10:00-10:45 AM — SESSION TWO

• 2-1. Cancer and the Environment *
  Breast Cancer can be caused by many factors, and environmental exposures to toxins are only one of a complex puzzle of influences that can alter hormones and genetics so that a cancer might develop. The basics of environmental exposures, genetic mutations, and endocrine disruption will be discussed. Exposures during childhood, and various theories about windows of increased sensitivity to exposure will be discussed.

  Patricia O'Brien, MD          
  Dr. O'Brien trained at the University of Vermont College of Medicine specializing in internal medicine. She currently provides lymphedema consultations at Fletcher Allen Health Care. She serves as Co-Chair of the Annual Breast Cancer Conference and is the Chair of the grant committee for the VT-NH affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. She has served on many event boards including the Stowe Weekend of Hope, Education Chairwoman for the Komen Vermont-New Hampshire Affiliate, and board member of the Cancer Patient Support Program. Dr. O'Brien is an eleven-year breast cancer survivor.
• 2-2. Advances in Endocrine Therapy *
  The majority of breast cancers have receptors for estrogen and progesterone and can respond to endocrine (hormonal) treatments. We’ll look at the new endocrine agents available for breast cancer and how they are improving treatment outcome.

  Susan Burdette-Radoux, MD          
  Dr. Burdette-Radoux is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Vermont College of Medicine/Fletcher Allen Health Care and joined the Hematology/Oncology Division in 2002. 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.
• 2-3. Current Options for Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy *
  Join this discussion about implant and autologous tissue reconstructions, as well as finishing touches such as opposite breast balancing procedures and nipple reconstruction.

  David Leitner, MD
  David Leitner, MD, is Professor of Surgery at the University of Vermont College of Medicine and is a member of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Fletcher Allen. His areas of clinical subspecialty expertise are Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Breast reconstruction, Cosmetic, Skin Cancer, Hand, Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery.
• 2-4. The Many Faces of Metastatic Disease: A Panel Presentation
  This workshop will address the experiences of women who are living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Their message is one of HOPE and OPTIMISM. They wish to share their stories with newly diagnosed survivors, medical providers, and families and friends of all breast cancer survivors.

  Facilitator: Rose Colletti, PhD
  Dr. Colletti is a staff psychologist with the Cancer Patient Support Program. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology at the University of Vermont.
• 2-5. The Role of the Patient Navigator in the Multidisciplinary Care Setting
  As on any journey, it is helpful to have a navigation system, be it a compass, a map or a navigator to personally guide you in the right direction. The role of the patient navigator is to help you move forward on this cancer journey and help you understand your care and support options along the way.

  Nicole Messier, RN, Kerry Stanley, MSW, Maggie MacLeary, RN, Sue Bouffard, RN
  Nicole Messier graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor's degree in nursing and now works at Fletcher Allen as the nurse navigator for the Upper GI Multidisciplinary Clinic in the Vermont Cancer Center at Fletcher Allen.
  
  Kerry is the Patient Navigator in the Hematology Oncology clinic at Fletcher Allen Health Care. She holds a master's degree in social work from the University of Vermont.
  
  Margaret MacLeary works as a Nurse Navigator at the Breast Care Center at Fletcher Allen Health Care. She has been a nurse at Fletcher Allen for 34 years.
  
  Susan Bouffard received her BA from Trinity College and her BSN from the University of Vermont in 1988. She works at the Fletcher Allen Health Care Breast Care Center as a Clinical Program Coordinator.
• 2-6. Treasures in the Breast Cancer Literature for Patients, Survivors, and Their Families *
  High quality consumer health literature is available online and in print format to help breast cancer patients make informed decisions about their healthcare. But where do you begin when faced with countless websites, books, databases, journals and more? Come and learn about the breast cancer information portal on MedlinePlus, a free database from the National Library of Medicine, as well as the rich collection of breast cancer books available in the Consumer Health Collection at UVM's Dana Medical Library.

  Nancy Bianchi, MSLIS
  Ms. Bianchi is a Library Associate Professor and a reference librarian at the Dana Medical Library, University of Vermont. She has organized and staffed the Dana Library's exhibit at the Breast Cancer Conference since the first conference in 1997.
• 2-7. Cancer as a Spiritual Event: A Multi-Faith Panel Discussion
  Finding out that you have a potentially life threatening disease can be a spiritually charged and changing event. There are many faith systems or religious beliefs about how to best cope with this challenge. This is an open panel discussion on different methods of coping and spiritual explorations. Each cancer journey and each spiritual journey is unique. We ask attendees to be respectful of belief diversity.

  Robert Macauley, MD
  Dr. Macauley is a Palliative Care Physician and Director of Clinical Ethics at Fletcher Allen Health Care and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the UVM College of Medicine.
• 2-8. Treatment Options for Breast and Trunk Wall Lymphedema
  This session is geared towards the public and for persons with lymphedema of the breast or chest wall. It will include basic information and demonstrations.

  Elaine Belanger PT, CLT, Julie Adams, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA
  Ms. Belanger received her lymphedema training through Klose-Norton Consultants in 2003. She has specialized in lymphedema treatment for the past 3 years. She is employed by Fletcher Allen Health Care, Rehab Outpatient Center, treating both in and outpatient cases.
  
