2009 Conference Workshops

Session One
Friday, February 27, 2009 | 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

A. Gaining a Better Understanding: Breast Cancer and the EnvironmentSpeaker: Janet Gray, PhD Professor of Psychology and Director in Science, Technology and Society (STS), Vassar College

This workshop is a beginner's guide to learning about the environmental issues concerning breast cancer. Understand the research, how it is conducted and discover how to use the known facts to lower your exposure. Learn how to have your voice heard using strategies to make informed consumer and legislative choices, and find out what the future holds as new research is discovered.

B. Reshaping You: Breast Reconstruction Options Speaker: Melissa A. Crosby, MD Assistant Professor, Plastic Surgery Department, The University of Texas M.D., Anderson Cancer Center

Learn about the latest procedures and advances in the field of breast reconstruction. Whether you are exploring your initial reconstruction options or secondary procedures, this workshop will help you understand which techniques are most appropriate for you.

C. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options Speaker: Powel Brown, MD, PhD
Dan L. Duncan Professor, Department of Medicine and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) also is known as noninvasive breast cancer. This session will provide a comprehensive look at DCIS, including the latest in diagnostic and treatment news; surgical, radiation and hormonal therapy treatment options; how a pathology report is used to help determine treatment options and methods to reduce future risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

D. Advanced Breast Cancer: Living with Uncertainty Speaker: Mary K. Hughes, RN, CNS Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, The University of Texas M.D., Anderson Cancer Center

Discuss challenges related to preserving and protecting your quality of life. Learn how to manage your emotions, how to accommodate changing treatment plans and find ways to live beyond your fears.

E. Chemo Brain: What We Know and How It Can Help Speaker: Lynne I. Wagner, PhD Director, Supportive Oncology at The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at NMFF; Clinical Research Scientist, Center on Outcomes, Research and Education (CORE); Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Institute for Healthcare Studies, Northwestern University, Feinberg Medical School

Whether you are newly diagnosed or living with a history of breast cancer, the effects of chemotherapy on mental functioning and cognition may present ongoing challenges and concerns. Learn about new research, how chemo brain is defined and why it affects some women and not others. Discover techniques to enhance memory and retention for improved day-to-day living.

F. Professionally Speaking: Managing Cancer and Career Speakers:
Kate Sweeney Executive Director, Cancer and Careers Joanna L. Morales, Esq. Director, Cancer Legal Resource Center Debu Tripathy, MD President and CEO, Physicians' Education Resource

Work doesn't stop once you've been diagnosed with breast cancer. Often, young women continue to work during and after treatment. Cancer and Careers, along with its founding partner Roche, present this workshop during which experts will share practical advice on the unique challenges of cancer in the workplace and respond to attendees' questions regarding working through the cancer experience. Experts will discuss how to create an action plan that includes whether and how to address a diagnosis with employers and coworkers; how to inquire about effective treatments that may allow more flexibility and convenience; and what you need to know about your legal rights in the workplace, including an updated bill passed by Congress last September that expands the definition of disability.

Session Two
Friday, February 28, 2009 | 1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

G. Fertility and Pregnancy: Progress, Options and Challenges Speaker: Christine M. Duffy, MD, MPHAssistant Professor of Medicine, Brown University Medical School/Rhode Island Hospital

Breast cancer treatment can affect your fertility and future plans for a family. This workshop will present information on innovative ways to preserve fertility before treatment and explore options, including egg donation, adoption and surrogacy, if you are concerned about or experience infertility after treatment.

H. Getting Relief Now: Managing Side Effects of Treatment Speaker: Betty Harris, WHNP, MSN Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
How can you manage treatment side effects? This workshop will explore ways for you to avoid or minimize common side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, mouth sores, fatigue, skin changes and more. Hear about the latest interventions and share tips with others.

I. Going Strong! Bone Health for Young Women Speaker: Mimi I. Hu, M.D. Endocrinologist, Assistant Professor, Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders and the Section of Bone and Mineral Metabolism, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Bone health can be an important long-term concern for you because some cancer treatments may compromise bone strength and lead to osteoporosis. This workshop will provide a bone health overview, including causes of bone loss, how treatment impacts bone loss, approaches for monitoring bone health and bone-strengthening strategies such as exercise and medication.

