Dear Silicone Survivors and Friends:

I am just about to celebrate (??) my sixth anniversary of involvement with the silicone implant issue. It has been six very long years. I have learned a great deal (most of which I sometimes wish I had never heard of) and have met and spoken with a tremendous number of women (over 20,000). I have met some of the greatest women in the world. I have used the many skills that I learned (I am a social worker with a master's degree) and learned new ones. I have tried to be a peace-maker and a unifying force within this movement (and have partially succeeded). Most of all, helping others has been a tremendous catharsis for my own illness (at one point my doctors didn't think I would live). I thank all of you who have helped me, even as I may have been helping you. We are truly in this together, sisters (and brothers) in silicone!

In my latest test results, my MGUS test showed abnormal positive bands. MGUS is a marker for monoclonal gammopathy, which can be a precursor to multiple myeloma. As some of you know, many of the women are showing up with this result, especially if they had long-term leakage or massive ruptures. Check the FDA announcement later in our newsletter for a study on this illness.

If you have called and I have not returned your call, please call back. Occasionally I lose a message, either in my stack of notes or on my message service. I am out of town often, so if I do not call back immediately, please understand. Sometimes I am gone for 1-2 weeks and I have a tremendous workload when I return.

I would like to give a special thanks for all those women and groups that are now doing newsletters. These newsletters help all women and their families (also men who suffer from silicone). There are some that are especially informative. I am so glad that all of us are working together to help each other instead of seeing this as a competition. We all receive different information, and, by sharing it and spreading the word, we are truly helping those who need the help the most. Congratulations, newsletter editors!!!

From British Columbia, Canada we have received word that one of our members has died of progressive lung disease. The scarring finally caused her lungs to deteriorate so much that she couldn't breathe. We send our regrets to Rickie's husband, Glenn McAndrew. Glenn has been involved with this movement for years.

Our internet and newsletter address is: http://www.siliconesurvivors.net
Email the editor at: coss@siliconesurvivors.net
E-Mail subscription information to: coss@siliconesurvivors.net

On May 6th, I received a packet designated for journalists. It was sent by Dow Corning. It contained Wall Street Journal newspaper reports favorable to Dow (but not the responses by attorneys, doctors, etc.). It contained some factual information on the way trials are going (which was only a little slanted, since they obviously counted their loss in Oregon, and the subsequent retrial granted, as a win for themselves), which is mostly correct. It shows a trend toward defendant wins in general, which certainly has been the case. Since 1984, the plaintiffs (silicone victims) have won 36% of the rulings and the defendants have won 64%. They win two for every one we win. They also counted trials with multiple claimants as multiple rulings, which would slant the statistics but which really gives an accurate account of the number of actual women whose trials have been won or lost. They did not show out of court settlements (and there have been many) and mistrials. In this mailing, they included a bunch of statements from so-called experts who have taken a stand in favor of implants but none of the valid research which has been done or comments which have been made by our experts. All in all, it is a blatant attempt to influence the media as to the safety of implants. Maybe we should refer the media to the MS Magazine article March/April, 1996 or send them a copy of PR Watch (see later note).

The Dow Boycott Demonstration Midland, MI went very well. I am sorry that more of you could not participate. It was a true victory for all women (and men) who have had silicone implantable devices. We were joined by the Michigan Vietnam Veterans (agent orange/dioxin) and Greenpeace (dioxin) and we held a great press conference and an equally smooth demonstration. We were all working together and no one person was trying to control the meetings. A huge congratulations to Suzy Cunningham and her supporters for her great efforts in putting this together. We also had speakers from not only our silicone survivors but these two other groups that addressed the share-holders in their annual meeting. The best speech was given by Marlene Keeling of Houston! We all felt the power!

Next year is the 100th anniversary of this chemical giant. I hope that more of you will buy at least one share of Dow Chemical stock and attend the next meeting. We need more of you to keep the momentum rolling. It was the first meeting ever where the share-holders ever had so many speakers attacking their products. If we double this effort next time, they will finally have to settle with us just to get rid of us! Think about it. We need all of you to get involved!

National Breast Implant Task Force Meeting, Houston, May 17-19. A lot of good things happened at this meeting. There were a lot of discussions of image, bad feelings, politics, and also on what has been done and what will be done in the future. If you have not contacted the task force to join or to offer your skills to help, please do. If you have joined and left, please come back. We need you. Issues of power, communication, loyalty, and direction were taken up by all present. I found it constructive and I found the leaders to be receptive. To join, contact Janice Ferriell @ (407) 791-2625. The next meeting of the task force will probably be in late August in Memphis in conjunction with the medical conference (see events section for details) that will be held there the 23rd-25th. If not, a decision will soon be made (vote of all members) on a location and it would then be held around September 10th.

The AWARENESS Conference was held in Nashville, Tennessee on May 25th. Approximately 140 attended and found the information to be very helpful. Cheryl and Linda and all their wonderful helpers did a wonderful job in putting this all together. A special thanks to all the doctors who gave so generously of their time & energy and paid their own expenses to come and present.

Backlash: Since our medical conference and women's forum in Australia, there has been a backlash from the plastic surgeons and the manufacturers. There was a recent television show that really blasted those who went there to present. They are telling everyone that our doctors have been discredited, that they are being investigated (even by the FBI as they stated about Dr. Patten), that they are over-charging the patients (which is probably true in some cases, but I wonder what they are paying the attorneys and the PR firms), and that the evidence of tissues containing silicone is incorrect. A Dr. Hannes Vogal at Baylor College apparently totally contradicted Britta's evidence of silicone in tissues. These type of tactics have occurred here as well, but the sheer volume of evidence has overwhelmed these guerrilla tactics. We need to help our sisters Down Under to do the same. If you have ideas about helping, please contact me. I have recommended that they use the March-April issue of MS Magazine and the latest PR Watch article as ammunition. The doctors involved in the Australian conferences may wish to also respond to the information in the telecast.

