Conference Agenda

9:00-9:45 AM — SESSION ONE

1.1. Cancer and the Environment
Patricia O'Brien, MD (Nursing Contact Hours)

Cancer can be caused by many factors, and environmental exposures to toxins are only one of the many things that can alter hormones and genetics so that a cancer can develop. The basics of environmental exposures, genetic mutations, and endocrine disruption will be discussed. Basic ideas about what you can do to decrease your exposure to potential toxins will be presented along with legislative actions that can be taken to decrease public health risks.

1.2. Advances in Endocrine Therapy
Susan Burdette-Radoux, MD (Nursing Contact Hours)

The majority of breast cancers have receptors for estrogen and progesterone and can respond to endocrine (hormonal) treatments. In this session, we will look at the new endocrine agents available for breast cancer and how they are improving treatment outcome.

1.3. Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: Understanding Your Risk for Breast Cancer
Robin Hayden, NP (Nursing Contact Hours)

In this session, risk factors associated with breast cancer will be discussed along with the models used to assess risk. Limitations of these models will also be presented.

1.4. The Hope that Palliative Care Offers
Allan Ramsay, MD and Barbara Segal, RN

This workshop will discuss the hope that palliative care brings as a new concept of care to anyone with a life-threatening illness, no matter where they are in the continuum — paying attention to the mind/body/spirit connection. We will discuss how we assist people to live with the best quality possible, regardless of the extent of disease, so that every minute can be lived to the fullest. We will also focus on the ability to celebrate life and how to create a legacy for the people we love.

1.5. Writing for Healing Workshop
Patricia Fontaine, MACP

The natural ability of the body can be enhanced by artistic expression, and writing can become a key element of that healing process. Using some simple techniques, we'll begin exploring healing through writing. Bring your favorite writing tools: paper, journal, pen or pencil.

1.6. Menopause in the Context of Breast Cancer
Penelope Gibson, MS, PA-C

This session provides an overview of menopausal issues specific to breast cancer treatment.

1.7. Defending Women's Health: The Department of Defense and the Fight Against Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Donna Kimbark, PhD

Every year, advocates storm the steps of the Capitol in Washington, DC to promote funding for the advancement of women's health. The DoD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) in partnership with consumers (breast and ovarian cancer survivors) works to find and fund the best research to prevent and/or treat breast and ovarian cancer. Consumers represent the experience and urgency needed to impact the research fields. This seminar will discuss how consumers can play a major role in research science and funding decisions.

1.8. Share Your Story

Share Your Story sessions are informal, each with a facilitator. What has cancer taught you? Do you have some encouragement for fellow travelers on this cancer journey? Come and share, for 2-3 minutes, your words of wisdom, spiritual gifts, advice for patients, and lessons for health care providers; or simply come and listen. You may also post your entire story on the conference Web site. See the Share Your Story section for instructions. Facilitators: Margie Cole, MSW and Sally Mattson, MA

1.9. The Physician/Patient Relationship and Communication
Paul Unger, MD, Dave and Karen Crawford

In this session, a breast cancer patient and her husband and physician talk about how to keep the doctor/patient relationship "healthy." Throughout treatment, this is a vital relationship and trouble in this area can make treatments even more difficult. General communication, the importance of asking questions, and the husband's role in support will be discussed.

1.10. Learning to Relax on the Emotional Roller Coaster of Life with Cancer
Ellen Fein, LCSW, RYT

The journey of living with cancer can seem like a wild, emotional roller coaster ride. This workshop will focus on what you can do to relieve stress and find some quiet. You will learn about and experience some very simple tools that you can use when you feel anxious, worried or frightened. You will leave the workshop with knowledge about what you can do to find peace. And in so doing, you can improve your quality of life as well as gain the physiologic benefits of de-stressing.

1.11. COFFEE CHAT - Knitting Comfort Shawls

Bring your knitting and join us, or just come learn about knitting comfort shawls (prayer shawls). Patterns will be available. Come get information on starting your own group or about knitting for Fletcher Allen's Breast Care Center group.