J. Raising Healthy Children When a Parent Has Cancer Speaker: Wendy S. Harpham, MD, FACPAuthor, Happiness in a Storm

Dr. Harpham, a mother of three and 18-year cancer survivor, is the author of When a Parent Has Cancer and its companion childre's book, Becky and the Worry Cup. She also co-authored The Hope Tree. Through stories and advice, she simplifies many of the complex problems that parents face when balancing their own needs against those of their children. In this session, Dr. Harpham demonstrates why the greatest gift we can give our children is not protection from the world, but the confidence and tools to cope and grow with all that life has to offer.

K. Sex and Intimacy: The Pleasure Principle Speaker: Leslie R. Schover, PhDProfessor of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

This workshop will explore the physical impact of breast cancer on your sexual self and your relationships. Learn creative ways to work around physical and mental barriers to intimacy and maximize your pleasure. Find out how to connect with a greater sense of your own sensuality for increased gratification and quality of life. This workshop is open to women of all sexual orientations and your partners.

L. Advanced Breast Cancer: Medical and Quality-of-Life Updates Speaker: Eric P. Winer, MD Chief Scientific Advisor, Susan G. Komen for the Cure®; Chief, Division of Women's Cancers and Thompson Senior Investigator in Breast Cancer Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Learn what's in the pipeline for treatment and progressive research. Hear about clinical research findings, including treatments for specific sites of metastases and what they mean for you. Gain insight on the most promising treatments and latest interventions for managing symptoms and side effects for improved quality of life.

M. Care for the Caregiver: Supporting Yourself and Your Loved One with Early-Stage Breast Cancer Speaker: Kauser Ahmed, PhD Clinical Psychologist, Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology

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

N. Care for the Caregiver: Supporting Yourself and Your Loved One with Advanced Breast Cancer Speaker: Marnie McHale, RN, MS, AOCN Program Director, Wellness House, Hinsdale, Illinois

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

Session Three
Friday, February 28, 2009 | 4:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

O. Healthcare Reform, Advocacy and You Speaker: Jessamyn Conrad Author, What You Should Know About Politics...But Don't: A Nonpartisan Guide to the Issues

This session will provide an overview of suggested private and public healthcare reform. The speaker will discuss whether new healthcare proposals equal affordable healthcare for all. Learn about the unique impact on you and your family, how policies may affect protected cancer acts such as the genetic information act and how to get involved on the local and national levels to make your voice heard.

P. Care for the Caregiver: For Men Only!Speaker: Marc Heyison President/Co-founder, 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 member affected by breast cancer. Engage in open dialogue about topics such as the emotional and physical demands of caregiving, 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.

Q. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: News You Can Use Speaker: Generosa Grana, MD Director, Cooper Cancer Institute, Chief, Hematology-Oncology, Cooper University Hospital

During this workshop, hear an overview of the latest information, research and treatments for triple-negative breast cancers, or cancers that test negative for the estrogen and progesterone receptor and HER2 protein. Learn more about the causes of this diagnosis and what may make it more difficult to treat, whether you have early-stage or advanced disease.

R. Practical Tools for Living with a History of Breast Cancer Speaker: Anita C. Broxson, MSN, RN, OCN Young Breast Cancer Survivors' Program Director, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Now that you'e well beyond your diagnosis, what's next? This workshop will explore long-term survivorship and how a history of breast cancer may impact your needs throughout your lifetime. Get practical tools to move forward. Learn how to create a comprehensive survivorship care plan with your doctors and how to communicate with family and friends about your history.

S. Taking Control: How to Manage End-of-Life Issues Speaker: Mary K. Hughes, RN, CNS Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

A well-planned approach to managing your affairs may provide you with a sense of control and security. This workshop will openly address end-of-life concerns and provide tools for taking care of end-of-life issues.

T. Adoption: Options, Challenges and Successes Speaker: Allison Rosen, PhD Psychologist, Fertility Preservation Institute

Adoption is an option that can be considered by anyone seeking parenthood. Those affected by cancer are no exception! However, certain types of adoption may present you with different challenges. Join this session to learn more about the different types of adoption processes such as domestic, international, open or closed and how each varies for individuals affected by cancer. Find out the steps you must take in order to adopt, understand the type of documentation needed from your doctor during the application process and listen to some of your peers discuss their success stories.

