North Texas Cancer Expo: Full Schedule Released

After much anticipation, the full schedule for the 2017 LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE North Texas Cancer Expo presented by Briggs Equipment is now available!  Review the sessions available at this FREE event on Saturday, September 16th and reserve your seats by registering today!

8:00 AM - Expo & Registration Opens

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM - Opening Session

Welcome
Patricia Thomson, Ph.D., Executive Director North Texas Chapter
Don Armstrong, Expo Chair & Survivor

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM - Concurrent Morning Breakout Sessions

Movement and Yoga
Start your day with an energizing easy yoga session with tips on how to stay fit.

The New Normal
Join keynote speaker Lila Javan as she discusses life after cancer and finding balance in survivorship.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Concurrent Morning Breakout Sessions

Disease Updates
Hear the latest in groundbreaking research updates from a panel of top oncologists in North Texas.

Finish Your Race
Author and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) survivor Don Armstrong empowers you to find your true purpose and live with an unstoppable passion.

11:15 AM - 11:45 AM - Concurrent Morning Breakout Sessions

Cancer Prevention Through Nutrition
Enjoy an educational cooking demonstration and tasting with certified nutritional coach and culinary instructor, Patricia R. Thomson, Ph.D.

Let's Talk About Cancer
A diverse panel of caregivers and survivors discuss the lines of communication patients face during cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch & Keynote Speaker

Lunch Welcome
Patricia R. Thomson, Ph.D., Executive Director, North Texas Chapter
Dr. Brian Berryman, Texas Oncology

Keynote Speaker
Lila Javan, Survivor

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM – Concurrent Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Food Saved Me
Let Katherine Lawrence show you how you can cook faster, retain more nutrients, remove toxins and reduce food costs.

Side Effect Management
Join Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy, and LLS partner, as experts share the best ways to manage the effects of cancer treatment.

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Concurrent Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Mindfulness and Meditation
Research shows that meditation can improve everything from memory to mental acuity to anxiety.  Join our meditation coach for tips to use every day.

Survivorship Panel
Survivors and parents of survivors share their experiences and answer questions about survivorship at all stages post-treatment.

3:00 PM – Expo Closes

Eating & Cancer Prevention: 5 Questions With Patricia R. Thomson, Ph.D.

North Texas Executive Director Patricia R. Thomson, Ph.D. is hosting four free classes centered around how your diet can play a role in cancer prevention and survival.  She sat down and answered five questions about the connection between cancer prevention and what you put on your plate.  

What peaked your interest to learn more and get a Plant Based Nutrition certification to teach others about healthy eating?

I began eating healthy over 7 years ago as the result of a radio show I heard.  Dr. Joel Fuhrman was talking about the wonders of eating a plant-based diet.  I had been on blood pressure and cholesterol medicine and thought I was a victim of my genetics.  Everything changed for me after that.  Because of the results I have seen I want to share what I know with others who may not have heard that you can take control of your health.  Empowerment is the key to great health.

What is the most common misconception you’ve heard about healthy eating?

When people hear that I eat a plant-based diet they think I eat lettuce for every meal.  While greens are important they are just one component of such a varied diet.  I eat more now than I ever have and I have stacks and files of recipes.  There are so many options.  Pizza, pastas, tacos, chilis, soups, wraps, the list goes on.   I think people will get excited when they see all of the delicious food you can eat and not adversely affect their health or weight.

What is the top take-away you would like session participants to learn?

You have the power to control what goes on your plate- the power to determine if you live a healthy life.  By filling your plate with healthy options you leave less and less room for the unhealthy foods.  Soon you will not want to have those unhealthy foods around because you will feel so good eating all of your new healthy choices.  We are not victims of our genetics – you can overcome your genetic destiny and chart a new healthy course for your life.

Some worry that eating healthy can be too expensive to maintain.  How do you address that?

