Ron Metcalfe ...

Today, I do Week 35's shot -- uh, solo.

I know lots of people on treatment right now are saying, "Huh? How've you been doing it before now?"

Well, I've been blessed with Nurse Amy, Nurse Bill and Nurse Joan, who are part of my Church community. They've done my PEGIntron shots; I've done a few of the Neupogens on my own.

But this is Labor Day weekend and I was spending time with my family at Ripshin, and it was either end my weekend early, or do the PEGIntron myself. So, we ordered the Redipens and on the first week I learned how to prepare the dose while Nurse Amy did the shot; last week I prepared and did the shot, while Nurse Amy assisted; and today, I do both alone.

I have a wonderful Church community at Green Meadow United Methodist Church, as you can see.

I also have a wonderful Hepatitis C community in the presence of people like Ron Metcalfe.

I first became aware of Ron when I started treatment in January and started my related blogging. Ron and others -- Paul, Sue, Martin, John, to name a few -- have been a wealth of support and information as we journey together.

Ron, when I read your Week 45 post it led me to pray that you would remain free of HCV and related illnesses. I also pray that you can end with confidence after Week 48.

You, my brother, have gone beyond the call.

May God bless the communities in my life, for I am so grateful and thankful for your presence.

Grace and peace ...