Overview

Developing Rhythms of Wellness in Cancer Survivorship [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Dr. Nicole Long was born in Davenport, Iowa while her Dad attended Palmer Chiropractic College. After which, her family moved to a small town in Missouri, where she grew up as one of seven children in the chiropractic lifestyle. She studied Art and Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis, and then moved to Marietta, GA to attend Life University. Dr. Long graduated with her Doctor of Chiropractic degree in September of 1999. She has practiced in the Tacoma area of Washington State since that time and has been raising four beautiful children. Dr. Long incorporates Thompson, Activator and Atlas Orthogonal techniques in the care of her patients. She has a passion for helping families reach their health goals.

Overview

A diagnosis of cancer forces patients and families to confront issues that can be ignored on ordinary days. Some people think that not talking about these issues avoids the pain, but patients often will discuss these hard questions and concerns with healthcare staff. They report that avoiding those topics with their loved ones often adds to the burden patients have to carry alone.

This session will offer ideas about having these hard conversations in ways that ease the unnecessary suffering that the burden of silence causes. Information about Palliative Care and Hospice will be included in this shared dialogue.

Presenter Bio

Chaplain Dorothy has spent her entire professional life as a healthcare chaplain. She is currently Director of Chaplain Services for MultiCare Health System, where she has worked for the last 16 years. Prior to her move to the Pacific Northwest, she served in hospitals in the Midwest, where she was a part of an oncology team that offered coordinated interdisciplinary care for cancer patients and families. Within MultiCare, she and her team of chaplains seek to bring hope and encouragement to all affected by cancer.

Overview

Water Color Waves: Come join us for a session of artful search and discovery. This session is patterned after “Art Gig,” the Art Therapy Group that meets Tuesdays from noon to 2:30 at the Jane Thompson Russell Cancer Care Center, Saint Anthony’s Gig Harbor. For the conference we will look at water color waves, surf, sand and hidden treasures in nature. As we enter the creative process we can find renewable resources to meet the unique challenges of artful search and expression. In art we see how each person’s story is entirely unique and a treasure to consider and share. Come join us for painting; bring home water color waves and some captured moments of artful reflection. Materials provided.

Overview

Dr. Senecal will be talking about breast cancer targeted therapies. As researchers have learned more about cancer cell changes and growth patterns, they have been able to develop new types of drugs that target cell changes and block the growth and spread of cancer cells. These new targeted therapies act differently than chemotherapy drugs, which attack cells that are growing. Some targeted drugs can also help other treatment modalities work more effectively. Come hear him discuss the role of targeted breast cancer therapies.

Presenter Bio

Frank Senecal is one of Tacoma’s most respected doctors of oncology and hematology. He’s served as the Director of Oncology for CHI Franciscan, Medical Director of Hospice of Tacoma, Chairman of the Department of Medicine and Chief of Staff at St. Joseph and St. Francis Hospital. He is a Fellow of American College of Physicians, is active in cancer treatment research, has maintained his own practice and was one of the 2008 founders of the South Sound Care Foundation.

Overview

Could the causes and cures for many types of cancer be hidden in plain sight, right under our noses – perhaps right on our dinner plates? And is there anything we can do about cancer, or are we genetically destined to be victims?

Author Sarah Taylor will be speaking on the links between diet and cancer – referencing only high quality scientific research – and will explain why your genes don’t determine your health. You will leave inspired and armed with the knowledge of how you and your loved ones can take your health into your own hands.

Cancer and a Plant Based Diet [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Sarah Taylor has an MBA in Research Methodologies from Seattle University, as well as a Certificate in Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University. Her first book, “Vegan in 30 Days“, has sold thousands of copies and is printed in multiple languages around the world. Her second book, “Vegetarian to Vegan”, was included in the “Top 10 Vegan Cookbooks of 2014,” and is the new and increasingly respected ‘go-to’ book for vegetarians who want to give up dairy and eggs, and finally go vegan for good. She has worked as a Motivational Trainer for Joel Fuhrman, MD, the NY Times best-selling author of “Eat to Live”, “The End of Dieting” and many other best-selling titles. Sarah has been a writer for Veg News magazine and Aloha Living magazine, and has been interviewed for countless radio and internet shows, including NPR, PBS and EarthSave Radio, among others.