While you can spend all of your money buying exotic foods, eating healthy can be very basic.  Buying frozen fruits and vegetables, dried pastas and rice and canned goods is a great way to start out. I buy a lot of my groceries at Costco or Kroger.  Good healthy food does not have to cost a lot.  Making rice or pasta bowls filled with veggies, rice, beans, sauces, and pastas is a quick way to prepare a healthy meal that everyone will love.  The key to eating healthy is to make it easy and great tasting.  Plus, it can be a way for families to plan the menu together and have fun putting the meals together.  Teaching healthy eating habits at an early age sets children up for a lifetime of success.

Say someone would like to learn more about healthy eating.  Where should they go?

Well, first I would suggest that they come to my classes.  Even if they can only make one or two I will be providing a ton of resources, recipes and information to get them on their way.  Plus, I have a website that everyone can access to find out more about healthy eating.  Two hours on a Saturday will be well worth the investment.  

Learn more about her classes and how you can sign up for them by clicking here.

Patient Education: Living with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Blood Cancer Awareness Month wrapped up and the impact of LLS remains strong in the world of acute leukemias.  I am excited to share some of the latest research that shows promise for patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

LLS was a funder of Dr. David Sykes (Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute), lead author of a study that found a common point in the genetic pathway that leads to AML, which could point to a treatment target that could benefit AML patients with various genetic abnormalities.  In the study, they found that targeting this point with an enzyme inhibitor (DHODH inhibitor) allowed them to identify how to set the treatment dosage in mice to limit side effects of chemotherapy while enhancing length of remission.  This is great news for the potential of this type of targeted treatment for AML and other cancers.


There will be a CML webinar on November 2nd for patients and caregivers. These types of programs are funded by the support of LLS fundraisers. Register here.

Many patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) receive a blood test called a PCR test (which stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction) multiple times per year. You may also hear this test referred to as a BCR-ABLPCR test. This test can find a very small number of CML cells in your blood. The results help doctors decide if the CML is under control.

Even with insurance, this test may show up on your bills. LLS can help pay these costs. We can provide help with up to $1,000 of your BCR-ABL PCR test costs during your enrollment period. Individuals with or without insurance can apply. No dollar amount is too small, so please call or apply today.

To be eligible for the program, you must:
• Have a chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) diagnosis
• Be a United States (US) citizen or permanent resident of the US or Puerto Rico
• Meet the household income requirements. Click here to see if you are eligible.
• Apply by Phone: (877) 614-9242
• Apply Online: Click here (You will need to register before submitting an application.)
If you have questions or are unsure whether you have CML or receive this test:
• Call (800) 955-4572, email or live chat

_______________________________________________________________________________

Seetha Modi is the Patient Access Manager of the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and author of this monthly blog series.  She has an Masters in Public Health and has experience working with varied aspects of the healthcare industry, including hospitals, the CDC and other health-related nonprofit organizations.

Contact Seetha:

Seetha.Modi@lls.org

(972) 996-5905

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: We Want to Know What You Think!

As September Blood Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we think back to two of the North Texas Chapter's largest patient-focused events: the 11th Annual North Texas Blood Cancer Conference and the Inaugural North Texas Cancer Expo.

If you attended either event, we want to know what you thought!  

Below are the links to three different 10-question surveys.
Please select the survey that applies to you.

I attended the NTX Blood Cancer Conference - General Session CLICK HERE
I attended the NTX Blood Cancer Conference - Health Care Professional CLICK HERE
I attended the NTX Cancer Expo  CLICK HERE

Your participation in filling out this survey will help us continue to make this event one that helps patients, survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals better equipped to handle a cancer diagnosis.

Thank you for your continued support.

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: What You Need to Know

The 11th Annual North Texas Blood Cancer Conference and the Inaugural North Texas Cancer Expo are almost here!  When making your plans for this weekend, here are some things you should keep in mind:

When does registration close?

Online Registration 

Online registration for both the NTX Blood Cancer Conference and the NTX Cancer Expo closes at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 8th.  Attendees can register online until then at www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org or www.ntxcancerexpo.org. 

On Site Registration 

If attendees do not register online before Friday, registration will open at the NTX Blood Cancer Conference at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 10th.  Registration will be open all day Saturday.

Where do I park?

