agenda  workshops  speakers  sponsors  exhibitors

Friday, February 22, 2008

A. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Research and Treatment Update
Speaker: Clifford A. Hudis, MD
Chief, Breast Cancer Medicine Service; Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Get the latest information on research and treatments for this aggressive form of breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer lacks receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone and for the protein HER2/neu, limiting treatment options to traditional surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Researchers are developing promising new therapies for triple-negative breast cancer. Learn about the latest clinical trials and get an overview of research outcomes to explore with your healthcare team.

B. Living Well with Advanced Breast Cancer
Speaker: Leanne Fannin, MSW
Clinical Social Worker, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center

This workshop will help you use coping strategies and techniques to live well after a diagnosis of advanced (metastatic) breast cancer. Discover methods to deal with ongoing treatment, cope with disease progression and manage anxiety while maintaining joy and enhancing your quality of life. Discuss the medical, practical and emotional challenges of living with metastatic breast cancer and learn how to focus on living each day to its fullest.

C. Women who Partner with Women: Finding Your Way after Breast Cancer
Speaker: Harriet E. Mannheim, LCSW
Manager, Supportive Services, NYU Clinical Cancer Center  

If you partner with a woman, you may face unique challenges after a breast cancer diagnosis. Learn how to navigate the healthcare system, secure a sense of self and regain comfort with intimate relationships. Explore techniques for finding new strength, and understand the impact of breast cancer on your relationship with your partner.

D. Turning Your Passion Into Action: Learning About Research Advocacy
Speakers: Elda Railey and Mary Lou Smith, JD
Co-founders, Research Advocacy Network

Get an overview of research advocacy to gain a better understanding of how it impacts breast cancer research. Discover how you can influence breast cancer research and care at the local, regional and national levels.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

E. Fertility after Breast Cancer: Exploring Your Options
Speaker: David L. Keefe, M.D.
James M. Ingram Professor and Chairman, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida College of Medicine; Co-Director, Fertility Preservation Services, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

Chemotherapy and other breast cancer treatments can significantly affect your fertility and family planning. This workshop will help you understand methods to preserve your fertility before starting treatment, and explore options such as egg donation and surrogacy for those experiencing or concerned about infertility after treatment. 

F. Candidly Speaking: Talking to Your Family about Early Breast Cancer
Speaker: Luanne Chynoweth, LCSW
Assistant Director of Social Work Services, Fox Chase Cancer Center

Talking about cancer with those close to you—and communicating how you feel psychologically, emotionally and physically—can be one of the most challenging aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis. Get strategies to communicate effectively with parents, children and partners, and discover resources to help you be open, honest and comfortable during this difficult time.

G. Advanced Breast Cancer: Research, Treatment and Quality-of-Life Update
Speaker: Jennifer Armstrong, MD
Paoli Hematology Oncology Associates

Hear about the latest research and treatments for women with advanced (metastatic) breast cancer, as well as promising results from active clinical trials. Learn methods to manage pain and other symptoms that may affect your quality of life, and gain the knowledge you need to make informed decisions regarding your physical and emotional health.

H. Care for the Caregiver: Supporting Yourself and Your Loved One with Early Breast Cancer
Speaker: Judy C. Kneece, RN, OCN
President, EduCare Inc.           

This workshop is for caregivers only. Discuss your concerns and needs as a caregiver for a young woman with early-stage breast cancer, and learn strategies to manage your expectations of yourself so you can better care for your loved one. Meet other caregivers and exchange tips for coping.

I. Care for the Caregiver: Supporting Yourself and Your Loved One with Advanced Breast Cancer
Speaker: Anthony Fulginiti, MSW
Social Worker, Palliative Care Service, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute

This workshop is for caregivers only. Discuss your concerns and needs as a caregiver for a young woman with advanced (metastatic) breast cancer, and learn strategies to manage your expectations of yourself so you can better care for your loved one. Meet other caregivers and exchange tips for coping.

J. For Long-Term Survivors: Understanding and Using Your Treatment Summary
Speaker: Frances M. Palmieri, RN, MSN, OCN
Manager, Breast Clinic and Breast Cancer Program, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL

Although you’re well beyond treatment, living with a history of breast cancer can present ongoing physical and emotional challenges. Understand why it’s important to maintain a summary of your breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and care plan. Learn how to integrate your personal medical history into future health care and connect with other long-term survivors.

K. Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Issues and Updates
Speaker: Edith A. Perez, MD
Professor of Medicine, Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL

Discover the latest research and treatment options available. Learn methods to manage side effects that may affect your quality of life, discuss your emotional and physical concerns and understand ways to treat local and distant recurrences so you can get the best medical care.

L. Rediscovering Yourself: Improving Self-Esteem and Body Image
Speaker: Liz Russo, MSW, LCSW
Senior Counselor/Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Center for Personal Development, Saint Peter’s College

A diagnosis of breast cancer can bring changes that affect your body image and self-confidence.  In this workshop, learn ways to embrace yourself emotionally and physically to restore feelings of well-being.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

M. Menopause and Mental Pause: Managing Side Effects
Speaker: Patricia A. Ganz, MD
Professor, UCLA Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

This workshop will focus on two of the more common and disruptive side effects of treatment: menopause brought on by chemotherapy, ovarian suppression or surgery, and cognitive changes that can affect your ability to remember things, concentrate and process information. Get the latest research, and explore techniques for preventing or minimizing side effects to improve your quality of life. 

