent their youth recklessly. Hepatitis C can now be cured. I've spent six years in a state of flux, anxious over failed treatment, and long delays for FDA approval of new drugs. Thankfully it's over. My message is, regardless of the societal stigma, if in doubt get tested.

Thomas D Raher
From:
JAMES ENOCH ROW NP
Received:
9/4/2015 11:54 AM PDT
Good news. On September 2, 2015 there was no Hepatitis C virus detected.

Congratulations on your successful treatment for the eradication of Hepatitis C. The following are a couple of basic points you need to understand for the future:

1. Although the treatment was successful, you are not immune to Hepatitis C. If you become exposed again to the virus in the future, you could get Hepatitis C again.
2. When you were exposed to Hepatitis C, your body formed antibodies to fight the infection, but the antibodies did not work. There will always be antibodies to Hepatitis C found in your blood, even though the virus was eradicated.
If you have any questions regarding Hepatitis C, please feel free to contact me.

Jim Row NP
Gastroenterology
415-833-2750