  Julie Adams has been with Fletcher Allen since 2003. She is currently the Therapy Supervisor of the Rehabilitation Outpatient Center, which is the site of the outpatient lymphedema therapy program. Julie received her physical therapy degree from the University of Vermont in 1991 and a doctorate in physical therapy from Simmons College in 2006. She works primarily with patients with complex medical conditions, and is very involved with program development for cancer patients.
• 2-9. Share Your Story (Continued)
  Come share your story or come listen to others share at these informal double sessions with a facilitator. What has cancer taught you? Do you have some encouragement for fellow travelers on this cancer journey? Have you learned to be a better advocate for yourself? What is your relationship with the people you love? Do you take time to communicate differently? Come and share for 2-3 minutes or come and listen.

  Facilitators: Margie Cole, MSW and Sally Mattson, MA
  Margie is a member of the board of the VT-NH affiliate of Komen for the Cure, and is chair of the Education Committee. She also runs the NH Emergency Fund which serves women with breast cancer, and is funded through the local affiliate of the Komen for the Cure. She is a social worker employed at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in the Breast Care Center.
  
  Sally Mattson is a licensed psychologist practicing in Brattleboro, Vermont. She has been in practice for 26 years, specializing in individual and couples' counseling. She is a breast cancer survivor and is currently writing a book of narratives based on her interviews with breast cancer survivors.
• 2-10. COFFEE CHAT - Cancer Epidemiology 101
  The Vermont Department of Health will present the most current available data on women's cancer rates in Vermont. We also will discuss cancer screening rates and available data on risk factors associated with the development of cancer. Where applicable, Vermont data will be compared to the United States.

  Elizabeth Peterson, MPH
  Elizabeth Peterson is currently an epidemiologist with the Vermont Department of Health, where she is responsible for surveillance and evaluation of chronic disease prevention efforts throughout the state. Liz is also a member of the steering committee for VTAAC – Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer.
• 2-11. COFFEE CHAT - Knitting Comfort Shawls
  Bring your knitting and join us, or just come learn about knitting comfort shawls and prayer shawls. Patterns will be available. Come get information on starting your own group or info about knitting for the Breast Care Center's group.

  Sue Aldous
  Sue Aldous has been a medical transcriptionist for Fletcher Allen Health Care for over a decade. As a volunteer for the Volunteer Services Department at Fletcher Allen for six years, Sue has knitted or crocheted and donated items from caps and blankets for preemies, to lap robes for patients in the rehab center, to comfort shawls for Breast Care Center patients.
• 2-12. COFFEE CHAT - Consumer Product Safety: Know What's in Your Make-Up Bag
  It may surprise you to learn that many cosmetics and personal care products now contain a multitude of chemicals including synthetic and toxic dyes, preservatives, detergents, allergens, estrogen-like chemicals, and more. Attend this workshop to learn more about these ingredients and how to spot them, how to protect yourself and how to advocate with manufacturers and the government.

  Paul Burns
  Paul is the Executive Director of VPIRG. Paul has been working as an organizer, advocate and attorney on toxics issues for over 20 years. He has co-authored numerous reports including Generations at Risk, which was later released as a book.
• 2-13. Yoga Session
• 2-14. Return to Exercise During and After Cancer Treatment
  Join a exercise session in the gym, led by a physical therapist. We will begin exercise using the concept of progressive resistive exercise - Weight Training! Wear comfortable clothing for the class. All levels are welcome. Goals include how to safely stretch for flexibility, guidance on how and where to start using weights and/or machines, and cardiovascular conditioning.

  Candice Brueck, PT, ATC, CLT
  Candice practices physical therapy at Timberlane Physical Therapy, and completed her training to become a certified lymphedema therapist in 2003. She has an extensive background in working with athletes, including serving as an athletic trainer at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Atlanta. Candice's areas of interest include the treatment of the foot/ankle, shoulder, and lymphedema.
• 2-15. Fly Casting Workshop – Casting for Recovery
  Orvis has a long history of providing fly casting as a technique to help women with breast cancer. Their "Casting for Recovery" program as been seen on national TV programs and is a wonderful way to relax, enjoy nature and get your arms moving. These free demonstrations and guidance sessions will be held outside as weather allows.

   
   
• 2-16. COFFEE CHAT - The Challenges of Practical Issues Impacted by Cancer: A Social Work Approach **
  This session, geared towards social workers, will address the many challenges that face someone going through care treatment and recovery and how a social worker is an integral part of that care at many stages along the way.

  Stephanie Fraser, MSW
  Stephanie Fraser, MSW, is a Hematology/Oncology Social Worker, covering the outpatient clinic in the Vermont Cancer Center's clinical space at Fletcher Allen Health Care. She has worked with cancer patients and their families for eight years. In addition, she helps manage and administer the Cancer Patient Support Program's Emergency Fund, a fund created to provide emergency relief to patients who find themselves in financial crisis due to their illness. In November of 2005, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and underwent surgery and six cycles of chemotherapy. During her treatment and recovery, she kept herself in shape by training for the 100-mile LiveSTRONG Challenge bike ride to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation, held in September 2006. She successfully finished the century ride in Philadelphia six months after completing chemotherapy. In late October 2008, Stephanie will again be participating in the LiveSTRONG Challenge, to be held in Austin, TX, October 25-26th.

Session One | Session Two | Session Three | Lunch Session | Session Four | Session Five | Session Six