Hutchinson Center Long-Term Follow-Up E-newsletter
Spring 2008 (Vol. 5, No. 1)
The LTFU LifeLinks newsletter is sent quarterly to people who have undergone treatment through Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's transplant program.

Dear friend of LTFU,

This issue of LTFU LifeLinks focuses on the importance of the follow-up visit at one year after a blood- or marrow-cell transplant. Dr. Stephanie Lee's recent research shows how helpful it can be for patients to receive a thorough evaluation at the one-year time point. This evaluation helps to verify whether the pre-transplant disease has been controlled and whether chronic GVHD has developed or needs treatment. We assess recovery of the immune system and the need for vaccinations to prevent infectious disease.

We also evaluate other problems that might be related to the transplant. We hope you enjoy this issue.

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



Featured Readings
Anniversary visit is key to good health
LTFU participants can benefit greatly by returning for a comprehensive evaluation one year after transplant.
Read more »

Staff Profile
Clinical assistant Edward V. Braun
Clinical Assistant Edward V. Braun has gained a greater appreciation for cancer research through his work.
Read more »

Former Patient Profile
Jim Galvanek
Jim Galvanek overcame leukemia. Now, he seeks to put the spotlight on cancer and raise money for research by participating in sporting events nationwide.
Read more »

Frequently Asked Questions
Vaccination after transplant
For cancer survivors, proper vaccinations to maintain good health are extremely important.
Read more »

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 1-641-715-3300. At the prompt to enter a PIN number, enter 882679 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 Katie Scherrer at (206) 667-5221 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.



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.

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ISSN 1541-7177
Copyright 2008
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
P.O. Box 19024
Seattle, WA 98109-1024
www.fhcrc.org