Can You Help? We need women to write to newspapers and magazines to tell their stories about illnesses from saline-filled, silicone implants. The media blitz from the manufacturers is on and women are being duped by it. An organized effort by women who have had saline implants to inform the media and the FDA is needed.

UPCOMING EVENTS: The National Fibromyalgia Research Association will hold a conference September 6-8th in Portland, Oregon @ 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Cost is $160 each person or $150 per person in a group of persons registering. Cancellations prior to August 31 will be charged a $25 processing fee. Send registrations to Oregon Fibromyalgia Foundation, 1221 SW Yamhill, Suite 303, Portland, OR 97205. For information, phone (503) 228-3217, Fax (503) 273-8778. Visa/MC accepted.

There will be a medical conference in Memphis, TN on August 23-25. Women may attend for a very low price. There will also be a session one evening just for the women to ask questions and speak with the doctors and perhaps have some presentations. There will probably be no charge for this evening. This conference will be held at the Peabody Hotel. AMA accreditation for doctors and nurses will be available. More information next month.

There will be a conference presented by United Silicone Survivors of MO in St. Louis, MO on Saturday, September 21st. Watch for more information on this one. If you make your plans now for airline tickets, you can probably save $$. Most people do not know that the airlines often have one day, unannounced sales that offer lower fares, so you have to keep in constant contact with your travel agent to find these fabulous bargains. I found great prices to both Dallas and Houston this way. I have my travel agent check every day when I am looking for a great price to a certain city. I didn't manage to find one to Midland, MI, but I did for all my other trips in May.

The Breast Implant Line of Canada will hold its second National Conference on October 25-27th at the Sutton Place Hotel, 955 Bay Street, in Toronto, Canada. Confirmed speakers: Dr. Pierre Blais, Dr. Steven Edworthy, Michael Eizenga (atty.), Dr. Lu-Jean Feng, Dr. Robert Guidoin, Dr. Eric Holowaty, Dr. Britta Ostermeyer, Dr. Saul Puszkin, and Dr. Aristo Vojdani. There are other speakers who may be presenting that are yet to confirm. There will be more information later about how to register, but plan now to be in Toronto in October. The leaves will be beautiful and the weather is quite nice in this part of Canada this time of year. Niagara Falls is very close and is beautiful in the Autumn.

LEGAL INFORMATION: President Clinton vetoed the Product Liability Bill. Congress attempted to override it and failed. However, do not become complacent. A Biomaterials bill has been introduced and they are attempting to let manufacturers of raw materials off the hook. We must continue to fight or they will succeed. I hope that you are all registered to vote, and, whether you are Republican of Democrat, we must get rid of Newt Gingrich's bunch before they destroy our ability to receive restitution for injuries we have received at the hands of these unethical manufacturers. Only by fighting them will we keep the right to hold people responsible for poisoning us and our planet.

The latest message from the Claims Office states that the first group of status letters will be mailed beginning May 31st (of this year!!). Within two weeks of that date those women will receive their advance fee and any explantation fee they are due. A question and answer brochure will also arrive that will address many issues and provide information on future payments that may be due to claimants. In addition, this brochure will contain information on a recent settlement between over 100 health care providers and insurers that will protect women against some of the claims that would have been subrogated from their settlement funds. Not all claims may be protected, so each case will be different. A New order signed by Judge Pointer has relaxed some of the requirements for claimants so that many more current claimants will now be eligible for a settlement. These claims will be delayed a few weeks because of this new court order.

Notifications will not immediately be sent to post 8/84 McGhan claimants. These status letters will be send separately and will have their own individually developed question and answer brochure. This will not delay payment of a settlement to these claimants because they were not entitled (under this settlement) to advance payments or explantation funds.

Please do not call the Claims Office to inquire about status letters or claims. Some files will need further review before status letters can be sent. If you sent the proof of manufacturer form before April 1, 1996 and you do not hear from the Claims Office by July 1, 1996, please contact them at (800) 600-0311.

Mentor Claimants: We understand that the Claims Office must process all claims to determine the exact number of Mentor Claimants before any settlement can be paid. This will take at least until late Summer. The funds are there and we understand that interest is accruing. At last estimate, 3% of the claimants were Mentor, and, if the amount, $25.8 million (with interest since September 1993?), as we have heard (but you know about rumors), then 3000 women (3% of 90,000?), if all 90,000 qualify for payments), would average close to $10,000 each. Of course, there are still categories in the Mentor settlement, so those claimants with A or B categories would receive more in a settlement than those with C category, unless something changes. That means that those in the C category would be lucky to receive $5,000 (who is surprised?). The court is working on a distribution formula. Each woman's attorney would receive a percentage.

From Silicone News & Views: The British Parliament will hear the issue of the safety of breast implants. The Secretary of Health in the United Kingdom will conduct an investigation and hearing into the safety of silicone breast implants (how about soy bean and saline?). This organization is the equivalent of our FDA. Perhaps we can offer assistance to our friends in the United Kingdom to help educate these politicians.

Remember, those who have not joined the new, revised settlements can still join. You will not have opt-out rights and you will be considered a late registrant, but you can still be part of it. Call the claims office at (800) 600-0311 and register by December 16th. Remember, also, that you must have proof of a rupture to the Claims Office by December 16, 1996 if you are participating in these revised settlements.

