Many liken HIV treatments to chemotherapy treatments that cancer patients endure. Among other symptoms, the powerful anti-HIV cocktails can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, abdominal distress and diarrhea. Fisher contracted the virus from her husband, who has since died. Fisher said she feels much better since taking herself off of the drug regimen six weeks ago. I live every day as it comes.
Most doctors advise their patients to stick with the drug treatments, despite the side effects.
Fisher is a single mother of two boys They concede, however, that they final say belongs to the patient. Fisher credits her drug regimen with helping her live longer, but has no regrets about ending her regimen. Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen contributed to this report. Recommended treatments for children with HIV Centers for disiase control and prevention External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive. All Rights Reserved.