Welcome to the Third 2018 Issue of The CLL Tribune
From tried-and-true treatments, to novel therapeutics and diagnostics, it’s a winding and often-changing road to travel if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with CLL. Navigating the unique path that is best for you is a balancing act that requires finesse and persistence. That’s why the CLL Society is here – to provide you with information and resources that will help you in your journey. In this issue of the CLL Tribune, you can learn from patients about developing healthy eating habits and tackling advanced care planning. You can also gain insight into managing the cost of CLL care and learn more about the fatigue that is all too common for CLL patients. You can even submit a question that could be answered by a CLL expert in a future issue of the CLL Tribune. And, remember to let your voice be heard by taking our patient/caregiver survey on Thinking About CLL.
Because we’re all in this together.
Janet Morrison

The Impact of Diet
on CLL
From a lifestyle standpoint, nutrition, physical activity, and stress reduction float to the top of core health determinants correlating to the prevention of malignant disease….Read more
Ryan Chappell’s Story: August 2018
In October 2006, I asked my neighbor, a general practitioner, if he could check my cholesterol. It had been a year or two since the last test. He said “Sure, come on by the office”…Read more
Advance Care Planning for Those with CLL/SLL
By Edward Ratner, MD and Amber Koehler, PA-C
Over the past 20 years, great advances have been made in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)…Read more
Are You A Long-Distance Caregiver? Get to Know Your Loved One’s Neighbors
By Claire Wentz
Long-distance caregiving is not easy. When you are a caregiver for a loved one with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, there can be additional challenges. …Read more
Food for thought and for health… Jay’s awesome Macrobiotic CLL adventure!
What does Macrobiotics mean to me as a CLL patient? Macrobiotics literally means “big life, as in taking whatever steps are necessary to maximize health!” You’ll find as many definitions of Macrobiotics as there are macrobiotic healers. In my case the phrases “You are what you eat” and “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” best describe Macrobiotics…Read more
CLL Related Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common chronic lymphocytic leukemia symptoms and at the same time one of the most commonly overlooked and undertreated symptoms… Read more
What is IgVH and why is it important?
DNA within a cell is made up of a ladder of two long strings of many deoxyribose molecules which can look like the two long poles of a ladder…Read more
ASH 2017: Atlanta Professor Michael Hallek on MRD Negativity in CLL
By Brian Koffman, MD
In my interview from the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting in 2017 (ASH 2017), Professor Doctor Hallek shares his enthusiasm about the expanding role of minimal residual disease negativity (MRD-) in managing chronic lymphocytic leukemia….Watch The Interview
Get Ready for Flu Season
By Janet Morrision
When it comes to contagious diseases like the flu, CLL patients are among the most vulnerable to infection and serious complications… Read more
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
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
Questions submitted by readers and answered by our CLL Society experts
Susan J. Leclair from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth answers readers’ lab scientist questions submitted to the CLL Society…Read more
We’d like to thank the supporters of The CLL Tribune:
- AbbVie
- Beigene
- Genentech/Biogen Idec
- Gilead
- Pharmacyclics/Janssen
- Sunesis 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.