As many of you know, it has been downright difficult, if not almost impossible, to win cases against the three settling manufacturers (Baxter for Heyer-Schulte, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, and 3-M). Saul Liccardo has had two mistrials in his case in San Francisco and the judge (on April 30th) has now cleared Baxter of any liability in this case. This decision will be appealed. Baxter states that it intends to recover its legal costs for the two trials. Baxter is particularly difficult because this company is claiming that it did not actually manufacturer any implants. They acquired the liability when they bought out American Hospital Supply Corporation. However, American Hospital Supply Corporation acquired Baxter prior to this, and Baxter did make implants. This same problem occurs with Bristol-Myers-Squibb as they acquired the liability of Surgitek. It has been equally difficult to win cases against 3-M. Attorneys are racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars in court costs and are having to pay these expenses. Now some may be faced with paying the other side's expenses as well. I guess that tells us why they are unwilling to take on any more cases and also why most want their women clients in the revised settlements. They are, however, settling some cases out of court, so, if you are Ms., Miss, or Mrs. Clean and you have nothing in your past medical history or past life that they can use against you, and you have a perfect or almost perfect case, you may still come out way ahead to opt-out. If you have a really good case on causation and do have some problems that may cause difficulty, discuss this openly with your attorney before making the decision as your attorney will probably be able to give you a clearer picture of your chances of settling vs. being taken into court. While we all know that these settlement proposals are not justice, it is probably a reality that many will have to face. I surely wish that we could have true justice in our society, but that seldom happens. Perhaps the fact that we know we are right will ultimately help, but that does not pay the immense doctor bills, both past and future and it surely does not compensate us for physical and mental pain and suffering.

What is happening with some law firms is that the manufacturers are coming in and stating that they will settle 4 of 5 cases, but they want to take that fifth case to court. It is, unfortunately, the weakest case and it is one they think they can win. In effect, this one woman's case is being thrown to the wolves in order to settle the others. The attorneys know that they will receive enough from the other four cases so that they can afford to try the one. There are a few attorneys who will not allow this to happen. They state, up front, that if we settle one case, we settle all of them. They work with the defense attorneys to find the insurance funds (from the manufacturers) to settle the cases. This strategy protects all the women with a particular manufacturer. Only attorneys that the manufacturers are afraid to take to court can pull this one off, so you need to have an attorney that they fear.

MEDICAL INFORMATION: An Important Announcement from the FDA: The FDA is seeking referral of patients who have developed monoclonal gammopathy or myeloma after silicone implants or injections: The Laboratory of Molecular Immunology of the Food and Drug Administration invites referral of patients for a study of the possible relationship between silicone implants or injections and monoclonal gammopathy or myeloma. We are studying subjects who received any type of silicone implant and later were diagnosed as having monoclonal gammopathy or multiple myeloma. We are also recruiting, as controls, individuals with monoclonal gammopathy or myeloma without silicone implants, as well as those with implants who are well and have no evidence of disease. Enrollment consists of completion of a questionnaire and donation of a blood sample. The FDA is seeking referral of normal volunteers with silicone implants and patients who have developed myositis or scleroderma after silicone implants or injections. The Molecular Immunology Laboratory of the Food and Drug Administration invites referral of patients for a study of the possible relationship between silicone implants or injections and certain connective tissue diseases. We are specifically studying patients who have received any type of silicone implants or injections and later were diagnosed as having polymyositis, dermatomyositis or scleroderma (systemic sclerosis). We are also recruiting, as controls, individuals with silicone implants or injections who are well and have no physical or laboratory evidence of an autoimmune or connective tissue disease. Participation in the study consists of completing a confidential short questionnaire and the collection of a blood sample which can be arranged through a local physician.

For further information of both of these studies, please contact: Frederick W. Miller, M.D., Ph.D., Molecular Immunology Laboratory, CBER, FDA, Building 29, Room 507, Bethesda, MD 20892. Phone (301) 496-6913, Fax (301) 496-7027, E-Mail: millerf@A1.cber.fda.gov

Aluminum Toxicity: Aluminum is a light metal, not a heavy metal. It is everywhere, in our water, air, and soil and is present in our foods. We consume, on the average, between three and ten mg. per day. Aluminum is absorbed and does accumulate in the body. Aluminum is a popular metal that is used in cookware, cooking utensils, and aluminum foil (to avoid this problem, use iron, glass, or stainless steel cookware). Antacids (Mylanta, Maalox, Gelusil, Amphojel, etc.) contain aluminum and are the most common cause of aluminum toxicity. Many painkillers contain aluminum, including Ascriptin, Arthritis Pain Formula, Bufferin, and Vanquish. Massengil and Summer's Eve, douche preparations, contain aluminum. Most baking powders (except Rumford) contain aluminum. In some areas, the drinking water contains a large amount of aluminum. Aluminum is used in food processing, especially pickles and relishes, but also in antiperspirants, deodorants, beer (in aluminum cans), bleached flour, table salt, tobacco smoke, cream of tartar, Parmesan and grated cheeses, other cheeses (especially those that melt quickly), aluminum salts, douches, and canned goods. Fast foods, which include processed cheeses, have a high aluminum content. Aluminum gives cheese the ability to melt so nicely.

Symptoms: Colic, rickets, gastrointestinal disturbances, poor calcium metabolism, extreme nervousness, anemia, headache, decreased liver and kidney function, forgetfulness, speech disturbances, memory loss, softening of the bones, and weak, aching muscles. Symptoms resemble Alzheimer's Disease, and, in fact, some persons with Alzheimer's have shown high levels of aluminum toxicity (autopsies showed 4 times the normal level in nerve cells in the brain). An accumulation of aluminum salts in the brain has been implicated in seizures and reduced mental faculties.

Aluminum is excreted by the kidneys and toxic amounts impair kidney function. Extreme toxicity can lead to dizziness, impaired coordination, and losses of balance and energy. This may be from an accumulation of aluminum in the brain.

To avoid aluminum in foods and deodorants or antiperspirants, avoid products containing aluminum, aluminum salts, bentonite, or dihydroxyaluminum. Don't cook with or use aluminum utensils or aluminum foil. Foods cooked in aluminum produce a chloride poison, neutralize the digestive juices, and produce acidosis and ulcers. The aluminum not needed by the body is deposited in the brain and nervous system tissues and will accumulate. There is no known benefit for aluminum salts in the body. They are soluble in water and easily assimilated in our bodies. To help rid your system of aluminum, make sure your diet is high in fiber and apple pectin. If you use Chelation Therapy to rid the body of aluminum, use only oral chelating agents. Aluminum cannot be chelated from the body but it can be displaced or moved.

