Frank Broughton Times

My blood work results are in and I just learned today after speaking with the nurse in charge of my treatment that I have cleared the virus (the RNA level went from 3,080,000 to undetectable!). There was only a 50 percent chance of this happening. Thank you – all who have prayed for me. This is very good news for my family! The nurse said that because of clearing the virus at such an early stage that I now have a 96% chance of permanently keeping the virus dormant if I finish the 48 weeks of treatment. Week six starts tomorrow. It will be a long row to hoe, but now I know it is working! I will just continue taking it moment by moment. Last night I went to church for the first time in a month. It felt good to be back in the house of the Lord. I still am pretty sick from the treatment but this news sure helps. I was able to do some work around the house the last couple days and that felt real good. Please continue to pray that I can handle this treatment and the side effects go away. Also please pray that I loose some weight. I have gained back all the weight I worked so hard to loose (60 plus pounds arg!).

Thank you again for your prayers and thank you Lord Jesus for answering this one great prayer request.

Obviously I have not posted any updates in two weeks. I have been too ill to even care about my stupid computer. I have only checked my email two times in the last two weeks. Those that know me know that it is not me.

First, thanks to those who have called me on the phone and sent letters and cards over the last few weeks. I appreciate it very much. This treatment is very difficult. It has been four plus weeks now. It has not been a fun time at all. Picture having the flu for four weeks and you can start to get the idea on how I feel. After week four I had some blood drawn that will give me some very important information – like if this treatment is working! I will find out today or tomorrow if it is killing the virus. There is a 50 50 chance it is working for me. So much so that I could be RVR  – Rapid Viral Response – the virus being undetectable. That is the ultimate goal. If there is no reaction to the treatment I may be pulled off as soon as week eight. Insurance will no longer cover the treatment if there is no reaction. If it is working we go on!

It is hard to explain how I have felt these past four weeks. There is no way I could have done this without my wife Carol. She is a true friend! I love her dearly. Of course I thank the Lord Jesus Christ, who sustains me, for giving me peace in my mind and heart through this time.

I will post the results of the blood work here when I find out today or tomorrow.

My friends, I have developed a power point slide show on the Dark Side of the Internet. I have taught it at some of your churches. Some of you I have begged to consider and now this:

Social websites harm children’s brains: Chilling warning to parents from top neuroscientist (click to read article)

So far week two is better than week one for sure, although this weekend was tough to get through. Last night I had the first good night of sleep in two weeks. I felt decent when I woke up. Then four more Ribavirin pills down the ole hatch. Yikes…. I dread these pills. Little over an hour after taking them flu like feelings come upon me. Today though was better than the last few days. I will just have to get used to having this terrible taste in my mouth and having chills every now and then.

Now the good news. I called the doctor’s office this morning to see if they received the results from my blood work on Friday and indeed they did. The numbers are good. Red and white blood cells are not down either are platelets. That is good news as they explained it to me they would be down some. Mine are not!

I am very happy for all the prayers. THANK YOU!