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U.S. Navy F/A-18 Blue Angels 1 - 6 readying for flight

Penny and I have been getting requests to update our blog, so here we go… 

F/A 2 Sea Harrier Jump Jet

We haven't really done anything to interesting since we got back except I (Paul) went to the 2015 Rockford Airfest where I shot somewhere in the neighborhood of 7000 pictures. Gave my self a pretty bad case of tendonitis near my lower right-side latissimus muscle from all the up and down camera motion. Since thats kinda all of the newest stuff I shot, that's what I'll post here. As always, click on a pic to see a larger version.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor

When last I wrote, we had moved back to Northern Illinois so we could be treated for our chronic Hepatitis C. I was going through some pretty extensive medical procedures. As of this point we bought a place to live in, close to church, family, friends and loved ones, not to mention quality medical care.

Blue Angels C-130 Hercules "Fat Albert"

Our house is really nice, but like any house it needs some cleaning, some painting and some minor repairs. It's been eating a lot of our time, but it'll be worth it when we're done. It has more space, cabinets, counter space, and storage than we'll ever need.

We're splitting our time between home and the campground, since it's only 15 miles away.

We've started the latest anti-viral treatments for Hep C, in our case, the Viekira Pak plus Ribavirin.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor

Since Penny has never been treated, and shows no signs of liver damage, she will be on a 12 week course of treatment.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Blue Angels 1 - 4

F/A 2 Sea Harrier Jump Jet

I, on the other hand, have failed to eradicate the virus using three different treatment protocols, over a 4-year period, the last of which almost cost me my life when my blood crashed. Added to that I have compensated (mild, Child-Pugh A) cirrhosis of the liver. That means 24 weeks of treatment for me. 

If we maintain a viral status of "undetectable" for three, (or maybe six, I forget...), months after treatment ends, we will be considered cured.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor

We just began week 4, and side effects have kicked in big-time. We're totally sun sensitive and can burn in a very short time. We're always bone tired, except when it comes time to sleep, have little energy, are always out of breath, and hurt all over. We're both in a mental fog where we can't concentrate, forget everything, and easily become confused.

Blue Angels C-130 Hercules "Fat Albert"

Our emotions are completely out of control. Penny wants to cry all the time, and I anger quickly and easily, and want to lash out at people and objects, (they call this Riba Rage coz it's caused by the Ribavirin). The list goes on and on. told that all this means the stuff is working and that the side-effects will resolve some over time, but on a Hep C support site, some folks are reporting that their side effects have taken 6-months to a year after treatment ended to go away. All this makes workamping at the campground pretty difficult. 

So, for now, we sleep, take pills, nap, rest, and drive each other nuts. 

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor

Enjoy the Airfest pics. There's plenty more where these came from...

P-51 Mustang "Baby Duck" and F-22 Raptor Heritage Flight