Most of this information is from Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Balch and Balch.

I mention aluminum toxicity since my initial blood tests (1992-3) showed high levels of aluminum in my hair and blood. Aluminum apparently was one of the catalysts utilized by some companies in manufacturing silicone-filled breast implants.

LABS: I repeated all my lab tests this month. I hadn't done them for over two years (I was afraid to see the results after last time), and I was confident that I would show some improvement. I believe that we should do these every few years to see how much improvement our blood work shows. I found that some tests have improved (especially neurological) and that some have worsened (Autoimmune, including, MGUS, NK Activity, T & B Cell Activity). Overall, my physical health has seemed to improve somewhat, even with these abnormal results.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: Update on DHEA.

The newest protocol calls for lower dosing and taking this hormone three times a day instead of once. The book Dhea And Aging outlines these recommendations. Sublingual (under the tongue) administration works as well as oral tablets and sublingual allows for greater elevation in the blood. Aging produces a decline in insulin growth factor (IGF), and DHEA has been found to significantly increase this. An IGF decrease contributes to the loss of lean body mass as well as to excess fat accumulation, neurological impairment and age-related immune system dysfunction. Clinical studies show that DHEA improves mood, memory and EEG readings and may protect against neuro-degenerative diseases. DHEA sensitizes GABA (gamma-amino-butryic-acid) and may counteract the effects of aging in neurons which improves memory. Declining DHEA in the brain may contribute to brain aging. Low DHEA levels may predispose persons to Alzheimer's Disease. DHEA, in the proper levels, helps inhibit cancer in the colon, lung, breast and skin. For women with estrogen-receptor cancers, melatonin should be taken along with soy isoflavones, otherwise they should avoid taking DHEA. Antioxidants should be taken after each dose (all persons). Persons with liver disease should take DHEA sublingually. Men over 40 who take DHEA should also take 320 mg. of saw palmetto extract or another 5-alpha re-educates inhibitor (to avoid prostate cancer problems). DHEA should not be taken by men with prostate cancer, so this condition should be ruled out before beginning on this product.

Women should take 15 mg. of DHEA three times a day. Men should take 25 mg. three times a day. DHEA is metabolized in the body within eight hours, so it is better to take smaller doses more frequently. A DHEA blood test should be taken within 6 weeks after beginning to determine blood serum levels. DHEA comes in bottles containing 100-25 mg. capsules and can be purchased from The Life Extension Buyer's Club (800) 841-5433. Address is: Life Extension Foundation, P.O. Box 229120, Hollywood, FL 33022-9120. Retail price $30 per bottle (at least one month's supply). If you become a member ($75.00 per year, tax-deductible U.S., $82 Canada, $95 Overseas, all in U.S. dollars), you can purchase it for $22.50 a bottle. AMEX, Visa, MC, and Discover accepted. Specific instructions and contraindications will be included. Members receive several books also. A new formulation of 15 mg. tablets in underway and should be available soon. You must have a doctor who will test you for DHEA serum levels, as this must be done at least once a year. Any doctor can order these tests. They are not necessarily cheap. If you want a reduced rate on DHEA blood tests, send a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) with $.78 postage for information to: Dr. Emil Schandl, P.O. Box 1134, Dania, FL 33004. One woman in her forties called me recently and reported that her blood level of DHEA was that of an 80 year old woman.

Melatonin--new and improved! Natural Sleep Melatonin releases melatonin more gradually, as your younger brain did. Your pineal gland secretes this substance for about 5 hours in order to have it in your blood stream for long enough to help with a full night's sleep. This new Melatonin has two delivery systems that simulates the natural pattern. This product is the identical formula used in the research studies. Each capsule also contains pyridoxal-5-phosphate, a high cost non-stimulating form of B6 which helps convert the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin (this contributes to the ability to sleep). B-12 is also included, which can normalize circadian rhythms. This helps with sleep. Chromium picolinate and Chromium polynicotinate are also in this formula to reduce the serum glucose levels that can inhibit the ability to sleep. Niacinamide ascorbate, magnesium, calcium, and inositol are also included to help induce relaxation. To obtain this product, call (800) 544-4440. This company is in Ontario, Canada.

Valerian is dangerous if taken on a routine basis. Occasionally it is OK, but not taken daily or several times a week. There are some other herbs, such as ephedra, that are also dangerous.

Water! We need it everyday. How safe is it? What types are there are what type should we be drinking? How much should we be drinking per day? What about bacterial or other contaminants?

Our bodies are about 70% water. Almost every bodily process utilizes water. These include digestion, circulation, absorption and excretion. Nutrients are send throughout the body by way of utilization of water. Water aids in all building functions of the body. It helps us maintain a normal body temperature. We lose water daily through sweating, through dehydration and through elimination. If the body is to function properly, we must drink at least eight glasses of good water each day. We can survive without food for weeks, but we cannot survive more than five days without water. One of the most common side-effects of dehydration is fatigue. Millions of us walk around with chronic dehydration because we fail to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Coffee and sodas, etc., do not count. It must be water, and preferably, pure water. What should we know about the types of water? I will try to delineate a few things. This is not a comprehensive list of everything one should know about the precious fluid that keeps us alive. Water can be soft or hard, mineralized or demineralized, filtered, fluoridated, chlorinated, steam-distilled, from springs or city water supplies, analyzed or not, pure or polluted, etc.

