January 2003
Silent Vigil and Unity Rally, Jan. 29, 2003, 12:00pm - 2:00pm.
Patients and hepatitis C advocates from across California will converge on the capital in Sacramento, to voice their concerns about Hepatitis C policies in California. If you would like more information about the rally or would like to submit names to be memorialized at the Vigil, call 1-800-282-1777 or visit www.oasisclinic.org
January 15 --Yvonne Faucher, Schering Oncology Biotech

*SCC Room 220 (note room change)*
An educator for Schering in both both Hepatitis and Oncology, Ms. Faucher is an expert in chronic illness emphasizing interferon treatment and side effect management.. (for location of SCC, see "Our Meetings" below right)

Upcoming Agendas:
Meeting Agenda:
6:30 p.m. (sharp) - Theme Song: I Will Survive
6:35 - 6:45 Announcements
6:45 - 8:15 Yvonne Faucher
8:15 - 8:45 (or earlier) questions/answers 'til we adjourn

February 19 -- Clsrm 3&4 --Jennifer Sadugor from The Yoga Solution
March 19 -- Clsrm 3&4 -- TBA
April 16 -- Rm 220 --TBA
May 21 -- Clsrm 3&4 -- Dr. Wakil
Next Quarterly Business Meeting

March 2003 - Details in the Feburary Issue
More News
Our Meetings: 3rd Wednesdays of every month; at SCC (Sutter Cancer Center, aka: Buhler Bldg) classroom 3&4 or Room 220; 2800 L St (@ 28th & L: kitty corner across from the 2-story parking & across L St. from Sutter Hospital)
Contact Us: Phone number: (916) 444-6996
Our Web Site> www.sacmall.net/transplant/hepc.html
Email: dck@innercite.com (include "I Will Survive" in subject line or your message might be delected before being read).

If you want to be included on our mailing/emailing list and you can afford to include a donation, make it to "I Will Survive, The Effort", P.O. Bx 2180, Loomis, CA 95650 for:
$24 if you want the Newsletter by U.S. mail
$15 if you get the Newsletter from the website (if you wish, each month we'll email a link to you)
$ 0 if, right now, you can't afford to pay dues. In which case "I Will Survive" will mail monthly Newsletters to you. Please contribute to the "Donations" Box at the meetings as you are able.

From the Nov./Dec. 2002 Hepatitis Magazine:
....Referring to the results from the HQLQ (Hepatitis Quality of Life Questionnaire), hepatitis C patients who have been diagnosed have a significantly worse quality of life when compared with persons who are infected by hepatitis C but are not yet diagnosed. The results of 3 studies of patients treated with interferon monotherapy agreed that the quality of life of sustained virological responders (SVR) was at least better than prior to treatment, but did not agree on whether or not SVR restored a normal quality of life.

From the Jan. 2003 HCVAdvocate:
...Because of increased SVR, improved histology (liver health), improved tolerability and convenience and ease of use, A.Franciscus predicts that Pegasys/Copegus will become the next standard of care with this word of caution: "There are still many patients who are going to have to wait for the first non-interferon based drug".
...The National Harm Reduction Conference is the only national conference that focuses on the needs of drug users&Mac247;the population at highest risk for acquiring HCV. As should be expected, much of the information presented there was about HCV. The keynote speaker was Dr. Joycelyn Elders, former Surgeon General during the Clinton administration. She addressed harm reduction, HIV, HCV, needle exchange, overdose, and drug treatment. Dr. Elders views drug use and addiction as a public health issue, not a criminal issue and noted that the prison population increased from ~200,000 in 1985 to ~2,000,000 presently. 60% are in prison for non-violent drug-related crimes. Dr. Elders concluded with these words: "Not to know is bad, not to want to know is worse, not to hope is unthinkable, but not to care is unforgivable."
...Very few prisons offer any type of HCV education. Prisoners frequently learn they are HCV positive only after demanding to see their medical records. Education, free and confidential testing, and medical care for prisoners with hepatitis C are needed.
...Preliminary analysis of a hepatitis training and skills-based model based on harm reduction principles indicate that prisoners can be trained to improve their knowledge about hepatitis and their skills to help prevent transmission.
...Sleep disorders are common among HCV patients. Melatonin has received a great deal of coverage and hype from the media, but its current popular status as a "wonder drug" should be viewed skeptically. Smelling jasmine, and to a lesser extent, lavender, has been recently shown, according to Reuters, to be effective in inducing sleep and reducing the amount of movement of sleeping bodies. The most effective strategy for maximizing energy levels and minimizing sleep related problems is establishing a consistent sleep schedule. Eat, exercise, and drink water reasonably. Tobacco, street drugs, and alcohol are all linked to many sleep disorders and should be avoided. Laughter stimulates the immune system. Spend time doing things that you enjoy, and that give you pleasure. Nothing will help you fall asleep faster than knowing that you have accomplished something with your day, and feeling that you are an active contributor to the community in which you live.

If you have no money or insurance call:
Sacramento Clinical Trials
Schering's Commitment to Care 1-800-521-7157
Infergen's Safety Net Program 1-888-508-8088
Roche's Patient Assistance 1-800-443-6676
Dr. Gish, et al, call: Pacific Hepatology, (916) 443-0503
Dr. Pimstone UCD Med Center, (916) 734-1557
Dr. Rossaro UCD Med Cntr, call: Katherine Suggett (916) 734-8696



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