As a cancer patient or caregiver, telling your story can not only be a way to update loved ones about your condition or be a comfort to current patients, it can be healing for yourself. In this episode, we speak to Steve Buechler about his treatment for acute myeloid leukemia as well as his experience through survivorship.

Steve shares how writing helped him heal from the emotional effects of cancer. As an LLS volunteer, he now facilitates writing workshops for our LLS Community and wrote an article about how language matters when speaking to patients.

Join us to hear about Steve’s “odyssey” through AML, which he describes as not something he chose, but something that taught him more about life and himself.

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

Support for this program is provided by: Bristol Myers Squibb.

The post Healing Through Writing: An Odyssey Through Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) first appeared on The Bloodline with LLS.

Please join us as we speak about CAR T-cell therapy with Dr. Carlos Silva, a Moffitt Cancer physician at Memorial Healthcare System in Pembroke Pines, Florida. In this episode, we explore the latest advances and what the future holds for CAR T-cell therapy.   

This comprehensive view of CAR T-cell therapy will give blood cancer patients and their families hope. Through the utilization of targeted therapies, we can now see a future filled with better outcomes and potential cures.

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

Support for this program is provided by: Allogene Therapeutics; Bristol Myers Squibb; CRISPR Therapeutics Ltd; Janssen Oncology & Legend Biotech; Kite, A Gilead Company and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

The post Attacking the Cancer Cell: Advances in CAR T-Cell Therapy first appeared on The Bloodline with LLS.

Join us live from Miami, FL, as we talk about healthcare disparities and equity with Dr. Erin Kobetz of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Seth Berkowitz, Director of Patient and Community Outreach at LLS.

In this episode, we discuss how organizations like Sylvester and LLS work together to address healthcare gaps and barriers that patients may face in accessing quality and affordable cancer care.

The diverse population in South Florida has provided opportunities for researchers, cancer advocates and community health workers to implement new, innovative programs with the goal of giving every person the same access to care.

Mentioned on this episode: 

• Sylvester Community Advisory Committee
• National Cancer Institute
• LLS Blood Cancer Conferences
• The Paradox of Prevention – Geoffrey Rose
• Game-changer vehicles
• Medical Care for Undocumented People (En Español)

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

• Information Specialists 
• Caregiver support 
• Free telephone/web patient programs 
• Free booklets 
• Financial support
• Young Adult Resources
• Survivorship Workbook
• Clinical Trial Support Center
• Online chats 
• LLS Community 
• Support groups 
• Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program 
• Free Nutrition Consultations

Support for this program is provided by: Bristol Myers Squibb; Eli Lilly and Company; GSK and Pharmacyclics, An AbbVie Company & Janssen Biotech.

The post Chipping Away at the Iceberg: Addressing Healthcare Disparities and Equity first appeared on The Bloodline with LLS.

Join us as we hear two different perspectives from people living with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); Tim Sohn, a 16-year survivor and Becky Dame, a 32-year survivor. In this episode, we hear how CML treatment has changed since 1991, when Becky was diagnosed. Becky had a difficult journey through cycles of relapse, transplant, and remission, while Tim shares his experience using newer therapies. Both share their stories and how CML has impacted their lives.

Both Tim and Becky have worked to build and maintain a good quality of life and have used their experiences to help others in the cancer community and find connection.

Mentioned on this episode: 

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
• Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)
• Leukapheresis
• Stem Cell Transplant
• Donor Lymphocyte Infusion (DLI)
• Graft-Vs-Host-Disease (GVHD)
• Showing Up: Perspectives On Cancer Show
• Perspectives On Cancer Book
• PodcastNotPodcast: Tim Sohn. Leukemia and Livestreaming.
• Information Specialists 
• Caregiver support 

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

• Free telephone/web patient programs 
• Free booklets 
• Financial support
• Young Adult Resources
• Survivorship Workbook
• Clinical Trial Support Center
• Online chats 
• LLS Community 
• Support groups 
• Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program 
• Free Nutrition Consultations

Support for this episode provided by: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

The post Perspectives on Quality of Life: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) first appeared on The Bloodline with LLS.

Join us as we speak to Dr. Richard Larson and Dr. Anand Patel from University of Chicago Medicine about chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In this episode, they discuss the latest advances in treatment for CML and what is on the horizon.

With decades of progress with targeted treatments, CML patients are now given more hope of achieving deep remission and potentially discontinuing medication. A cure for an incurable disease may now be in sight.

Mentioned on this episode: 

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
• Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)
• FISH test
• Stem Cell Transplant
• Cellular Therapies
• Instilling Hope Through Progress: Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

• Information Specialists 
• Free telephone/web patient programs 
• Free booklets 
• Financial support
• Young Adult Resources
• Survivorship Workbook
• Clinical Trial Support Center
• Online chats 
• Caregiver support 
• LLS Community 
• Support groups 
• Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program 
• Free Nutrition Consultations

Support for this episode is provided by University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The post Hopeful Advancements for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) first appeared on The Bloodline with LLS.

Join us as we speak to Veronika Panagiotou, a non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor and Alique Topalian, a two-time AML survivor. In this episode, Veronika and Alique discuss the long-term side effects they have been experiencing as a result of their chemotherapy treatments.

While their lives have been impacted by these treatments, they have been able to find joy and peace as they work to overcome these side effects. Don’t miss out on this important episode, as blood cancer patients learn to give themselves grace during challenging days in treatment and beyond.