1.12. COFFEE CHAT - Exercise After Cancer Treatment
Kristi C. Johnson, PT, CLT-LANA

Exercise has tremendous benefits for the entire body and mind. It is an important part of returning to a healthy body. Many individuals question when and what type of exercise they can start or return to after cancer treatment. Many health care providers suggest exercise but do not give details on type, intensity, or precautions. Many question or fear lymphedema related to exercise. We will discuss all of the above and hopefully answer/discuss some of these questions.

1.13. Yoga Session

These yoga classes are designed for women with cancer and can be adapted to the physical needs of each participant. Healing Yoga is part of a Mind/Body approach to healing and can ease both physical and emotional pain. It can foster a sense of calm and control during a cancer journey that can at times be stressful and seem out of control. Participants can sit in a chair or lie on a mat in whatever position is most comfortable to get the soothing and relaxing help that comes with meditation and deep breathing. Yoga sessions capped at 15 participants. Sessions taught by various instructors.

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Patricia O'Brien, MD

Patricia O'Brien trained at the UVM College of Medicine specializing in internal medicine. She currently provides lymphedema consultations at Fletcher Allen. She serves as Co-Chair of this conference and is on the grant committee for the VT-NH affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. She has served on many boards including the Stowe Weekend of Hope, the VT-NH Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Cancer Patient Support Program. Dr. O'Brien is herself a 12-year breast cancer survivor.

Susan Burdette-Radoux, MD

Susan Burdette-Radoux is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the UVM College of Medicine and a member of Fletcher Allen's Hematology/Oncology Division. She has a primary interest in clinical trials of immunotherapy and agents with novel mechanisms of action in the areas of breast cancer, melanoma and brain tumors.

Robin Hayden, NP

Robin Hayden is an Adult Nurse Practitioner working in the Breast Care Center/Surgical Oncology Service at Fletcher Allen. She spent many years as a primary care/women's health care provider and has been working at FAHC since 2000.

Allan Ramsay, MD

Allan Ramsay is Professor of Family Medicine and Associate Chair of Family Medicine at UVM. He is Director of Inpatient Family Medicine Services at Fletcher Allen. Dr. Ramsay practices at the Colchester Family Practice and is Medical Director of Green Mountain Nursing Home in Colchester.

Barbara Segal, RN

Barbara Segal is a Clinical Specialist in Palliative Care at Fletcher Allen. For 11 years she was the director of the Hospice of the Champlain Valley and was instrumental in merging the Vermont Respite House with the VNA's Hospice of the Champlain Valley in 1995.

Patricia Fontaine, MACP

Patricia Fontaine is a published poet, a University of Vermont adjunct faculty member and a breast cancer survivor.

Penelope Gibson, MS, PA-C

Penelope Gibson graduated from Rosalind Franklin University (previously Finch University) in 2000. She worked in family practice for five years before joining Fletcher Allen's Hematology/Oncology Division in July 2006.

Donna M. Kimbark, PhD

Donna Kimbark is Breast Cancer Grants manager at the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. She manages over 500 breast cancer awards and ensures the meritorious work of the awardees.

Margie Cole, MSW

Margie Cole is a member of the board of the VT-NH affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and is chair of the Education Committee. She is a social worker employed at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in the Breast Care Center.

Sally Mattson, MA

Sally Mattson is a licensed Vermont psychologist practicing in Brattleboro. She is a breast cancer survivor and is currently writing a book of narratives based on her interviews with breast cancer survivors.

Paul Unger, MD

Paul Unger is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the UVM College of Medicine, a hematologist and medical oncologist on Fletcher Allen's medical staff and a member of the VCC. He cares for patients at the Vermont Center for Cancer Medicine.

Dave & Karen Crawford

Dave & Karen Crawford have been married for 16 years, and they have two children. Karen was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in the spring of 2004.

Ellen Fein, LCSW, RYT

Ellen Fein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a certified yoga teacher. She teaches yoga to those with serious illness and also runs workshops and groups about healing and mind-body techniques such as imagery and meditation.

Kristi C. Johnson, PT, CLT-LANA

Kristi Johnson practices physical therapy at Timberlane Physical Therapy. She has been a certified lymphedema therapist since 1999.

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