N. Understanding Genetics, Family History and Breast Cancer Risk
Speaker: Rebecca Sutphen, MD
Associate Professor, Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Pediatrics, University of South Florida College of Medicine;Director, Clinical Genetics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute; Director, Family Cancer Genetics Network

Learn about the medical, ethical, psychological and interpersonal issues of family risk assessment. Explore the importance of genetic counseling, how genetic testing can help with decision making and how to discuss family risk and genetic testing with loved ones. Get the information you need to ask sound questions and begin an open dialogue with your healthcare team.

O. Finding Resources to Embrace Your “New Normal”
Speaker: M. Tish Knobf, RN, PhD, FAAN, AOCN
American Cancer Society; Professor of Oncology Nursing, Yale University School of Nursing

Now that you’re finished with treatment, what’s next? Trying to re-establish life’s balance – your “new normal” – can feel overwhelming. Find resources to help you cope with the complex feelings that often arise after completing treatment, and learn methods to help you embrace life after breast cancer.

P. Single and Ready to Mingle: Dating after Breast Cancer
Speaker: Helen L. Coons, PhD
President and Clinical Director, Women’s Mental Health Associates

Dating after breast cancer may present some special challenges. When do you tell a potential partner about your breast cancer? During this interactive workshop, learn practical ways of dealing with this and other issues, become more at ease with dating after a breast cancer diagnosis and reconnect with your sensual self. Explore inventive methods to reclaim intimacy as an important part of your life. This workshop is open to women of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Q. Getting Your Groove Back: For Women in Partnered Relationships
Speaker: Erin Hoschouer-Lapham
AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, Director of Health Education, Pure Romance Inc.

Explore creative ways to develop and enhance intimacy in your relationship. Learn innovative techniques to improve dialogue with your partner and reconnect with your sexual selves. This workshop is open to women and their partners.

R. Care for the Caregiver: For Men Only
Speakers:
Marc Heyison
President/Cofounder, Men Against Breast Cancer

R. Clint Crews, MPH
Program Director, Partners in Survival National Training Program, Men Against Breast Cancer

This workshop for men only will address the ways that you can be a loving caregiver for your partner or family members affected by breast cancer. Engage in open dialogue about topics such as the emotional and physical demands of care giving, intimacy, finances and child rearing. Discover ways to become a more effective partner in the face of breast cancer, and learn methods to care for yourself while caring for your loved one.

S. Candidly Speaking: Talking to Your Family about Advanced Breast Cancer
Speaker: Sage Annaleise Bolte, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Oncology Counselor, Life With Cancer, Inova Health System

As a young woman living with advanced breast cancer, you may have unique challenges. Many people have a limited understanding of advanced disease and the concept of ongoing treatments. Since you may be dealing with permanent changes to your lifestyle, it may be harder to talk about them. Discuss methods for communicating effectively, and get tips on finding the information and support you need to talk more comfortably with your family.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

T. Managing Your Weight after Breast Cancer
Speaker: Faith D. Ottery, MD, PhD, FACN
Ottery & Associates, Oncology Care Consultants

Managing weight is an ongoing challenge, especially after treatment ends.  Developing a wellness plan that includes healthy diet and exercise can enhance your physical appearance and reduce stress. Learn how to improve your overall fitness goals through proper nutrition, movement and lifestyle choices.

U. Taking Control and Managing End-of-Life Issues
Speaker: Debra K. Thaler-DeMers, BSN, RN, OCN, PRN-c
Peterson Cancer Treatment Center, Stanford Hospital and Clinics

A diagnosis of advanced (metastatic) breast cancer may motivate you to take care of some of life’s important details that people often put off, such as living wills, healthcare proxies and more. A well-planned approach may provide you with a sense of peace and security. This workshop will openly address end-of-life concerns and provide tools for a practical approach to taking care of your business.

V. Professionally Speaking: Knowing Your Rights in the Workplace
Speaker: Carolyn Messner, DSW, MSW, LCSW-R, ACSW, BCD
Director of Education and Training, CancerCare

This interactive workshop will arm you with the tools and information you need to manage your career after breast cancer. Whether you want to maintain your current position or explore new professional ventures, knowing your rights is an integral part of your life at work. Discuss some of the common challenges of dealing with cancer in the workplace.

W. Managing and Coping with Lymphedema
Speaker: Maggie Rinehart Ayres, PT, PhD
Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education, Department of Physical Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Health Professions

Learn how to manage lymphedema using physical therapy, lymphatic drainage, massage and other techniques. Explore research studies to increase your knowledge of this treatment side effect, and discover methods to alleviate its impact on your life.

X. Breast Reconstruction: Exploring Your Options
Speaker: Karen M. Horton, MD, MSc, FRCSC
Plastic Surgeon, Reconstructive Microsurgeon, Women’s Plastic Surgery, San Francisco, California

Advances in technology continue to provide new options for breast reconstruction. In this workshop, you will get the latest information, explore your concerns and learn about the impact of aging, pregnancy and radiation on reconstructed breasts. Hear about immediate versus delayed reconstruction and the latest advances in microsurgery, and understand the stages of reconstruction.