Dr. Furman on Genomic testing and MRD Negativity- And I am off to Africa

[bkoffman]

I am going on radio silence after this email so please don’t be upset or worried if I don’t respond to questions or comments.

Betsy Dennison, an oncology RN and NP who handles our website will be posting some interviews from ASH and EHA while I am gone. Today she put up this pretty cool one with Dr. Furman ( cllsociety.org/2016/07/ash-... ) that really explains the different types of genomic testing and the changing importance of MRD- in the era of new therapies.

I must admit for a world traveler, this trip to photo safari in Kenya has me worried. It is a long way aways and it is a long time gone in a poor and dangerous country in some areas with all kinds of disease that are not a concern here

Once I am there, all should be well. I hear that at the tented safari camps, all is calm and secure if still noisy from all the nearby animals.

Clothes are sprayed with permethrin, I have a ton of DEET and it is not mosquito season. I will take Malarone. Kenya does not require a yellow fever vaccine and risk is very very low and Typhoid can be given as a killed vaccine.

I am staying away from salads and fruit drinks- that will be hard, and bringing a ton of emergency meds (cipro, immodium, Z-Pak, prednisone, pain meds, anti-histamines, suture kit, disinfectants, and an extra week of all my daily meds including my ibrutinib.)

And I won’t feed the lions, or monkeys or swim with the hippos

I look forward to catching up when I return.

This is the first trip in years where CLL has not been at the top of the agenda, and where internet is iffy at best.

Stay strong.

We are all in this together.

Brian

cllsociety.org

bkoffman.blogspot.com

[PaulaS Volunteer]

I hope you have a great time in Kenya, Brian. Keep safe, and show us some of your photos when you get back!

best wishes,

Paula

[Peggy4]

Enjoy your trip Brian. We look forward to hearing all about it.

Peggy

[Justasheet1]

Doc,

Have a wonderful time. You deserve it. I was delighted to hear about the drop in your ALC on your blog.

The interview with Dr Furman was terrific. He puts everything in perspective.

Thanks for all your contributions to all of us.

Jeff

[thompsonellen]

Thanks for posting about going to Africa. It's inspirational to know this is a possibility at some point healthwise. Be safe, and have fun!

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

My sister just did a trip to Africa - Ten miles walking a day with tent camps at night. She had a wonderful time. Enjoy!

[StupidPlanet]

It's a great experience, enjoy.

[Hoffy]

Have a great trip. Maybe we should do a CLL Safari trip sometime !!