Hard water contains calcium and magnesium. Soap won't lather and a sediment film is deposited on hair, clothing, dishes, inside water pipes, etc. Deaths from heart disease are fewer in areas with hard water, but many experts believe that the calcium found in hard water is not good for the heart, arteries, or bones. This calcium is deposited on the outside of these bodily structures while other calcium is utilized within the structures and is more beneficial. Soft water may be natural or treated. Generally it is treated by sodium to remove the calcium and magnesium. Treated water is more likely to dissolve the lining of pipes, and, if lead pipers were utilized, this could be dangerous. Plastic and galvanized pipes contain cadmium, and this is poses another toxic threat if the lining of the pipes is damaged. Today's pipes are mainly copper, but copper pipes can break down and release dangerous levels of copper, iron, zinc and arsenic when soft water (treated) runs through them.

Demineralized (deionized) water has had the electric charge neutralized by either removing or adding electrons. This process removes nitrates, calcium, magnesium, cadmium, barium, lead, and some of the forms of radium from water.

There are many methods of water filtration. In nature, water is filtered by running through streams, over rocks, and through the ground. Bacteria clings to the rocks and is replaced in the water by minerals found in the rocks. Filters that have been created to clean water include processes such as distillation, granular activated carbon process and reverse osmosis. In distillation, the water is turned to steam, leaving behind bacteria, viruses, chemicals, minerals, and other pollutants. The steam is condensed and cooled and becomes distilled water. When consumed, it leaches inorganic minerals that are rejected by the cells and tissues and removes them from the body. The granular activated carbon process utilizes a solid filter (made of some absorbent material) to remove some of the organic contaminants. Chlorine taste is reduced by this method. A good method of filtering water is reverse-osmosis. A semi-permeable membrane filter which strains impurities from the water is used. No filter can prevent bacteria or viruses from passing through so this process is not as thorough as distillation. Each pore of the finest filter allows many germs to come through, so to avoid all germs, steam distillation may be the best choice, especially for those with immune system problems.

Fluoridated water is common in cities, towns and municipalities. Fluoride has been added to drinking water in about 50% of U.S. cities. In some areas, children's teeth improve dramatically when fluoride is added to the drinking water. Some claim that it contributes to Down's Syndrome, mottled teeth and cancer. Opponents of fluoridation maintain that fluorine, the poisonous substance that fluoride is derived from, is toxic and builds up in the body causing harm to the immune system. Proponents argue that fluoride occurs in nature and helps maintain strong teeth and bones. Reverse osmosis and distillation remove fluoride.

Mineral water is from natural springs, mostly in Europe and Canada. In order to qualify as mineral water, it must flow freely from the source. It cannot be pumped or forced from the ground artificially. It contains varying minerals (depending on the source). It depends on whether you have an abundance or a lack of the minerals in each brand whether or not drinking mineral water is good or bad for you. In natural spring water, the mineral content has not been altered and it may or may not have been filtered or treated. Spring water also rises naturally to the surface from reservoirs that are underground. Flavor and/or carbonation may be added.

Tap water is from surface water, which means water that comes from ponds, creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes. Rainwater may wash many pollutants, including chemicals and pesticides, into surface water. Fertilizer, lead from car exhaust, toxins from industry, etc. can all be found in some tap water. Chemicals such as alum, carbon, chlorine, fluorine. lime, phosphates, soda ash and/or sodium aluminates are often added to kill bacteria but may be contributing to cancer problems. Arsenic, asbestos, cadmium and cyanides, also found in tap water, may combine with other chemicals to cause carcinogenic substances. Where you live can dictate just which of these chemicals and substances are found in your water. The taste of tap water can be improved. If you boil water, you can kill the bacteria. You must refrigerate it after boiling it. Keeping water in an uncovered container for several hours will dissipate the chlorine (I do this for water for my plants). Water can be aerated in a blender to remove chlorine and other chemicals. The quality of the water is not improved, just the taste.

My Broomfield City Bulletin just came out with information on the most common contaminants in city water systems. It also discussed other problems, and I will include some of them here. Turbidity (measure of water clarity) is one common problem. It indicates the presence of particles that may interfere with disinfection or is an indication of inadequate filtration.

There are by-products of disinfection that cause problems in city water. These are most commonly caused when chlorine, used to disinfect, combines with small amounts of naturally-occurring organic material such as dissolved plant debris. Water quality may also be affected by synthetic organic chemicals (man-made) such as pesticides, herbicides and PCB's. Industrial solvents, dry cleaning fluids and alcohol are also man-made but are volatile organic chemicals that may contaminate city water supplies. Some water contaminants are carcinogenic.

Coliform bacteria, which are commonly found in the intestinal tract of animals, may also be present in water supplies. We have heard some scares recently where people became ill from city drinking water supplies. This happened in Milwaukee a couple of years ago with the parasite cryptosporidium and it killed more than 200 people. It has been found in about 1/5 of the nation's water supply. Persons with weakened immune systems (like us) may be especially vulnerable. Giardia is another parasite that commonly finds its way into some water supplies. It is rampant in the wild and recent warnings from outdoors groups state that EVERY source of untreated water in the continental U.S. is contaminated with giardia. This parasite was initially spread by beaver to other animals (such as deer) in the Northeast part of the country and made its way across the continent to the rest of the water supply. If all this is true, can you depend on your city, state, or the Federal Government to protect our water supply? I think history has shown us that, while they work very hard to purify water, contaminants, parasites, bacteria, and viruses can slip through and cause serious problems! Recently Republicans in Congress tried to weaken the standards for water safety. We must all be aware that we will only continue to have safe water if we keep alert for this type of danger. When you find politicians out trying to get your vote, remember to tell them how important safe, clean drinking water is to you! Ask them if they support bills that are environmentally sensitive and ask them to provide proof.

Is bottled water the answer? Studies have shown that some bottled water is straight from the tap. Go for a brand you trust, such as Evian, Perrier, etc. Some local sources can be good. Consider equipment to filter your tap water by reverse osmosis or distillation processes. If you purchase bottled water (as I do), know your source.