In her free time, Sarah is getting a Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling, enjoys reading, and is the inventor of the Stackable Gourmet, as seen on the Home Shopping Network. She is happily married with many pets, and lives in Gig Harbor, WA.

Overview

There is an art to creating a life that flows and grows. If you are feeling tight, heavy, drained, exhausted, or even completely lost, no worries, come learn the art of getting unstuck. We are created to shift and change. When we stagnate, or get stuck it feels bad. Getting unstuck releases, a tremendous amount of energy and it feels good. Joy begets joy. There is an art to getting unstuck. The benefits are: increased energy, inner radiance, lighter spirits, raised curiosities and stronger immunity.

Presenter Bio

Denise Frakes, Certified: Transformation life coach, Healthy Home Specialist, Master Energy EFT practitioner. 25 years experience owning a restoration cleaning company and helping her clients create healthy homes

Denise Frakes is a coach, consultant and curious writer. She uses both coaching and clutter clearing as tools to help her clients let go of what depletes them and create spaces and lives in which they can thrive.

For 25 years she has owned and operated a restoration cleaning company: Blue Sky Services. Denise is a certified transformation life coach, healthy home specialist and a master EFT Practitioner. She is also you’re your enthusiastic residue free living guide. 253-278-1082; dfbluesky@yahoo.com Lighten up live residue free blog: www.dfbluesky.com

Overview

In navigating through a terminal Illness it is crucial that we anchor purpose and meaning in our lives, making sure that we truly live and love. In this session we will explore Purpose and Meaning and illness, hopefully with lots of questions.

Purpose & Meaning Presentation [PDF]
Purpose & Meaning Presentation Outline [PDF]
Purpose & Meaning Reference List [PDF]

Presenter Bio

J Fields is a psychotherapist and Tai Chi instructor. For the past 14 years he has been a facilitator of Cancer Groups at Harmony Hill Retreat Center. His own experience with Bladder cancer occurred in 2003 and he was a companion to his father on his journey in 2008. He has worked extensively with Trauma, including returning combat Veterans, domestic violence and child abuse.

Overview

Cannabis has a long history of medical use – dating back to ancient Egypt and 1st century China. In Washington state, cannabis has been legal for medical use since 1998. Many people hear about the potential benefits of using cannabis during and after cancer treatment. Knowledge is the key to making wise and informed decisions about using medical cannabis. Are you well informed? Come and learn what you need to know about using cannabis medicine including potential benefits, adverse effects, pros and cons of modes of use (i.e. smoking, vaping, ingestion) and other important considerations.

Medical Cannabis: What You Need to Know [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Kelay Trentham is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition. She has spent the last 13 years working as an oncology nutrition specialist, starting that journey at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. In 2007, she began developing outpatient nutrition services for MultiCare Regional Cancer Center’s four clinics. Kelay is the immediate past-chair for the Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has authored chapters on palliative care nutrition for two textbooks and has lectured for the University of Washington’s graduate nutrition program. Since first speaking on the subject of medical cannabis at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition in 2015, she has been invited to speak for several organizations, including the University of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican chapter of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is currently working on a medical cannabis article and book chapter and is looking forward to sharing what she’s learned about this fascinating and often controversial plant.

Overview

Blood Cancers – What to Expect and What is New [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Overview

Presenter Bio

Gae Dougherty is the Senior Director of Health and Well-being at the Mel Korum YMCA. She is the Program Manager for the Pierce and Kitsap Counties LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. She is dedicated to supporting cancer survivors on the journey to mind, body and spirit wellness.

Overview

Attorney Bryana Cross Bean will lead a discussion about the essential facts everyone needs to know about estate planning, probate, and long-term care planning. Topics covered will include:

• The most important documents everyone should have no matter their situation and how often they should be updated;
• Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Trusts, and other documents;
• What probate is and ways to avoid it; and
• Planning and paying for long-term care.

This will be an interactive presentation, so bring your questions!

Estate Planning, Probate and Long-Term Care [PDF]
Essential Facts: Estate Planning, Probate and Long-Term Care Planning [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Bryana practices in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law, Probate, Real Estate Contracts and Deeds, and Business Formation. Helping people protect their future is her passion. Her goal is to anticipate problems before they start, and she strives to keep her clients out of court. Bryana very much enjoys sitting down with a client and helping make their lives better.

