Dr. Kanti Rai on the Future of CLL Therapy

[bkoffman]

Friends,

This week we have posted an interview with one and only Dr. Kanti Rai when he sat down to chat with me during a break from the International Workshop on CLL held in Sydney, Australia in September 2015. He shared with me what is different about CLL management at the end of 2015 compared to the past 40 years. You can see that interview here. [cllsociety.org/2016/01/1213/]

If you are not familiar with, or would like a refresher on the staging system that Dr. Rai developed in 1975, you can read about the Rai Staging System here, in The Basics section. [cllsociety.org/cll-101/prog...]

We all owe a debt to Dr. Rai for the progress he has brought to the care of CLL.

As we are preparing for the 2016 issues of The CLL Tribune, consider sharing your story, or advice, or perspectives on how CLL has impacted your life and consider authoring an article. Send us a message and we can connect to discuss the details. [cllsociety.org/contact-us/]

CLL Meeting in Tampa, FL: For those of you in the Tampa area, there is a CLL patient meeting hosted by the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) being held on February 11th at the Embassy Suites Tampa Airport at 5:00 PM. A complimentary buffet dinner will be provided. I’ll be there giving a talk about the importance of support groups. Also, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions of the expert speakers. You can register and find more information here: flasco.org/events/living-wi....

CLL Meeting in Charlotte, NC: For those of you in the Charlotte area, we just became aware of a patient meetings coming up in February: Thursday, February 4th in Charlotte starting at 5:30 PM at the Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte The flyer is at cllsociety.org/docs/charlot.... CLL patients will be sharing their personal stories, and a local CLL expert will be providing a talk on the basics of CLL. You can call 844-482-6815 to register. A complimentary meal and parking will be provided and you are welcome to bring a guest. I will be at the meeting with an exhibit table and will stay afterwards to meet with attendees who may be interested in participating in a support group in the area. I look forward to meeting you there.

Stay strong.

We are all in this together.

Brian Koffman, MD

Volunteer Medical Director of the CLL Society

cllsociety.org

bkoffman.blogspot.com

[Petey613]

I love this guy. He was my "second opinion" as my specialist studied under him. He never asked for a cent and his explicit instructions were "whatever you do just keep him away from treatment" even though my numbers were thru the roof. When I finally meet him i plan on giving him a huge hug. I hope I don't scare him.

[bkoffman CLL CURE Hero in reply to Petey613]

Kanti is a wonderful guy.

[Yorkiemama]

I've registered for the Tampa meeting since we're in SW FLorida for awhile. Looking forward to it and especially to meeting Brian, who has, generously and expertly, helped guide me through the CLL maze!

[bkoffman CLL CURE Hero in reply to Yorkiemama]

Please do say hello. We will be trying to get a support group up in running in Tampa.

[Yorkiemama]

I am looking forward to saying hello to you, Brian! I consider it a privilege to finally meet you. A Tampa support group should go over well. I live in Richmond, VA and am here in FL for just a couple of months, fortunately at the same time as your meeting. See you Thursday!

Cynthia

[bkoffman CLL CURE Hero in reply to Yorkiemama]

Please come over and say hello.

[bkoffman CLL CURE Hero in reply to Yorkiemama]

Hi Cynthia,

Any chance you might be able to help me with the sign-in sheet for those interested in setting up a CLL specific support group? I will be the only one from the CLL Society Support Network at the meeting, so it would be good if I had some help with the sign-up binder. Please email at [e-mail] and I can give you my contact information.

Thanks

Brian

[Yorkiemama]

I would be honored to help! Emailing you now.

Cynthia