Water can be analyzed to determine its contents. The EPA recommends that water have a pH balance of between 6.5 and 8.5, however, they do not require this. Because they define pure water as bacteriologically safe water, this gives cities and towns a great deal of leeway in deciding if their water is safe. Often city water treatment plants can provide you information of a city's water analysis. State health departments may also be able to provide some of this information. Remember, they usually do not test for toxic substances. If you have questions about water, you may contact: Water Quality Association, P.O. Box 606, Lisle, IL 60532.

Much of this information is from Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Balch and Balch. Some is from the Broomfield City Bulletin, April, 1996.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE: Support Group Leaders: If you would like some of Dr. Vasey's Book The Silicone Breast Implant Controversy to donate to your libraries or to give to your doctors or to members that cannot afford the $10.00 price (plus $2.00 S&H), please contact me (Lynda). If you will pay the postage, we will send you these books free so that you may donate them. If you wish to purchase some to raise some funds, you may send $5.00 per book (minimum 5 books) and we will send you a supply. You can charge them (MC or Visa, minimum $25.00) by calling 501 C Newsletters @ (303) 499-2765. This is a great way to inform your doctors and the public, so if you want some books, let us know ASAP.

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Once again, the criticism of group leaders is rampant. The latest I have heard is criticism of leaders who charge for newsletters or have items for sale (books, tapes, videotapes, T-Shirts, etc.). I wonder how these people think we pay for postage, literature, printing, group meeting expenses, etc. Are we supposed to front all of this out of our own pockets? Do these people realize just how much it costs to run a group and try to get the information out to women? I realize that most women appreciate the fact that the information is there so they can pick it up without having to search for it themselves, but to those who feel it is not proper to have items for sale or to charge for newsletters and literature, how much of a donation have you given lately to support your group or other groups? What have you done to contribute to help with the expenses? The money does not just appear, you have to make it happen if you wish to help others! Most of us are not independently wealthy! We have the choice of charging for our newsletters and for books, etc., or just not providing the services. Which would you prefer? Why can't we just support each other without criticizing each other's efforts? Personally, I find that I barely break even or come out behind when I travel to conferences and make books and other items available Maybe those who are criticizing can take another look at this and understand the tremendous expense that we have when we try to provide information and support to the women and their loved ones and perhaps they can offer to contribute time and money to help the effort instead of making it harder for all who work so hard to get the information out. If you have a criticism, please direct it to the person that you have a problem with instead of talking behind their backs. It is the only ethical thing to do and you may find that you begin to understand the issues a little better when you are more involved! Remember, those who are criticizing are usually the ones who are not doing or paying anything to help the effort!! Actions speak louder than words!! Remember: Those who can, do! Those who can't, criticize!!

Dr. Britta Ostermeyer is no longer associated with CompreCare Clinics. You may leave her a message at (713) 782-4442 or Fax (713) 782-4494. Send mail to her at: 7575 San Felipe #111, Houston, TX 77063. She is studying very hard to take tests for medical licensure in the U.S. She is licensed in Europe and has worked here with other MD's.

I want to personally thank Dr. Andrew Campbell and his staff for their hospitality in Houston during the Task Force Meeting and in Nashville at the Conference. I especially want to thank them and The Oaks Group for the airline ticket that I won in the drawing in Houston. It is a round trip ticket anywhere in the continental U.S. As much as I travel, it is wonderful to have this free ticket. Now, where should I go??!!

Because you asked, I am once again listing the food supplements I take. I learned what to take by trial and error with the guidance of my Naturopathic Doctor. And again, I am going to delineate that the food supplements that work for me are not necessarily what would work for you as our bodies are all different and we have all reacted differently to silicone disease, so check with your health care provider (holistic). I take: Juice-Plus Enzymes, freeze-dried aloe vera, green tea extract, grape seed antioxidant, Pycnogenol (proanthenols), garlic, boron (3 mg.), dulse, Several Metagenics Products: Fibroplex, Tri-Aminosorb, C-Ultratabs, MG/K Aspartate (magnesium-potassium), Intrinsic B-12 Folate, Osteo-Citrate (calcium-magnesium). Rainbow Light Milk Thistle Plus (liver detox), Evening Primrose Oil (brands differ), Slippery Elm (digestive problems), Flax Seed Oil, Phosphatidyl Choline (brain food), Vitamin E, Chelated Manganese, Colloidal Minerals and Blue-Green Algae. Dosages must be worked out for each individual. What does this cost per month? A lot!! What is my health worth? A lot more!! If I forget to take these (or if I rebel and don't take them) for a few days, I go into heavy fatigue. Within one day of taking them again, I come out of it.

Nordstrom's Dept. Store carries prostheses and we hear that they will sew pockets into your bras and swimsuits.

If you have had TMJ implants or are considering them, and if you have had, are thinking about having, or now have breast implants, you may wish to contact the TMJ Association for their newsletter. For the newsletter, send $20 per year and mail it to TMJ Report, The TMJ Association, Ltd., 6418 W. Washington Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53213. To contact them for support or a local affiliate or support group, write: The TMJ Association, 5815 Gunsight Terrace, Richmond, VA 23237 or contact: Beverly Miller, 6021 Scarlet Leaf Drive, Memphis, TN 38141 (901) 794-6973.

Barbara Burtchaell, 1004 W. 3rd, N. Platte, NE 69101 (308) 532-3926 would like to hear from others with GE Silicone in their implants.

If you are a male with an implant, contact Homer Peterson (wife also had breast implants) at 2476 Bolsover #102, Houston, TX 77005 (713) 668-8582 Fax (713) 529-8411. Homer has had three strokes since 1993 because of a testicular implant that was a result of injuries he suffered in Vietnam.

