• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Every day, I get to integrate science with the art of human interaction. Seeing patients benefit from medical advances, and being active in pushing the science forward, is extremely rewarding. It’s an exciting time for both cancer care and research. We now have access to a variety of novel therapies that enable us to target cancer cells more specifically without causing major side effects. In my field, we’re always looking for a “cure,” but in the meantime, I’m hopeful that we can relegate cancer to a chronic disease and help patients maintain their desired quality of life.

A diagnosis of cancer kicks off a torrent of life changes, and in the middle of all this disruption are many important decisions to make about your care. My role is to help you thoroughly understand and weigh your options. At Fred Hutch, you have access to a variety of standard and experimental treatments, from chemotherapy to more novel, targeted approaches that may have fewer side effects. We’ll discuss each option in detail — the potential benefits, the risks and the overall impact on your life and family — so that you can make the best choices for your unique situation.