There is ample parking available at the Sheraton Hotel.  Conference attendees will be responsible for paying for their own parking.  Attendees can also take public transportation to the event.  DART has a drop off location near the hotel.

How do I get my CEUs?

In order to receive the 4.0 free CEU credits from LLS, health care professionals must turn in their evaluation at the registration table AFTER the closing session.  Any evaluations completed and turned in then will not be eligible for the CEUs.  Proof of CEU credits will be emailed AFTER the conference.  Any questions should be addressed to Seetha Modi. 

Will there be any down time?

Not if you don't want there to be!  The NTX Cancer Expo has a full docket of entertainment planned on the main stage (full schedule here) as well as 50+ booths and the LLS World to visit.  

Is there a formal kick-off?

Yes!  The ribbon cutting for the NTX Cancer Expo will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 9th.  This is open to the public and attendees will have access to all of the vendors.  Come early to avoid the crowds on Saturday!

Wait, I have more questions.Visit www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org for additional information about the conference and what you can expect and visit www.ntxcancerexpo.org for details about the expo.

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: Pediatric-Focused Sessions

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: The North Texas Blood Cancer Conference is pleased to re-introduce a number of pediatric-focused elements to the break-out session line-up.  These sessions are filling quickly so do not delay in securing your seat in one of these sessions:

Too Young for This: Talking to Children about Cancer

Caitlin Arndt, CCLS, Children's Health

9:45 a.m. - 10:25 a.m. Session

A Zone of Our Own: Adolescent & Young Adult Panel Discussion

Fort Worth Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology Council

10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. Session

What's New in Pediatric Blood Cancers?

Paul Bowman, M.D., Cook Children's Medical Center

11:15 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. Session

Why, Mommy?  Parenting a Child With Cancer

Brittany Blake, M.S., CCLS, Medical City Children's Hospital

2:45 p.m. - 3:25 p.m. Session

The North Texas Cancer Expo is also hosting a number of events designed for children, including a kid zone, arts and craft area and a pet therapy center.

www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: Healthy Eating and Treatment Success

Living Your Best Life is the focus of both the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference & NTX Cancer Expo in three weeks.  A number of studies indicate that what a person eats during and after their cancer treatment can impact how successfully they respond.  The conference and expo will both feature demonstrations and break-out sessions about how to eat healthier.

As a taste of what’s to come, here are ten tips for healthy eating throughout your cancer journey:

• Although blood cancer is, based on current research, unpreventable, this does not mean you should stray from a healthy diet. Throughout treatment and recovery, your nutritional needs will increase, so it is imperative that you meet them.
• Always speak with your general practitioner, dietician, or another qualified medical professional first, as they will know what is best for you as an individual. Consider referencing this guide once you begin this conversation and throughout your treatment, should you develop eating issues.
•  Take this as an opportunity to explore new sources of essential nutrients, such as bean-based tofu as another source of protein or quinoa to gain more fiber. Additionally, don’t be afraid to try modified recipes that supply the nutrients while adhering to your new dietary limitations.
• With the previous step in mind, determine any food intolerances, new or old, and plan your diet before you begin treatment. Having a well-stocked pantry before treatment begins eliminates the stress of shopping when you simply cannot.
• Avoid any potential for food contamination. Store and cook meals properly, and avoid any foods that cause infection. If it could make you sick when you were healthy, avoid it during treatment.
• During treatment, you must maintain a healthy weight. Drastic weight loss implies malnutrition. Keep your weight even or gain it back through the following healthy means.
• Chemotherapy has been known to drastically change your appetite. This can vary, as you may develop unusual cravings or find even your favorite foods have an unpleasant taste. Consider using the following adjustments if the flavor is slightly off or if the food simply tastes wrong.
• The inability to eat during treatment is common. However, remain hydrated and ingest what you can to get the extra calories and protein you need.
• If you do not develop eating issues, this does not mean your treatment is not working. Eating difficulties affect some patients but not others, as it varies on a case-to-case basis.
• Once you are in remission, if your diet was limited during treatment, continue healthy eating but try to vary it as you adhere to your doctor’s nutritional advice. Learn where your tastes and food preferences are now in comparison to where they were before treatment.

