Welcome to the First 2020 Issue of The CLL Society Tribune
Dear Friends and Supporters of the CLL Society,
In these days of COVID-19 it is helpful to remain calm and remember that this, too, shall pass. Directing awareness towards “the helpers” in our CLL journey is a good place to focus attention and will position us in good stead.
Dr. Koffman’s “Did You Know? Coronavirus Edition” in this issue of the CLL Tribune offers a handful of basic information currently known about COVID-19.
Deb Kirkland alerts us to “Patient navigators” who can significantly shortcut patients’ access to beneficial services.
Writer Joe A. meticulously charts his own health history and doesn’t wait for “medical records” to make the introduction to or inform his new HCP. Will you emulate this?
Pharmacist Tom Henry gives a thorough run-through on acalabrutinib (Calquence®).
Dr. Chaitra Ujjani will investigate “fixed duration” therapy in her upcoming Veneto-Stop clinical trial.
Our ever-popular “Ask the Experts” columns bring answers to your questions.
We would like to thank Therese Conlin for helping us proof-read these articles.
During COVID-19 we newly appreciate the enduring value of the lessons we learned in Kindergarten: Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, give others space.
If you or a loved one has been helped by the CLL Society, please consider making a donation.
Thank you and be well!
Patty Koffman
Living Well With CLL
How I Got CLL and wound up in Chicago
By By David Lefkowitz – Patient
A personal story of coming to the end of “watch & wait” and navigating the expanding universe of treatment options. … Read more
We have come so far in treating CLL and still the final questions remain unchanged
By Brian Koffman – Patient
Dr. Koffman introduces this New York Times story set in 2003 when there were no treatment options for CLL. … Read more
Preparations for Doctor Appointments
By Joe A. – Patient
It is important to be organized to ensure that your doctors have the best record of your medical history. Here is the way I prepare for my medical visits. … Read more
Ask & Tell
Reader Poll Results: Your BIGGEST Wish
During October through December 2019, the CLL Society conducted a poll among readers of The CLL Society Tribune asking about their BIGGEST Wish as we looked toward 2020 and beyond. … See the results!
Our Next Survey: COVID-19
COVID-19 is the big news. We have a 3-question survey about how it is effecting the CLL community. … Read more!
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CLL Tribune is looking for your contribution including articles, storytelling, poems, drawings, or other creative mediums. Please share!
Email support@cllsociety.org with your interest!
Did You Know?
The Basics
The Evolving Role of the Patient Navigator
By Deb Kirkland, RN, BSN, MPH, CN-BN
Learn more about the important role of the patient navigator and how you can get involved in patient advocacy. … Read more
Beyond The Basics
Things to Know About Acalabrutinib
By Thomas E Henry III, MBA, RPh, CPh
Learn more about this breakthrough in the treatment of CLL. … Read more
Conference Coverage
ASH 2019: Dr. Chaitra Ujjani on the Veneto-STOP Study
By Brian Koffman, MD
At the ASH 2019 meeting, in Orlando, Florida in December, we discussed the important Veneto-STOP trial that examines the best time to stop venetoclax when treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia. … Watch The Interview
Ask The Doctor
Questions submitted by readers and answered by our CLL Society experts
By Richard Furman, MD
Dr. Richard Furman of Weill-Cornell Medical College answers readers’ questions submitted to the CLL Society…Read more
Ask The Pharmacist
Questions submitted by readers and answered by our CLL Society experts
By Thomas E Henry III, MBA, RPh, CPh
Thomas E Henry III, MBA, RPh, CPh from Burlington Consulting Associates answers readers’ pharmacy questions submitted to the CLL Society…Read more
Ask The Lab Scientist
Questions submitted by readers and answered by experts in the field
By Susan J. Leclair, PhD, CLS (NCA)
Susan J. Leclair from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth answers readers’ lab scientist questions submitted to the CLL Society…Read more
Ask the Hospice/Palliative Care Doctor
Questions submitted by readers and answered by experts in the field
By Ed Ratner, MD
Dr. Ratner at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center answers readers’ hospice/palliative care questions submitted to the CLL Society…Read more
The CLL Society Tribune is made possible in part by grant support from AbbVie, Genentech, and Astra Zeneca
DISCLAIMER
The CLL Society does not provide medical advice or endorsements. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all content in the CLL Tribune is the opinion or information of its author, not the CLL Society. This newsletter is for reference and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any of the materials. Always contact your own doctor or other professional healthcare provider if you have any questions concerning your or your family’s health. Everyone’s circumstances are different.