Between Visits: FAQs with Experts: CLL

Demystifying Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

A Patient-Led Guide to CLL

Our “Office Hours” bridge the gap between clinical expertise and lived experience. In this program, we tackle the topics that matter most to your daily life:

Move from overwhelmed to empowered as you listen in to leading experts answer patients’ most pressing questions.

Program Experts

Dr. Adam Kittai
Associate Professor of Medicine and Hematology/Oncology; Assistant Director of Lymphoma Clinical Research
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY

Michele Nadeem-Baker
CLL Patient Advocate & Oncology Host

Program Topics

Understanding Your Diagnosis: Learn exactly what CLL is—a cancer of the immune system—and why it often acts more like a lymphoma than a traditional leukemia.
The “Watch and Wait” Strategy: Get an expert explanation on why “active surveillance” (monitoring without immediate treatment) is often the safest, most effective path forward.
Daily Living & Wellness: Discover how simple lifestyle adjustments, from vitamin D to regular exercise, can help manage common symptoms like fatigue and keep you “treatment-ready.”
The Power of Second Opinions: Understand why seeing a CLL specialist—especially when transitioning from surveillance to treatment—is a vital step in your advocacy toolkit.
Your Actionable Roadmap: Walk away with a “Shower Check” routine for monitoring lymph nodes and a clear understanding of the genetic tests (like FISH and IGHV) that define your personalized care plan.

Program Partner

Thank you to Blood Cancer United for their partnership. They are here for you with information about clinical trials, resources, and dedicated support through their Information Specialists.

This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story. This content does not replace professional medical advice.