IMPORTANT: A call to action has been requested by Linda Thompson of Impart, Inc. (Oakland, CA). She requests that we all send copies of the PR Campaign from PR Watch (mentioned in my last newsletter) to any radio station that carries Dr. Dean Edell (we all know him as the uninformed doctor that supports breast implants). This article details the public relations efforts and campaigns that these companies have undertaken to convince the public of the safety of implants. For a copy, send $2 and SASE to COSS (request PR Watch article). Please copy it and mail it to the media (anyone you know who seems empathetic to our cause or is blatantly opposed). Send a brief cover letter, devoid of insults and name-calling, to each with your copy of this report. It really tells the media how they have been duped by the PR campaign.

May issue of Shape Magazine: Article entitled Toxic Legacy? by Sarah Cohen about the breast implant issue. If these magazines that we always mention are no longer on the newsstands, you can find them at any large library and copy them for your personal use.

Collagen Corporation said that it expects to begin clinical trials on Trilucent (triglyceride filled, silicone shell) implants within the next two quarters. It will experiment on 400 patients. This implant is available in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Australia, The Netherlands and Switzerland currently. The company states that the product is radiolucent (allowing mammograms to see tissue beneath the implant) and that the product has a favorable profile compared to existing saline filled and silicone gel implants. (Where have we heard this before?)

Last Fall, at their State Convention (Oct.'95), the Texas National Organization for Women passed this Resolution on Establishment of a Task Force on the Silicone Breast Implant Issue:

Whereas silicone breast implants are the common link among 100,000+ women who have manifested atypical illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, seizures, lupus, cardiac conditions and rare, incurable cancers; and

Whereas the manufacturers' own documents reveal a calculated cover-up campaign of deceit regarding the safety of silicone implants; and

Whereas early research suggests that silicone-induced illnesses may be passed to the children of women with silicone implants; and

Whereas the implantation of silicone breast implants continues today;

Be it therefore resolved that Texas NOW establish a task force on the silicone breast implant issue. The task force shall educate our members and the public on this issue utilizing the Texas NOW Times and other means and establish a liaison with existing groups focusing on this issue.

From Workshop on the Silicone Breast Implant Issue, signed by Ellen Barfield; resolution passed.

The other issue that I feel I must comment on is the rumors again being spread about some of the doctors that have been helping us. I hope that everyone realizes the damage they can do to some woman's case by spreading stories about her expert witnesses. If you are spreading rumors, YOU may cost a silicone sister her case. If you want that on your shoulders, then keep on talking. If not, then keep any rumors and innuendo to yourself. We have enough problems with the silicone issue without this type of problem. It's bad enough when we attack each other, but now we can do serious harm to our cause by attacking our experts. Seriously, what do you have to gain by talking about people behind their backs? Think about it! Does it make you feel more important, better liked, more knowledgeable, more informed, or what? Just what is it doing for you that makes it necessary to continue it?

I have failed to mention the fact that Dow Chemical has been sending out coupons for their products to those who have been sending them the cards that we and other groups have provided. They have claimed that they have never been involved with the manufacture or distribution (including testing) of breast implants. As other groups have suggested, we recommended that you tear this coupons up and either return them to Dow Chemical (with a big NO, THANK YOU!!!) or throw them away. This is our way of letting them know that WE ARE AWARE OF THE GAME they are playing with our lives.

BOOKS: I have just read Betrayed by Gloria Bywalec and Anna Marie Rzeppa. These two women are sisters, and Gloria had saline implants for just 15 months. I met these two sisters at the Midland, MI boycott of the Dow Chemical shareholders meeting. Gloria has a noticeable tremor in her hands, a side effect of her implants. Her health has been severely damaged by these so-called safe devices that are still being implanted by the tens of thousands every month. In addition to Gloria's story, there are short stories by a number of other women. This is a good book and you may well find that someone else has a story similar to yours when you read this. For a copy, contact the authors at: Betrayed, P.O. Box 87203, Canton, MI 48187-0203. The book is $14.95 plus $4.95 S&H.

Breast Implants: 10 DUMB Things People Believe by Ilena Rosenthal is now available. $10.00 (includes S&H) to C.O.S.S.

Releasing Silicone Toxicity, a tape by Diana Keck. Guided meditation & imagery to help the mind and body work together to release silicone and other toxins from your body. Available from COSS for $12.00 which includes postage and handling.

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE: Colloidal minerals? Many are finding great benefits from balancing the minerals that should be in the body but no longer are because our soil and water have been depleted of these essential nutrients. Contact Lynda at COSS for more information. We have the tape Dead Doctors Don't Lie, which is hysterically funny but also makes the point about the lack of essential trace minerals in our diets. I will mail you a copy if you promise to return it within 1 week.

WOMEN SHARE THEIR STORIES: Hello. My name is Linda. I have been crippled since August, 1987. I was eight months pregnant. This was to be my fourth and last child. My doctor thought all of the problems I was having was from my pregnancy.

I have wished so many times that he had been right. Of course I had the tubal ligation (no more children), which was good. I had agreed to this. I have been sick ever since the delivery. I have been completely bedfast. I have been taken care of by my little girl who was seven and one-half when the baby and I came home. I had a woman to come and clean and help as long as I could stretch the family budget, which wasn't too far. I was trying to find a doctor to help me and I was being given different kinds of arthritis medications to try. None helped. The only minor relief I got was from complete bed rest and strong pain pills. This was a new world for me. I had never had to rely on medication before except for a broken ankle or when delivering my babies.

I had become a cripple with a newborn baby, a four year old and a seven year old. I couldn't take care for my family. I was slowly going into a living, wide awake, nightmare.

