[Noel]

Hello,
I just joined the cybermacro forumand I am located in australia. I was introduced to macrobiotic cooking and philosophy about 4 months ago and immediately took to it being impressed by the quality and effects of the meals and the logic of its philosophy. I've since purchased a few books that I am reading through including the Macrobiotic Diet, Macrobiotic cooking for everyone, Aveline Kushi's cookbook. I am slowly learning how to prepare macrobiotic meals and since I feel less lethargic and fatigued and more energetic. I am very happy with mb.
However, I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C several years ago and just before being introduced to mb a few months ago I started to see a specialist to consider interferon/ribavarin treatment. my blood tests, ultrasound and liver biopsi (done only a few weeks ago) confirmed that I have serious fibrosis bordering on cirrohsis of the liver. My specialist is recommending that I start the inteferon treatment within the next 12 months and says that I have a 50% chance of clearing it.
I am faced with a difficult situation of deciding what to do - going with the conventional treatment with its serious side effects or do give macrobiotics a chance to improve or reverse my condition.
I would be interested to know from other more experienced macrobiotic members whether the 2 can go together, whether doing the conventional treatment will negate my efforts to live macrobiotically, and whether I would be taking too many medical risks if I did not do the conventional treatment at this stage and continue to follow the macrobiotic approach?
My specialist keeps telling me that there is no scientific evidence for any natural or alternative methods of curing hep C. I am a bit at a lost and at an important crossroad. I appreciate any input or suggestions. I look forward to continue to learn about macrobiotics through this forum.
many thanks
Noel