3:15-4:00 PM — SESSION SIX

• 6-1. Vermont Cancer Center Tour (Sessions 5 & 6)
  Please join the Vermont Cancer Center (VCC) for a behind the scenes tour of our cancer care facilities and cancer research laboratories. This is a special opportunity to see and hear about the cutting-edge research and care being carried out at the VCC, which spans from the University of Vermont College of Medicine research facilities to the Fletcher Allen clinics: with tour guides who are at the very forefront of Vermont's cancer initiatives.

   
   
• 6-2. Cancer Survivorship, Thriving after Cancer * **
  This session provides an overview of ways to improve your "post-treatment" personal life and family life. We will briefly discuss the various aspects of the physical and emotional burdens of cancer and cancer treatment and how they can touch each member of the family in unique ways. The session is non-technical and designed to be supportive as people try to problem solve through all the issues that cancer seems to bring to their doorstep even after the treatment has stopped. Short-term and long-term issues like lymphedema, chemo brain, neuropathy and radiation fibrosis 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.
• 6-3. Adjuvant Therapy: New Developments *
  An informal discussion of the new developments in adjuvant therapy. Bring your questions.

  Johannes "Chris" Nunnink, MD          
  Dr. Nunnink is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Vermont, College of Medicine and an attending physician at Fletcher Allen Health Care. He sees patients at the Vermont Center for Cancer Medicine.
• 6-4. Chemical Exposures and Concerns about Breast Cancer
  Why do so many women have breast cancer? Why more now than in our mothers' generation? Silent Spring Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to studying the links between the environment and women's health, particularly breast cancer. Ms. Attfield will discuss the recent research of the Institute and how concerned citizens can become involved to protect women's health.

  Kathleen Attfield
  Ms. Attfield is a staff scientist with the Silent Spring Institute in Newton, MA. She has experience in geographic information systems (GIS), urban ecology, and biochemistry. Ms. Attfield is responsible for managing the Institute's GIS database and providing data collection and management for an ongoing study of groundwater contamination. She will also be contributing to a review of current scientific literature on environmental pollutants and breast cancer and development of a bibliographic database. Ms. Attfield earned her BSc with honors in biochemistry from Brown University.
• 6-5. Men Only Discussion of Film 'Like Fish Out of Water'
  Whether you watched the video in Session 5.5 or not, this session is for all men to come and discuss some of the issues raised, such as their new role in their home, their wife's physical and emotional changes, what to do, what not to do, or whatever comes up. Food will be served and there will be a door prize.

  Dave Crawford
  Karen and Dave Crawford have been married for 16 years and have two children. Karen was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in the spring of 2004. Dave is a construction project manager at IBM. Both are members of Christ Memorial Church where Dave serves as an elder and coordinates the men's group.
• 6-6. Just Say No – to Pain! Minimizing the Impact of Pain in Breast Cancer Treatment and Beyond *
  The best-informed patients are the most successful in managing disease and its treatment. In that spirit, this discussion will seek to empower participants through discussion of management strategies to control pain, both pharmacologic and otherwise.

  Zail Berry, MD, MPH
  Dr. Berry is an internist, geriatrician, and palliative medicine specialist providing home medical care to persons with serious illness in Chittenden County. She serves as Co-Medical Director of the Hospice of the Champlain Valley and is Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Vermont College of Medicine.
• 6-7. Aquatic Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients
  This session is designed to be an introduction to aquatic therapy and how it can enhance your recovery. The properties of water create a unique environment that supports the body's restoration of balance following treatment. Participants are encouraged to bring a bathing suit, towel, and water shoes (optional) to experience for themselves how effective aquatic therapy can be.

  Edie Bernhardt, PT, ATRIC and Deborah Harris, PT, RD, CLT-LANA
  Edie holds degrees from UVM and CCV in physical therapy and body work and massage. She has expertise in soft tissue pain management and has had extensive training with JFB-myofascial release techniques. She has earned national certification as an aquatic therapist and has been part of the development of aquatic therapy in many of the local and regional programs. She currently is the Director of Aquatic Rehabilitation Services at the Physical Therapy Center of Vermont and is a visiting instructor in aquatic therapy at UVM.
  
  Deborah has worked in health care for over 13 years, with her primary focus in outpatient orthopaedics and women's health. Deborah is a certified Lymphedema Therapist in Casley-Smith Technique and a member of the Lymphedema Association of North America. She holds Bachelors Degrees in General Dietetics and Physical Therapy from the University of Vermont.
• 6-8. 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. You may also post your entire story on the conference web site.