Bryana is currently a licensed attorney in Washington in good standing. She earned her law degree from Seattle University, and studied biology, history, and public health as an undergraduate at the University of Washington.

She currently holds memberships through the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association (TPCBA), American Bar Association (ABA), National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), and Aging Smart Educational Network. She is currently serving on the Legislative Committee of the Washington chapter of NAELA and is an active board member of Aging Smart.

She enjoys giving back to the community and frequently gives free estate and long-term care planning presentations to seniors at a variety of senior centers and assisted-living facilities in Pierce County. Bryana lives in Bonney Lake with her husband and 3 pets. In her spare time, she enjoys, hiking, jewelry-making, nature photography, and archery.

Overview

This will be a panel of cancer survivors discussing how having a support system helped them in their cancer journey.

Presenter Bio

Bob Freeborn, Cancer Survivor and Leader of Tacoma Prostate Cancer Support Group

Bob Freeborn has been actively involved with several prostate cancer support groups since 2004. He was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer in May 2004 and underwent a radical prostatectomy in July 2004. He started attending a support group immediately after treatment and recognized the value of this group to post treatment men as well as to those men who were newly diagnosed and seeking information on various treatment forms. Bob initiated and facilitated a support group closer to home the following year and this group eventually merged with the Tacoma Prostate Cancer Support Group (TPCSG) in 2007. He is a member of the TPCSG steering committee and is a co-facilitator for the group. Bob is a 22 year Air Force veteran, flying a variety of aircraft throughout his career and then spent 16 years in commercial aviation, retiring in 2006. Bob holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Police Administration and an MBA from Regis University.

Overview

Becky will talk about some of the common skin conditions and some of the “cancer leftovers” that can change the way your skin looks and feels; leaving you wondering “who is that in the mirror”? And, she is excited to share a few of her favorite things that she has found along the way while working with clients during and after cancer treatment in the last 9 years. You will learn about products, scalp and body care, and even a few makeup tips to help you feel like you again.

Ingredients to Avoid in Your Personal Care Products [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Becky Kuehn,Licensed Master Esthetician, Hope Coach, Founder & Director of Education Oncology Spa Solutions

Becky is a 39-year cancer survivor that has a passion and made it her life’s work to make the way easier for those on the cancer journey. She has two local locations within Franciscan Health (St. Francis in Federal Way and St. Anthony’s in Gig Harbor) where complimentary skin care and wig services are provided for patients. She has also created a training company that shares the Life Changing Esthetics(T) program to spa professionals all over the US. Her goal is to spread the healing hands and increase the circle of care! She is an invited speaker, coach and mentor, wife and mother.

Overview

To identify risk factors for cardiotoxicity, recognize appropriate imaging modalities to assess cardiotoxicity, and distinguish the strengths of echocardiography, strain, CT, MRI, and nuclear imaging. Being able to identify the cardiovascular concerns with conventional and newer cancer therapies including the adverse effects manifestation with optimal pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions to be instituted for cancer patients and survivors.

Clinical Research for Cancer Patients [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Dr. Slim is an advanced imaging cardiologist, who recently joined the Pulse Heart institute from Tulane University Heart and Vascular Institute where he taught as an associate Professor of Medicine and Radiology after serving in the US Army for over a decade as the director of advanced cardiac imaging and cardiovascular research in San Antonio Military Medical Center. Dr. Slim completed his internal medicine training in St John’s hospital and medical center before he volunteered to join the service where he subsequently completed his cardiovascular fellowship and advanced imaging training. During his OIF deployment, he was featured in several articles such as ACP Internist October 2011 issue “Medical Missions in Iraq help train next generation of doctors”, and Internal Medicine News, August 2011 Issue 2 “A Military MD Mentors Young Iraqi Physicians.” His scientific work was also featured in media such as his article “Availability of cardiac CT streamlines cath lab use, lowers costs” which was featured in Theheart.org in 2013. The Department of Defense has recognized his significant contributions to innovation with three military health system awards for his work with preventive cardiology, imaging and patient safety. Dr. Slim is an avid researcher who participated in major clinical trials and was awarded multiple grants for his independent research in lipid metabolism and Imaging. He co-authored 2 chapters, a book, and over 50 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, as well as 25 teaching modules for the American college of cardiology. As an expert in the field of cardiovascular imaging, he sits on the Guideline and Membership Committees of the Society of Cardiovascular CT in addition to being on the editorial team of the E-learning Educational Committee for the American College of Cardiology and the item writing committee of the Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiovascular CT.

