Stephanie Schultz:  

Life So much, so little space. Born and raised in Houston, Texas. Third child in 4 siblings, Stephen, Sandra and Scott. Lived with Hepatitis C since the age of 8. I was 27 when I was first diagnosed and it was so new, that there was not much being done about it. Living with HCV was not fun, I suffered from aches and pains, stiff joints (as young as 12), depression (first diagnosed at 13). Had problems in school, made the wrong friends (now I'm glad I know it was low self esteem and not just stupidity) lol. There were rashes, lung problems and mirade of health issues. I have two boys, Corey and Brandon whom without them I would of given up along time ago. My boyfriend, Craig, is another plus! He knows how to keep me laughing and is such a sweetheart! Antiviral chemotherapy from Sept.2001 to August 2002 has allowed the virus to be in remission. I still have problems here and there, but most days are filled with more activity than the many previous years. It's only up from here on out! Please get tested for HCV. No one is immune. There is no vaccine for HCV. HCV can infect persons in any way blood to blood contact is made. Dentist visits, mass innoculations (how my doctor and I think I got it-going by a rash thats relative to HCV and has lived with me since the age of 8), any surgery before 1990, sharing drug paraphenalia...the list is endless. My father is not doing well, it should be a matter of time now. He has fought hard, but unfortunately, the lymphoma has spread beyond what chemotherapy can do. Scott, my little brother and his family were here for a week and had a great visit. We had a blast! Played late night games trying to sneak a toilet papering job on one anothers car/house late at night....Fun acting like teens again and all the boys had a blast! Jeremy and Jacob (scotts two boys) and my two (Corey and Brandon) will never forget the night things went haywire creating memories to last a lifetime! Sad news....my father lost his battle with non-hodkins lymphoma (secondary from his first bout with renal carcinoma) and the return of renal carcinoma. He died peacefully with my sister by his side. School In 7th period english, we had a substitute for a few days. We were all in test mode, so the entire class was being oddly quiet. I raised my hand to visit the restroom and the sub let m...Expand for more