Is there a real smart doctor or scientists to wants to guess what it was and still is that I have? OK, NO, it wasn't my mind, but it was affected. I have lost a lot of memory. NO, it wasn't arthritis, and NO, MR. DOCTOR IN THE E.R., it wasn't the way my husband was getting on me. See, I didn't have the same problem as your wife. I wish (I think), because I think I could have handled that! Give up? Well, I did too. I thought, Lord, please just let me go to sleep, and when I do, please let me stay asleep. I love my little children so much, but I don't think I can stand to hurt like this tomorrow. Please, if I do wake up, let the doctor give me more than thirty pain pills. Please, Lord!

I can't breathe, it hurts too bad. 1989: Linda, your mammogram is fine. I'll send it to Dr. _____ and we'll see if he can find anything. We'll have an MRI done--more tests, more needles, more doctors. Look, nothing shows up, here are your papers. But, I still need something for pain. Here are 30 more Darvocet--thank you!! Of God, how will I be able to sit up, cook, listen, talk, and laugh with my family. Oh, my little children!

Thank you, God. I love you. A doctor from Texas. Here we go again, please let him not be like the last one. He had so many dollar signs in his eyes he couldn't read my mammogram right, either. So here I sit with the same mammogram that was taken in 1989 and this is February, 1992. He looks at the mammogram and tells me that there is a rupture. In my right breast the rupture was as plain as the breast tissue, a large rupture in what used to be a large implant. The surgery was the first week of March. I'm crying, he was trying to help me, be he didn't know how terribly sick I was. I will always remember his kind hands. The pain was unreal. He couldn't believe I could have such severe pain and neither could I.

The surgery was shocking. I was cut from under my arm to the center of my chest and the nipple was cut out on each breast. The right implant was completely rotten and all that was left was the gel. It was so bad that it fell through his hands while he was trying to get it out. I love you, TWS. You saved my life. I'm not well, but I'm not a living nightmare anymore. I still have some hard times, but I have a wonderful doctor who helps me maintain. I love him, too. I'm not able to work, but I do cook, talk, laugh and am living as normal a life as I can with this body filled with silicone. It's in my blood and I have a connective tissue disease. I still have skin lesions. I miss me, but I'm happy to be here to love a little more and to be loved. Oh, yes. I used to be a productive person. I'm a Cosmetologist/Aesthetician, and I wanted to be a nurse. I hope I can help someone, somehow, still!!!

P.S. I hope that people are listening in Houston (silicone city). Women don't go from having large, beautiful round breasts to a washing-board look just because they get bored. No one wants to give up a good looking pair of breasts if they don't have to. I and others I have known were so DETERMINED about having the mess taken out that we didn't want anything put back in--NOTHING--just what we had left!

I would like to hear from some of the know-it-all doctors and scientists. I'd like to see how your body would run on silicone!

Linda Grindstaff

THIS MONTH'S POEM:

The Untold Truth (Page 191)

by Laurel Czerw

It's Melissa's Story
This page it begins
I read it knowing
There will be no end
With tears in my eyes
Each word I try to see
There are no lies
She seems just like me.

It's Melissa's Story
I know she won't mind
That I share her story
With all of mankind
No more of her pain
Not one of her tears
It won't be in vain
No matter how many years.

It's Melissa's Story
But it's our plight
To all the manufacturers
We're going to fight
Now the line gets longer
As we support each other
And the circle gets stronger
When we join another.

It's Melissa's Story
But it's our pain
All the thousands of women
We know who's to blame
To all the manufacturers
I know you'll be blue
When you're informed
It's our story too!!

PREVIOUS NEWSLETTER INFORMATION:

Previous issues of newsletters are available for $2.00 each U.S., $3.00 Foreign. January 1993 is the first available issue. Please indicate months' desired and enclose $2.00 (US), $3.00 (Foreign) each. Some subjects covered have been: Auto-immune (1/93); Fibromyalgia (2/93); Medical Testing (3/93); Sjogren's (4/93); Vasculitis (4/93); Arthritis (5/93); Chronic Fatigue (6/93); Lupus (7/93); Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Inflammatory Bowel Disease (8/93); Miscellaneous Medical Information (9/93); Insurance (8/93, 9/93); Multiple Sclerosis (10/93); Spasmodic Torticollis (10/93); Hypoglycemia (11/93); Antibodies (12/93); Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (1/94); More Miscellaneous Medical Information (2/94); Scleroderma (3/94); Costochondritis (4/94); Peripheral Neuropathy (4/94); Class Action (5/94); Fungal Infections (6/94); Hypercalcemia (low calcium) (7/94); Raynaud's Phenomenon (8/94); Fibromyalgia Update (9/94); Sarcoidosis (10/94); Free Radicals (11/94); Porphyria (12/94); Interstitial Cystitis (1/95); Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (2/95); Flap Procedures (3/95); Even More Miscellaneous Medical (4/95); Thyroid Disease (5/95); Stress (6/95); Natural Healing (7/95); Adrenal Malfunctions (8/95); Multiple Myeloma (9/95); DHEA (10/95); Chelation Therapy (11/95); Sleep Disorders (12/95); Menieres Disease (1/96); 33 Tips To Improve Your Health (2/96); Amino Acids (3/96); Enzymes (4/96); Minerals (5/96); Legal, including updates on MDL-926 (most issues); & Alternative Medicine (most issues).

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed here are those of the editor and any contributors and are not to be construed as medical or legal advice. Any articles or information submitted may be edited because of space, content or grammatical errors.

COPYRIGHT: Our purpose is to disseminate information and provide support. This material is copyrighted so that wemay retain control over content. You may reproduce this document as long as it is not done for profit and as long as no material, including copyright and subscription information, is changed.

DONATIONS: The Coalition of Silicone Survivors is a not-for-profit,tax-exempt corporation with over 4000 members world wide. Our editor, Lynda Roth, is a survivor having heard the dread word 'cancer' followed by the reassuring 'will look like a normal breast'. In addition to having helped start many support groups, Lynda has appeared before the FDA, congress members, national TV in the US and other countries and lectures internationally. Your donation will definitely help others receive information about the dangers of implants.

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