Seats in the healthy eating session are filling very quickly.  If you would like to save your seat, register today at www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org

North Texas Cancer Expo: Main Stage Schedule Released

 JUST RELEASED: MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE

The Inaugural North Texas Cancer Expo on September 9-10th at the Sheraton Hotel in Dallas will feature 30+ vendors and a main stage with a number of demonstrations and sessions  The expo's theme "Living Your Best Life" focuses on how patients and survivors of ALL cancer types can take steps to improve their lives during and after treatment.  

Expo attendees are welcome to stay the whole day or just drop in for part of the day.  The event is free but registration is required.

 Friday, September 9th

3:30 p.m. - Music by Rhett Butler, LLS Patient Navigator
4:00 p.m. - Health Through Juicing, Chris Devero
4:45 p.m. - Laughter Yoga, Presenter to be Announced
5:30 p.m. - Official North Texas Cancer Expo Ribbon Cutting

 Saturday, September 10th

8:30 a.m. -   Chair Yoga, Chelsey Charbeneau, Mastermind
9:30 a.m. -   Health Through Juicing, Chris Devero
10:30 a.m. - Dental Health During and After Treatment, Garrett S. Nelson, DDS
11:30 a.m. - Cooking Demonstration, Katherine Lawrence, Food Saved Me
12:30 p.m. - Nutrition & Plant-Based Cooking, Dr. James & Andrea Conway 
1:30 p.m. -   Practicing Mindfulness, Mari Woodlief, Mastermind
2:30 p.m. -   Finish Your Race, Don Armstrong, Author and AML Survivor
3:00 p.m. -   Music by Rhett Butler, LLS Patient Navigator

The North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is organizing this event and it runs concurrently to its North Texas Blood Cancer Conference.  

Register today to attend this action-packed event:
www.ntxcancerexpo.org

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: 5 Things to Know about the Keynote Speaker

KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED:
Kenneth C. Anderson, M.D.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

The North Texas Chapter is honored to have Kenneth C. Anderson, M.D. of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as the keynote speaker for the 2016 North Texas Blood Cancer Conference.  Dr. Anderson is a pioneer in multiple myeloma research and very involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and its vision of creating a world without blood cancers.  

Below are 5 things you may not know about Dr. Anderson:

1. Dr. Anderson is part of the LLS Screen to Lead Program
2. He is personal friends with Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and they are partners in cancer research
3. Dr. Anderson's mother was a nurse and that inspired him to get into medicine
4. When Dr. Anderson started to focus on the treatment of multiple myeloma the disease had very few treatment options
5. Dr. Anderson was the first person in his family to earn a college degree

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Dr. Anderson speak by registering today for the FREE North Texas Blood Cancer Conference.

NTX Cancer Expo: Frequently Asked Questions

NORTH TEXAS CANCER EXPO FAQs

September 9-10, 2016
Sheraton Hotel – Dallas, TX
www.ntxcancerexpo.org

WHAT IS IT?
The North Texas Cancer Expo hosted by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a FREE two-day cancer expo featuring more than 30 vendors and a main stage with nonstop educational sessions and entertainment.  The focus is how patients and survivors can live their best life.  The information provided will be beneficial to patients and caregivers of ALL types of cancers. This event runs concurrently with the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference. 

Registration for the North Texas Cancer Expo does not automatically register an attendee to attend the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference.  The Conference is open to the public but a separate registration is required.  Register online at www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org

WHEN IS IT?
Friday, September 9, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

WHO WILL BE THERE?
Vendors and experts presenting information and tips on how to Live Your Best Life, wellness experts, cooking demonstrations, book sales, health and beauty vendors, nutritional resources, a Walgreens “Ask the Pharmacist” panel, healthcare cancer representatives, nonprofit organizations and more!

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE MAIN STAGE?
Live cooking demonstrations, a Walgreens “Ask the Pharmacist” panel, tips on fitness during and after your cancer treatment, book readings, meditation, live music and more!