  Facilitators: Sally Mattson, MA and Kathleen McBeth, MA
  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.
  
  Kathleen McBeth is a full time coordinator with the Cancer Patient Support Program in the Hematology/Oncology Clinic at Fletcher Allen Health Care. She is a Licensed Psychologist, with a focus on health psychology and adjustment to illness. She is a seven-year lymphoma survivor, who after her treatment, decided to return to school to become a licensed psychologist and work with cancer survivors and their caregivers. She is a graduate of St. Michael's College.
• 6-9. Aromatherapy in Healing
  True Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy is a complementary healing modality. By simply smelling an essential oil you can reduce nausea, anxiety and fear. By applying a diluted essential oil to the skin or in a bath, you can reduce aches and pains and increase relaxation. Participants will get an overview of the benefits of aromatherapy through lecture and will sample some of the oils used to enhance quality of life.

  Valerie Pallotta, RA
  Valerie Pallotta is a Registered Aromatherapist and has been studying Aromatherapy since 1994. She is the former Vermont Director for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, and holds certificates from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy, The Michael Scholes School for Aromatic Studies and the Masters Level Apprenticeship Program through Northwest College for Herbal and Aromatic Studies.
• 6-10. Types of Compression Products to Treat Lymphedema
  Compression is an important part of the long term management of lymphedema. A variety of products are available to help manage swelling. Custom and noncustom products will be discussed. The theory behind use of different tools will be discussed along with a review of the basic physiology. Therapists are encouraged to bring their challenging cases to discuss.

  Kathy Weatherly, OT, CLT-LANA
  Kathy Weatherly is an occupational therapist who has been specializing in lymphedema since 1994. She holds a BA in Art and Occupational Therapy and a BS in Business from Mount Mary College. In 1994, she was trained by Prof. Leduc in the Leduc method of Lymphedema treatment, and has completed the introductory, advanced and certification levels of training. She is currently the owner of Solaris, Inc., Brookfield, WI, which manufactures and distributes specialty products for lymphedema treatment, and continues to treat lymphedema patients through her private practice.
• 6-11. COFFEE CHAT – Using Art to Feel Better
  Participants will discuss how they can use artwork to explore and express their feelings related to cancer. Those present will also have an opportunity to experience how artwork can be used in their relaxation practice and in connecting to hope.

  Catherine King, MA, LCMHC
  Catherine King is an Activities Therapist on inpatient psychiatry at Fletcher Allen. She holds a Master's Degree in Art Therapy and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
• 6-12. COFFEE CHAT – Massage Therapy for the Person with Cancer: Can it Help? Can it Hurt?
  Massage therapy has long been recognized for its ability to provide relaxation and relieve muscle tension, but are there special concerns for the person who has cancer or for cancer survivors? What kind of information does your massage therapist need to have in order to work on you safely? How might massage therapy benefit you during and after treatment? Does your oncologist need to know that you’re receiving massage therapy? We will examine all of these questions and more, as well as look at how massage therapy may be helpful in alleviating some chemotherapy side effects.

  Cindy Schafer
  Cindy Schaefer was certified in therapeutic massage by the Finger Lakes School of Massage in 1996 and earned a New York state license in 1997. She trained in cancer-specific massage with nationally renowned Tracy Walton prior to beginning work at Fletcher Allen Health Care in the "Helping Hands" massage therapy program, which serves Hematology/Oncology inpatients and outpatients.
• 6-13. COFFEE CHAT – Consumers Make a Difference in Breast Cancer Research
  Since 1992, the Congressionally Directed Medical research Program has awarded over $2.2 billion dollars for breast cancer research. Consumer advocates are an important part of this program which is administered by the US Department of Defense. Come find out from a breast cancer survivor what it's like to be a consumer reviewer for this program and how you can join the effort.

  Carol Vallett, EdD
  Ms. Vallett is the Dean of Continuing Education at the University of Vermont, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, and a Consumer Reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs in 2008.
• 6-14. 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.

  Lesli R. Bell, PT, CLT-LANA
  Lesli founded Timberlane Physical Therapy in 1987. Since then she has specialized in the treatment of TMJ and neck, back and thoracic dysfunction. She has also been a LANA certified Lymphedema Therapist since 1997. Lesli's particular interest is in working with breast cancer patients with post-operative swelling and/or other post-operative orthopedic problems.

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