September
2002
Dr. Robert Gish -- Sep 18

In addition to consulting with thousands of hepatitis C patients, Dr. Gish has, for the last decade, been at the forefront of research on therapies to counter hepatitis C and has co-authored The Hepatitis C Help Book.

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

October 16 -- Denise Green, Scheuring Plough
November 20 -- To Be Announced
December 18 -- Potluck Dinner
January 15 -- Evonne Faucher, Schering Oncology Biotech
Quarterly Business Meeting -- 5:30 p.m. September 18

Immediately prior to our September meeting, the volunteers of I Will Survive will meet to conduct their quarterly business meeting. All are welcome -- especially if you are willing to become a more active volunteer.
More News
Our Meetings: Our Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of every month; at SCC (Sutter Cancer Center) classrooms 3&4 , 2800 L St (kitty corner across from the 2-story parking structure at 28th & L St. and 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 July/August 2002 Hep C Connections:
...Colorado is the 10th state to include hepatitis C coverage under their Workman's Compensation.
...Phase II trials of Heptazyme monotherapy have been suspended.
...VIRAHEP-C is a multi-center phase III trial testing why African-Americans with chronic HCV respond less well to antiu-viral therapy than Caucasians.
...The Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program (HCCAP) announces a patient-oriented manual including information about a number of different approaches to chronic HCV treatment. Hepatitis C: Choices can be accessed at www.hepcchallenge.org

From the September 2002 HCV Advocate:
...Skin disorders are fairly common among HCV patients. Those who consult a dermatologist, should be sure to mention their HCV. And those who have a skin problem are encouraged not to dismiss it. "The skin is the largest organ...and it is the first line of defense in the immune system".
...The HALT-C and COPILOT studies have been designed for those patients who have not achieved a sustained viral response (SVR) after 12 at least weeks of any treatment including interferon. These studies will test the results of the small 1999 study by Shiffman and others that reported "maintenance interferon may prevent histological progression of chronic HCV in patients who remain viremic". The new AEGIS study will focus on "interferon-gamma in reducing fibrosis in people with chronic HCV who are at risk of developing complications of advanced liver disease".
..."Adherence to therapy has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on treatment outcomes"...and HCV patients are "...infamous for being extremely unreliable" (about taking their medication).
...The referenced publication provides an extensive list of symptoms of depression. "...Depression can sap the energy needed to keep focused on the necessary task of staying healthy...Depression can be treated in addition to whatever other illnesses a person might have, including HCV". The article can be accessed at www.hcvadvocate.org
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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