Have you ever wondered what a CLL Expert looking into your medical records might have to say about your specific CLL situation?
The CLL Society Expert Access™ Program gives you an opportunity to have a CLL expert review your medical records and answer your questions using an online, face-to-face, HIPAA-compliant, computer-based video platform.
Qualified applicants need to have a diagnosis of CLL and not be seeing a CLL expert.
Data from these two important papers illustrate a survival advantage for those who are cared for by CLL experts:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3893049/pdf/nihms314603.pdf
and
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924353/pdf/CAM4-5-0971.pdf
Who is a CLL expert? The following characteristics, though not the only criteria, can help point us in the right direction.
Doctors who are CLL experts have practices which are predominantly made up of CLL patients. They often work in clinical environments where CLL is the primary focus of the entire team, with CLL-dedicated staff and services, and have access to a broad range of testing. CLL experts are experienced in interpreting and acting on the results revealed by these specific tests.
Their clinics typically participate in and publish data on CLL clinical trials.
The sheer volume of CLL patients that CLL experts have treated has given them an opportunity to hone a deep familiarity with the many idiosyncrasies of CLL, a disease which can differ markedly from one CLL patient to the next.
In contrast, those hematologists and oncologists who see a broad spectrum of cancers see relatively few CLL patients. This is because CLL is far less common than breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and other cancers that generally comprise such practices.
And lastly, I would like to mention that while attending the top hematology/oncology conferences (such as ASH, ASCO, etc.) CLL experts are likely to attend those sessions where cutting-edge CLL research news is first made available.
Sometimes CLL patients are shy about asking for a 2nd opinion, as they fear their primary hematologist or oncologist might take offense. This is rare. Most physicians want the best for their patients and want their patients to feel secure in their current course of treatment.
Our hope is that if you are seen for a no-cost 2nd opinion in our Expert Access™ Program that it will open the doors of communication wider and broaden the scope of your conversation with your general oncologist or hematologist.
We hope that you will gain greater insight into the course of action you are presently on, and will be better able to evaluate whether you should stay that course, or advocate for something different.
In this week’s featured video, Dr. Nicole Lamanna describes the potential benefits available to patients participating in our Expert Access Program, as well as the satisfaction she derives from being able have this meaningful exchange with CLL patients who are seeking a 2nd opinion.
Stay strong, keep in touch, and apply now! Space is limited.
Wishing you the best of health!
Patty Koffman, Executive Director
CLL Society Inc.