May
2001
Got some particular questions you'd like to ask? Got a story you'd like
to tell? Write to or email or phone us -- this is your newsletter.
Support Group Members Interact (No Guest Speaker) -- May 16

We will share our concerns, strengths and ideas.
Meeting Agenda:
6:30 p.m. (sharp) - Theme Song: I Will Survive
6:35 - 6:45 announcements
6:45 - 8:00 give and receive support
8:00 - 8:30 (or earlier) questions/answers 'til we adjourn
Location: SCC Classrm 3 & 4 (see "Our Meetings" below right))
Upcoming Agendas:

June 20 - SCC Classrm 3&4, To Be Announced
July 18 - SCC Classrm 3&4, To Be Announced
Aug 15 - SCC Classrm 3&4, To Be Announced
Sep 19 - SCC Classrm 3&4, To Be Announced
Oct 17 - SCC Classrm 3&4, To Be Announced
Nov 21 - SCC Classrm 3&4, To Be Announced
Our Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of every month at SCC (Sutter Cancer Center), 2800 L St (kitty corner across from the 2-story parking structure that is located at 28th & L Streets which is across 28th Street from Sutter Hospital).
Contact Us: Phone number: (916) 491-4942
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).

* Time to Renew your subscription to I Will Survive. Members who could not contribute last year want to thank those of you whose paid subscriptions made it possible for them to receive our newsletter. Hopefully, some more of you will be able to provide support for 2001.

If you want to be included on our mailing/emailing list and you can afford to include a check, make it to Eve Cragen, Treasurer I Will Survive, 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.
Dec 19 - SCC Classrm 3&4, To Be Announced
More News

The May 01 HCV Advocate reported:
...On March 23, Schering Plough's application for approval of PEG-Intron (peginterferon alfa-2b) and Rebetol (ribavirin) was granted priority review. Therefore, the approval process will be shortened to 6 months instead of the usual one year. On March 28, Schering Plough was granted approval of that combination therapy by the European Commission of the European Union.
...in the April '01 issue of Hepatology is a report that clinical trials show improved effectiveness of Amantadine and interferon versus interferon monotherapy.
...French researchers reported in Clinical Infectious Diseases that the annual death rate from hepatitis C is "very low" in HIV-positive patients.
...Tommy Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently outlined new efforts that will be made to increase the supply of donated organs. The United Network for Organ Sharing reported that from 1990 to 1999, there was slow growth in the number of deceased organ donors compared to a doubling of living organ donors. The number of living liver donors more than doubled from just 1998 (85) to 1999 (218).
...In an article headlined "Techniques of Joint Protection", an OT (Occupational Therapist) observed that rheumatoid arthritis is a condition linked to HCV. The OT recommends "listening" to your body for fatigue and/or discomfort. Avoid positions of joint deformity by using the strongest or largest joint to perform a task. For example, carrying groceries in plastic bags using your fingers may become painful; carrying the bag on your forearm or, even better, over your shoulder will be more healthful. Always turn knobs, keys, jar lids, etc. toward the thumb (the largest joint/muscle); that is open with your left hand and close with your right hand. Avoid staying in one position for long periods of time. Avoid activities that cannot be stopped in order to rest.

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: Leslie Davison, (916) 443-0534
Dr. Pimstone UCD Med Center, (916) 734-1557
Dr. Rossaro UCD Med Cntr, call: Katherine Suggett (916) 734-8696



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