Recent CLL Articles
10 Years Cancer Free. So What?
In cancer parlance, I have been NED—no evidence of disease—for a decade. This month marks 10 years since I cleared my bone marrow of leukemic cells, and without conventional therapy. What does it mean?
All Vaxxed Up and Nowhere to Go: Cancer Patients and the Whole Damn Dilemma
Recent studies show approximately one in four blood cancer patients fail to produce detectable antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination. This is most prevalent in those hosting non-Hodgkin lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but also in those hosting multiple myeloma and other blood cancers.
Financial and COVID Resources for CLL Patients
Learn about new financial assistance and COVID resources for those living with CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and those caring for someone who is.
Chemo-Free Treatment Best Option for CLL Patients Under 70
There is good news in the advancement of chemo-free approaches to managing chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and I am thrilled to share it with you. Results of the phase III ECOG trial found that the combination of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) plus rituximab (Rituxan) came out superior to the chemotherapy and immunotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy) grouping of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab, known as FCR.
Announcing CLL Society Expert Access™
I recently learned about a new pilot program from my friends at the CLL Society called CLL Society Expert Access™. This important pilot program coordinates free second opinions with CLL experts for CLL patients who have not had or have not been able to secure such access.
Dialing Back the Fear of Cancer
In addition to healthy lifestyle activities, a powerful response to counter the fear of cancer recurrence is to be grateful, mindful, hopeful, and present—and apply the emotional intelligence to ‘respond’, but not ‘react’, to the negative words or actions of others. The key is to recognize but filter out negative thoughts—your own, and those thoughts and comments of others.
When Alternative Cancer Care Kills
Whether patients refuse standard conventional cancer treatment or opt for other modes and methods of ‘cure’ and healing, the fact remains that their exposure to content that is poorly sourced and ill-informed (at best), or maliciously crafted and disseminated (at worst), impedes intelligent decision-making. ecisions made based on such content can, and do, lead to harmful and even fatal consequences. Because alternative cancer care can kill.
Meet Dr. Brian Koffman and the CLL Society
The CLL Society is arguably the best place on the web to learn about all things CLL–the latest science, educational programs, clinical trials, and treatment. Dr. Brian Koffman, a CLL survivor, co-founded the CLL Society. He is a highly respected, leading advocate for the CLL community.
On Taking Control
In my new book, n of 1, I tell a story of maintaining control—my brand of maintaining control—when at an extremely low point.
On Refusing Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is imperfect—most drugs are. But I absolutely support its use for cancer treatment when called for as the approved standard of care, when there is solid potential to ensure a durable remission.