 WHERE IS IT AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The expo is completely FREE!  Registration is required and can be completed online at www.ntxcancerexpo.org.  The Cancer Expo and Blood Cancer Conference will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dallas (400 Olive St., Dallas, TX 75201).  There are special room rates associated with the conference and details can be found on the website.

I HAVE QUESTIONS. WHO DO I ASK?
Reach out to Seetha Modi at Seetha.Modi@lls.org or (972) 996-5905

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: Frequently Asked Questions

11^TH ANNUAL NORTH TEXAS BLOOD CANCER CONFERENCE FAQs

September 10, 2016
Sheraton Hotel – Dallas, TX
www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org

WHAT IS IT?
A free educational conference that consists of break-out sessions led by leading hematology and oncology experts from across the country.  They will provide the most recent updates on research, breakthroughs, treatment advancements and survivorship issues within the cancer area.  It includes breakfast, lunch, access to the Cancer Expo and an opportunity to hear the keynote speaker.  There are also opportunities to hear from other North Texans through roundtable discussions, a survivorship panel, an “Ask an Oncologist” panel and more.

WHO IS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER?
Dr. Ken Anderson is the Program Director at the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center and LeBow Institute for Myeloma Therapeutics at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  He is a pioneer in the multiple myeloma research/treatment industry.  He is an LLS-funded researcher and one of the doctors that treated legendary news anchor Tom Brokaw.

WHO ELSE IS PRESENTING?

A complete list of speakers for the general sessions can be found here and a list of speakers for the healthcare professionals can be found here. 

IS IT ALL BLOOD CANCER?
No!  This event has topics that are applicable to patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals of ALL cancers.  Since it is a completely customizable day (participants can select each of their break-out sessions based on their interest), participants can choose to attend the sessions that are most applicable to them.

I CAN EARN CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS?
Nurses and social workers who stay for the entire conference can earn 4.0 FREE CEUs from LLS.  In addition to the credits, LLS is hosting a graduate poster session.  First place will win $500 and there are additional cash prizes available.

WHAT TYPE OF TOPICS WILL BE COVERED?
What’s New in Blood Cancers?
Where Does Fitness Fit?  Exercise & Cancer
Life After Cancer: The New Normal
Too Young for This: Talking to Children About Cancer
A Zone of Our Own: Adolescent & Young Adult Panel Discussion
Parenting a Child With Cancer
Cancer’s Impact on Fertility & Sexuality
And much more.

WHO CAN ATTEND?
Everybody can attend the conference.  There is information geared towards patients, survivors, caregivers, friends and family, health care professionals, students, etc.  The theme is an inspirational one that is focused on Living Your Best Life during and after cancer.

WHAT DOES IT COST?
Nothing!  This event is a completely FREE educational opportunity organized by LLS but registration ahead of the event is required.

WHERE DO I REGISTER?
www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org
Registration to the conference automatically grants an attendee access to the North Texas Cancer Expo.

I HAVE QUESTIONS. WHO DO I ASK?
Reach out to Seetha Modi at Seetha.Modi@lls.org or (972) 996-5905

See the reverse side for FAQs about the NTX Cancer Expo

www.ntxcancerexpo.org

Patient Education: Survivorship Panel

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society invites you to join us for an evening of open conversation about the many faces of survivorship.  Survivors can be people who watch and wait, people who are on maintenance therapy, people who have experienced relapse, and people who have only known remission.  Hear how people across the survivorship spectrum have dealt with life after a cancer diagnosis. Tracy Mazour, RN, MSN, OCN will lead the discussion and make sure you get YOUR questions answered. Join us for a Dinner and Dialogue on June 22nd from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at The Reata in Fort Worth.

This free event is open to the public, but space is limited.  Register online here.  

I hope to see you there!

Your friend, 

Seetha

Registration and More Details Here

_______________________________________________________________________________

Seetha Modi is the Patient Access Manager of the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and author of this monthly blog series.  She has an Masters in Public Health and has experience working with varied aspects of the healthcare industry, including hospitals, the CDC and other health-related nonprofit organizations.