U. Voices: Sharing our Stories Moderator: Gabriela E. Höhn, PhD Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor, Long Island University

Breast Cancer Survivor Hear from your peers! This session features a panel of young women at all stages of diagnosis and recovery. Through moderated dialogue between panelists and the audience, this session will be a frank and open discussion of what it's like to be a young woman with breast cancer and how a diagnosis of breast cancer impacts life moving forward. Topics for discussion will include making treatment decisions, communicating with family and friends, balancing professional and personal life goals, changes in perspective and more.

V. Single and Dating Speaker: Mindy R. Schiffman, PhD Clinical Psychologist, Instructor and Sex Therapist, NYU Fertility Center and School of Medicine

For many young women with breast cancer, dating or new relationships can be challenging. You may wonder how much and how soon to share your history. This workshop will provide you with practical tools to build confidence and approach dating with ease. Learn strategies to accommodate changes in self image and perspective and to communicate effectively with new partners. This workshop is open to women of all sexual orientations.

Session Four
Sunday, March 1, 2009 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

W. Anxiety and Depression: A Roadmap to Understanding Emotions and Finding Support Speaker: Beth E. Meyerowitz, PhD Professor of Psychology, University of Southern California

Designed to be a guide to navigating the emotional impact of breast cancer and its impact on quality of life, this session will explore what the research tells us about breast cancer and related depression. The speaker will provide a framework to help you identify your feelings and give strategies for managing both temporary and lingering anxiety. She also will provide tips on when to seek professional support.

X. Women who Partner with Women Speaker: Mindy R. Schiffman, PhD Clinical Psychologist, Instructor and Sex Therapist, NYU Fertility Center and School of Medicine

If you partner with a woman, you and your partner may face unique challenges after a breast cancer diagnosis. Explore techniques for finding new strength, and understand the impact of breast cancer on your relationship. Discuss communication strategies that can help you effectively express your needs to others, and address challenges in how your experience in the healthcare system may be different than that of your heterosexual peers. Connect with peers, and learn about resources for information, referrals and support.

Y. All in the Family: What You Need to Know about Breast Cancer Genetics Speaker: Noah D. Kauff, MD Clinical Genetics and Gynecology Services, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Increase your knowledge of the latest information in the changing field of breast cancer genetics. Learn about the role and impact of genetic counseling—a first step toward understanding your family history. Understand the importance of documenting your family tree, and find out when genetic testing may be an important thing to consider for yourself and your family. Get answers to your questions from one of the leading experts in this field.

Z. Journaling: Healing with Words Speaker: Howard M. Rice Professor, School of Communications, Temple University; President, Howard Rice Company

In this creative arts workshop, explore journaling as a healing outlet for expressing thoughts and feelings. Learn how writing can help you cope with a breast cancer experience and, through a series of basic writing exercises, learn some techniques to stimulate your ideas and create a safe outlet for capturing your feelings. Sharing of your writing during this session is optional.

AA. Navigating Your Health Insurance Speaker: Tami Lewis RN, CCM Corporate Trainer, Patient Advocate Foundation

A diagnosis of breast cancer brings you up close and personal with the health insurance industry. Knowing what kind of insurance coverage you have and how to get the most out of your policy can put you at ease. This session will explain the types of health insurance available and provide you with information on how to get the most out of your existing policy, including how to use your coverage, how to appeal claims, strategies for keeping good records and where to turn for help if you are under- or uninsured.

Sunday, March 1, 2009 | 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Lebed Method Demonstration (all skill levels) Antoinette Muirhead, LMT Certified Lebed Method Instructor; Oncology Massage Therapist

The Lebed Method” is a fun, easy, therapeutic movement and dance program for women and men who have had any kind of breast surgery, node dissection, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, or suffer from chronic fatigue. The Lebed Method's goal is to elevate the quality of life through therapeutic dance and movement, healing body, mind and spirit and is committed to improving the physical and emotional well-being people affected by breast cancer, those with lymphedema and people with other cancers and chronic illnesses