Nov. 28, 2006 (Vol. 3, No. 4)
The LTFU newsletter is sent quarterly to people who have undergone treatment through Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's transplant program.

Dear Friends:

This edition of the LTFU Newsletter focuses on life after a transplant. The feature article presents plans for a new study assessing the muscle, bone and joint symptoms that affect many transplant patients, while the Frequently Asked Questions cover steps that you can take to promote better health. As we learn more about the types of challenges our former patients face, we are working toward discovering ways to minimize the effects that these issues have on daily life. We hope that more research in these areas will be possible with your continued help and participation.

Best regards,
Paul Martin, M.D.
Director, Long-Term Follow-Up

Featured Readings

Looking for answers in aging
LTFU researchers are exploring possible reasons why cancer patients experience symptoms of accelerated aging after treatment.
http://www.fhcrc.org/science/clinical/ltfu/news/article7.html

Staff Profile

Dr. Paul Carpenter
Dr. Paul Carpenter, a clinician and researcher focused on GVHD, treats patients with a mix of the latest research and a healthy dose of compassion.
http://www.fhcrc.org/science/clinical/ltfu/staff/carpenter.html

Former Patient Profile

Todd Coburn
Todd Coburn is a former patient and an employee of the Hutchinson Center. After beating cancer, he and his wife made a commitment to live life to the fullest and help others.
http://www.fhcrc.org/patient/patient_stories/todd.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Preventive maintenance after transplant
Health care routines change after a transplantation, and knowing what steps to take and which doctors to see can help maintain good health.
http://www.fhcrc.org/science/clinical/ltfu/faqs/preventive_maintenance.html

Educational Events

Brown Bag Discussion
This group provides peer support and education to participants. All transplant and returning follow-up patients are welcome to attend and share their experiences. Participation can be in person or by conference call. A faculty member will join us one or two weeks a month to provide insight and education on various aspects of the transplant process. This group is co-facilitated by a clinical social worker and an LTFU nurse. Bring your lunch if pressed for time. Space is limited to 50 participants.

When: Every Thursday, 12-1 p.m.

Where: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, 825 Eastlake Ave. E., Sixth Floor, Room 23

To participate in the discussion via conference call, dial 1-620-635-9555. At the prompt to enter a PIN number, enter 368333 followed by the # symbol. You will be charged a long-distance fee. If you need financial help, we can provide you with a phone card.

Questions? Contact Long-Term Follow-Up at (206) 667-4415.

Questions?

If you have any medical or long-term follow-up questions, call (206) 667-4415.

If you have comments or questions about the newsletter or would like to be added to or deleted from our mailing list, contact Kathy Erne at (206) 667-4745 or by e-mail at ltfunews@fhcrc.org. You are also welcome to subscribe to receive an electronic version of the newsletter via e-mail by visiting http://www.fhcrc.org/about/pubs/enews/ltfu-enews/index.html.

About Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home of three Nobel laureates, is an independent, nonprofit research institution dedicated to the development and advancement of biomedical technology to eliminate cancer and other potentially fatal diseases.