Contact Seetha:

Seetha.Modi@lls.org

(972) 996-5905

Patient Education: Making Informed Choices about Standard Care and Clinical Trials

How are the best cancer treatment decisions made?  While doctors are experts on malignancies and treatments, it is important to remember that survivors are the experts on themselves and their journey.  The best decisions are made when both groups are involved.  

Come hear Dr. Alan Miller, Director of the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center and Chief of Oncology for the Baylor Health Care System, talk about steps you should take to make informed treatment decisions.  Dr. Miller is a leading researcher who can help remove the mystery surrounding clinical trials and give you a framework to evaluate standard care vs. clinical trial options for your own treatment.   The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Dr. Miller, an oncology nurse, and a survivor familiar with clinical trials so you can get your own burning questions answered.  

Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to hear from one of our premiere local experts and learn more about all the ways The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society can support you.  This free event is open to the public, but space is limited.  Register today: https://www.llsform.org/0110FS01/patienteducation/index.html

I hope to see you there!

Your friend, 

Seetha

___________________________________________________________________________________

Seetha Modi is the Patient Access Manager of the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and author of this monthly blog series.  She has an Masters in Public Health and has experience working with varied aspects of the healthcare industry, including hospitals, the CDC and other health-related nonprofit organizations.

Contact Seetha:

Seetha.Modi@lls.org

(972) 996-5905

Patient Access Manager: National Social Worker Month

March is National Social Worker Month and we salute the more than 25,000 social workers in the North Texas community.  This year's theme  "Forging Solutions out of Challenges" perfectly encapsulates the work that these individuals do for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and our patients on a daily basis.  Social workers are critical to a patient who is looking for help and guidance while trying to juggle a cancer diagnosis, arduous treatment regimen, financial and legal concerns, just to name a few.

While most people think of social workers as support during treatment, they are truly a part of the entire cancer journey.  This is why LLS is dedicated to help these dedicated individuals stay up to date on the latest treatments, therapies and support services for these patients.  LLS offers 4.5 FREE CEUs to social workers as part of the Blood Cancer Conference & Cancer Expo.

We work closely with the social workers and case management teams to ensure that LLS resources are available to all who can benefit from our services.  Every day there are men and women right here in our community who go above and beyond the call of duty to help families during their blood cancer journey.  

In honor of national social work month, I invite you to thank a social worker who has touched your life.  My heartfelt gratitude to all the providers who are dedicated to serving our blood cancer community every day! 

Your friend, 

Seetha
_________________________________________________________________________________

Seetha Modi is the Patient Access Manager of the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and author of this monthly blog series.  She has an Masters in Public Health and has experience working with varied aspects of the healthcare industry, including hospitals, the CDC and other health-related nonprofit organizations.

Contact Seetha:

Seetha.Modi@lls.org

(972) 996-5905

LLS/Baylor Patient Advocate: Introducing Blood Cancer 101

Getting a diagnosis of blood cancer is a lot to process in general. Then a new foreign language gets thrown at you with all the new terminology, labs, tests/procedures, and medications. It can be overwhelming and sometimes you just don’t know where to start. I am starting a new class called Blood Cancer 101 to teach you the basics of what blood cancer is, what the terminology means, and help you decipher this new language your doctor is speaking. Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or you just know someone that has blood cancer, this class is for you. Understanding the basics will not only help you better understand the specifics of your particular disease but it will also help ease some of your anxiety about all these new unknowns.

The first class is on February 16^th from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. in the Cvetko Center (suite 200) at Baylor Scott & White in the Sammons Building. Come join me and start to understand what is going on in your body!

Blessings,

Kelsey

Kelsey will be writing a monthly blog post in order to keep you informed of the different opportunities LLS and Baylor are co-sponsoring.  Introduce yourself to her the next time you are at Baylor.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Kelsey Thompson is a Patient Advocate for the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  She understands the patient experience as a blood and marrow transplant registered nurse.  She is based at Baylor University Medical Center in the Cvetko Center.  She meets with patients and their families after receiving a blood cancer diagnosis.  

Contact Kelsey:
(214) 818-7890 

Kelsey.Thompson@lls.org