Overview

Healthy-Steps is a therapy, exercise, and movement program done to great music, designed to help you thrive! It focuses on lymph edema issues, as well as other problems that can surface due to treatment.  The program is  for everyone, from young adults to seniors, regardless of health, age or ability level, The Healthy-Steps program improves overall wellness, range-of-motion, balance, strength and endurance, as well as emotional well-being and self-image. Healthy Steps/The Lebed Method has even been proven to help enhance the well-being of those with Cancer or other chronic illnesses or medical conditions.

Presenter Bio

Melanie Hendershot was certified in 2009 as an AFAA group exercise instructor and has been pursuing other certifications in the fitness field ever since. She has experience teaching pre-k through seniors how to live a healthy lifestyle and remain physically fit. She has been a Healthy Steps instructor since May of 2015 and embraces the opportunity to connect with her students in a fun, positive way.

Overview

The causes of cancer related fatigue will be reviewed and strategies for reclaiming health and vitality will be discussed. The audience will leave with “pearls” to regain vitality during the survivorship phase of cancer treatment and recovery.

Reclaiming Vitality – Fighting Fatigue in Cancer Survivorship [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Krisstina Gowin, DO is a medical oncologist with specialized training in integrative medicine. “Cancer care is as unique as is the individual,” says Dr Gowin, “I strive to provide evidenced-based cancer therapy that is personalized and addresses all aspects of the patient, including the body, mind and spirit.”

Dr Gowin graduated from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009, where she received a merit scholarship and recognition from the American Women’s Medical Association for outstanding academic achievement. She completed her internal medicine residency at University of Southern California, where she was dedicated to serving the underserved of Los Angeles County. She then received her hematology and medical oncology training at Mayo Clinic in Arizona where she delivered state of the art cancer therapy to patients within a multidisciplinary team. She now is working as a medical oncologist at t Salish Cancer Center in Fife, Washington, the first Native American cancer center in the US. She additionally is currently a fellow of the Integrative Medicine Program at University of Arizona.

With several peer reviewed publications and research protocols, Dr Gowin is a dedicated researcher with ongoing clinical trials in Yoga, Tai Chi, and novel therapeutic combinations in a type of chronic leukemia, myeloproliferative neoplasms. She is regarded as a national expert in the field of myeloproliferative disease but provides care for the spectrum of hematology and oncology patients. She maintains active academic research and mentoring positions within Mayo Clinic Arizona and Arizona State University.

Overview

You’ve completed your cancer treatment, now what? The transition from being a person with cancer to being a cancer survivor can be made easier with a Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan. This document, provided by your Oncology team, summarizes what treatments you have had and what you need to know in the months and years ahead. Attend this talk to learn about this document, and how having one can help you get the care you need and deserve after cancer treatment.

Making Your Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan Work for You [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Leslie Heron has provided healthcare to patients in the Seattle area for over 30 years. Formerly in primary care, she has worked in the area of cancer survivorship since 2012 at Fred Hutch and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Leslie sees people who have completed their cancer treatment and assists them with many aspects of cancer survivorship and moving forward after cancer treatment.

Overview

There are many ways that diet and physical activity can impact cancer risk and survivorship. Learning about them is one thing, but implementing them is another. How do we change our habits to include more healthful foods, reduce cravings for health-depleting foods, and sustain long-term positive changes in diet and lifestyle? Enter mindfulness! Learn the basics of how mindfulness strategies can help you put knowledge into action. Includes active mindfulness exercises – no gym clothes needed!

