Welcome to the Third 2016 Issue of The CLL Tribune
Here in the U.S., the autumn leaves are coming—full of crimson, browns, and gold. We’re leaving the warm, sunny days of summer behind. It’s time to get comfy in our warm sweaters and sit by the fire to await the busy holiday seasons of winter.
Well, that’s how most of us might think of the fall season personally, but at the CLL Society fall is going to be a busy time. CLL never sleeps. The research and advances in treatment options keep coming—thankfully for us. We will be writing articles on new CLL therapies and cutting-edge research. We’ll put up CLLsociety.org video interviews with CLL experts from around the globe.
And our Dr. Brian Koffman will be participating in the CLL Horizons 2016 meeting in Belgrade, Serbia in November and attending the American Society of Hematology meeting in December. The CLL Society patient advocates are busy too, speaking to CLL patients and caregivers across the United States, and our CLL Society Support Network group is busy helping support groups get started throughout the country.
So, as you sip your hot tea, on these colder fall days, keep reading, listening, and learning about CLL—because we believe Smart Patients Get Smart Care™. Here’s the CLL Society fall newsletter to get you started.
Reflections on Risking a Safari in Kenya and Tips for Safe Travel to Exotic Places when Fighting CLL
By Brian Koffman, MD and CLL Patient
Was it a good idea to go on a photo safari all over Kenya? The safest, and maybe the smartest course is to stay put…Read more
Standing Up For Your Health
By John Huber, MS – CLL Society Board Member
Several years ago when I was working with people with rare bone marrow failure diseases (aplastic anemia and MDS)…Read more
My Treatment-Naïve Ibrutinib Journey – The First 30 days
By Bob Barton – Patient
As a treatment-naïve CLL patient, I had to make a decision on my imminent treatment…Read more
Could a CLL Clinical Trial Save My Life? What Were the Risks?
By Linda Brandt Myers – Patient
In May 1994, on the eve of my marriage to my husband, Sandy, I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)…Read more
Connect in Person: Join A Local CLL Support Group!
By Barbara Massey – Patient
In March of 2006 my life was good. It seemed like all my ducks were in a nice little row. Then one day…Read more
Basic Guide to the Bone Marrow Report of a Patient with CLL and SLL
By William G. Wierda, MD, PhD
Reviewing and understanding your bone marrow report can be confusing and difficult. This is because there is variability in the testing done for the evaluation…Read more
Why your doctor is always going FISH-ing: The importance of Del 17p and other chromosomal changes
By Michael Choi, MD
It is a tremendous understatement to say that one should not take a “one-size fits all” approach …Read more
View Reader Poll Results & Submit Questions
View the results of the reader poll from our last issue, submit a question you’d like addressed in future newsletters and participate in another brief reader poll… Read more
Questions submitted by readers and answered by the CLL Society Medical Advisory Board
By Richard Furman, MD
Does ibrutinib need to be stopped if a rash develops?…Read more
An Interview from ASCO 2016 with Dr. John Pagel on the Education Session on CLL
By Brian Koffman, MD and John Pagel, MD, PhD
Dr. John Pagel was one of the presenters in an all-star panel on CLL management and controversy at ASCO 2016…Read The Interview
We’d like to thank the supporters of The CLL Tribune:
- AbbVie
- Genentech/Biogen Idec
- Gilead
- Novartis
- Pharmacyclics/Janssen
- Sunesis Pharmaceuticals
- TEVA Pharmaceuticals
- TG Therapeutics
- Verastem
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.