Mentioned on this episode: 

• Diffuse large b cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• LIVE! At CancerCon: A Journey Through Survivorship podcast episode
• Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
• Cancer-related cognitive impairment
• The Gathering Place
• Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana (other cities available)
• Caring for Kids and Adolescents Workbook
• Survivorship Workbook

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

• Information Specialists
• Financial support
• Free telephone/web patient programs 
• Free booklets 
• Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program
• Clinical Trial Support Center
• LLS Financial Assistance Program
• LLS Community 
• Online chats 
• Caregiver support 
• Support groups 
• Caregiver Workbook
• Free Nutrition Consultations 
• LLS Advocacy

Support for this episode provided by: Pharmacyclics, An AbbVie Company and Janssen Biotech.

The post Give Yourself Grace: Overcoming Long-term Side Effects first appeared on The Bloodline with LLS.

Join us as we speak to Heidi MacAlpine, a chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patient and occupational therapist. In this episode, Heidi talks to us about her diagnosis of CLL and how she has utilized wellness techniques to reduce inflammation and maintain a good quality of life while on a watch and wait protocol. 

This episode will help patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals understand the benefits of adding wellness practices to conventional therapies, such as yoga, mindfulness, journaling, and massage, to decrease side effects and improve the life of patients following a cancer diagnosis. 

Mentioned on this episode: 

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Watch and Wait (Active Monitoring) protocol
• LLS Write It Out Journal
• Genetic predisposition to CLL
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• Patient-Doctor Perspectives: Shared Decision Making podcast episode
• Shared Decision Making in Chronic Leukemias interactive program
• American Association for Cancer Research
• Interleukin 8
• Caregiver support

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

• Information Specialists
• Financial support
• Free telephone/web patient programs 
• Free booklets 
• Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program
• Clinical Trial Support Center
• LLS Financial Assistance Program
• LLS Community 
• Online chats 
• Support groups 
• Caregiver Workbook
• Free Nutrition Consultations 
• LLS Advocacy
• Survivorship Workbook

Support for this episode provided by: BeiGene USA, Inc.; Bristol Myers Squibb; Genentech, Inc. & Biogen; Loxo Oncology at Lilly and Pharmacyclics, An AbbVie Company & Janssen Biotech.

The post Improving Quality of Life Through Wellness Practices first appeared on The Bloodline with LLS.

Join us as we speak to Tim Cooper, a multiple myeloma patient and caregiver. In this episode, Tim discusses how he was diagnosed with myeloma after sustaining a neck fracture. Unlike many patients, he was familiar with myeloma, as his mother had been diagnosed with myeloma years prior.  

After multiple treatments, including chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, Tim is doing well and enjoying life. He finds that sharing his story is therapeutic and encourages other patients to keep pushing forward and find hope after a blood cancer diagnosis.  

Mentioned on this episode: 

• Multiple Myeloma
• LLS Financial Assistance Program
• Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
• Beating Incurable podcast episodes
• Caregiver support 

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

• Information Specialists
• Financial support
• Free telephone/web patient programs 
• Free booklets 
• Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program
• Clinical Trial Support Center
• LLS Community 
• Online chats 
• Support groups 
• Caregiver Workbook
• Free Nutrition Consultations 
• LLS Advocacy
• Survivorship Workbook

Support for this episode provided by: Bristol Myers Squibb; GSK plc.

The post Making The Decision To Live: A Myeloma Story first appeared on The Bloodline with LLS.

Join us as we speak to Laurie Adami, a follicular lymphoma (non-Hodgkin lymphoma) survivor. In this episode, Laurie shares her long journey through multiple cancer treatments, which eventually led to CAR T-cell therapy and complete remission.

Hear one patient’s story of hope, as new treatments continued to come out, keeping her stable until the one that finally worked was approved for her disease. Her story of resilience and determination to stay alive for her young son is the inspiration that so many blood cancer patients need.

Mentioned on this episode: 

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

Support for this episode provided by: Allogene Therapeutics; Bristol Myers Squibb; CRISPR Therapeutics; Janssen Oncology & Legend Biotech; Kite, A Gilead Company; Novartis Oncology.

The post Statistics Don’t Color My Outcome: A CAR T-cell Therapy Success first appeared on The Bloodline with LLS.

Join us as we speak to Dr. Lee Greenberger, the Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In this episode, Dr. Greenberger gives us updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. As the virus has continued to evolve at a rapid pace, we discuss how the national approach to this pandemic has changed and what measures we can use to stay safe.

Patients and their families will be given updated and accurate information to stay safe as we all move into the winter season, where we gather indoors and celebrate holidays with family and friends.

Mentioned on this episode: 

• LLS COVID Website
• LLS Patient Registry
• Protecting Patients: COVID and Vaccine Updates podcast episode
• COVID variant soup is making winter surges hard to predict – Nature
• CDC Weekly Covid Tracker
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Online Chat for Patients and Caregivers: Banding Together: Feeling Good Fridays
• Caregivers: Banding Together: Feeling Good Fridays

Additional LLS Support Resources: 

• Information Specialists
• Financial support
• Free telephone/web patient programs 
• Free booklets 
• LLS Public Policy & Advocacy
• Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program
• Clinical Trial Support Center
• LLS Community 
• Online chats 
• Support groups 
• Caregiver support 
• Caregiver Workbook
• Free Nutrition Consultations 
• LLS Advocacy
• Survivorship Workbook

Support for this episode provided by: BeiGene; Bristol Myers Squibb; Genentech, Inc.; Kite, A Gilead Company; Pfizer, Inc.; Pharmacyclics, An AbbVie Company & Janssen Biotech.

The post COVID: Staying Safe As The Virus Evolves first appeared on The Bloodline with LLS.