Presenter Bios

Kelay Trentham

Kelay Trentham is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition. She has spent the last 13 years as an oncology nutrition specialist, starting that journey at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. There, she worked with both stem cell transplant and solid tumor patients providing nutrition counseling for prevention, treatment and survivorship. In 2007, she began developing outpatient nutrition services for MultiCare Regional Cancer Center’s four clinics. Kelay is the immediate past-chair for the Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has authored chapters on palliative care nutrition for two textbooks and has taught and guest lectured for the University of Washington’s graduate nutrition program. For eight years, she has been an avid practitioner of mindfulness and meditation and is excited to share how practicing mindfulness may benefit your health!

Joseph Gonzales

Joseph Gonzales, R.D., is a dietitian and researcher. He currently works at MultiCare Regional Cancer Centers as a Clinical Dietitian. Formerly, Mr. Gonzales was the Nutrition Director for Blue Cure Foundation – a non-profit for prostate cancer awareness. Mr. Gonzales was responsible for developing and promoting nutrition content. He conducts research on how diet relates to men’s health and cancer risk, translating the research into healthful recipes and useful everyday tips. Mr. Gonzales has published several studies on plant-based nutrition and cancer, type 2 diabetes and weight loss. He previously served as Nutrition Director for the nonprofit NutritionFacts.org and as a dietitian for the Comprehensive Lifestyle Changes Study at MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Integrative Medicine Program, and served four years as staff dietitian for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. He is a regular volunteer with a diabetes lifestyle intervention program in the Marshall Islands. He loves playing ice hockey, being outdoors and growing food and flowers.

Overview

Workshop will cover the need for stress management, the impact of stress and the cancer experience on the immune system, specific practical ways to deal with stress, and relaxation experience.

Stress Management [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Revis Ann was born and raised in Texas. In 1993, she received her Masters in Music Therapy from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. She was an adjunct professor at SMU for 4 years at which time she moved to Miami, FL. While teaching elementary music classes for 13 years in Miami, she was diagnosed with breast cancer (2009). After having a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, she made the decision to apply to graduate schools to be a psychologist. Her main concentration has been in health psychology. She is currently finishing her psychology internship at Pacific Rehabilitation in Everett, WA in which she works with chronic pain and oncology patients. She plans to move to Eugene, WA in August to begin a post-doctoral fellowship for one year.

Overview

Dr. Madan Kataria of Laughter Yoga International shares, “Anyone can laugh for no reason without relying on humor, jokes or comedy and one can feel the benefits on the very first session! We initiate laughter as a body exercise in a group and with eye contact and childlike playfulness. It soon turns into real and contagious laughter. Laughter Yoga is combination of deep breathing exercises from yoga and laughter exercises, which oxygenates our body and brain, makes us feel more healthy and energetic. Laughter Yoga is not just fun as scientific research show that it plays a role in the reduction of blood pressure and a drop in stress levels (cortisol) and well as these 5 benefits;

• Good Mood and More Laughter: Laughter Yoga helps to change your mood within minutes by releasing certain chemicals from your brain cells called endorphins. You will remain cheerful and in a good mood throughout the day and will laugh more than you normally do.
• Healthy Exercise to Beat Stress: Laughter Yoga is like an aerobic exercise (cardio workout) which brings more oxygen to the body and brain thereby making one feel more energetic and relaxed.
• Health Benefits: Laughter Yoga reduces the stress and strengthens the immune system.You will not fall sick easily and if you have some chronic health conditions, you will heal faster.
• Quality of Life: Laughter is a positive energy which helps people to connect with other people quickly and improves relationships. If you laugh more, you will attract many friends.
• Positive Attitude in Challenging Times : Everyone can laugh when life is good, but how does one laugh when faced with challenges? Laughter helps to create a positive mental state to deal with negative situations and negative people. It gives hope and optimism to cope with difficult times.”

In this session we will experience the benefits of laughter yoga as Michelle guides participants through a brief presentation, followed by laughter yoga exercises, a laughter meditation and wraps up with a grounding meditation.

Presenter Bio

After years of exploration Michelle feels strength in growing her roots in Tacoma, WA, where she passionately engages the community by serving as Co-Director of SKY Community and volunteering with other non-profit organizations. Having a Masters in Cultural Studies has supported her work with the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, KTF – the Pat Graney Company Prison Project, and though the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. As a certified Laughter Yoga Leader and Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist she works to ensure that all people, know that they are worthy and deserving of love, peace, belonging and healing.