Overview

Join us as we learn how these trials are structured, and how to foster an open dialogue with your health care team about the eligibility and the viability of clinical trials as a treatment option. In addition, participants will learn about the importance of shared decision making and will be introduced to resources to help facilitate these conversations.

Frankly Speaking About Cancer Clinical Trials [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Dr. Sharma spent his residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, followed by his fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center. He was ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine in the year 2015. He enjoys strong connections with patients and their families. He enjoys the intellectual aspects (and challenges) of oncology where the pace of development of new therapies occurs on a near-daily basis and, thus, providing new opportunities for cancer patients. Lastly, he always tries to be cognizant of the social and cultural determinants of healthcare by frequently volunteering in community health clinics in indigent areas of Indianapolis, Chicago and New York City and traveling abroad to China to do medical rotations during my training years. Hes hopes to continue to incorporate these in both his practice and livelihood.”

Overview

In this breakout session you can expect about 20 minutes of information and resources followed by about 20 minutes of interactive yoga instruction. You won’t need any special equipment and no experience is necessary. If you are recovering from recent surgery or have other physical limitations, modifications will be offered with every pose so you can still benefit. Yoga is for everyone, but if you’ve never done it, it’s hard to know where to start! You should leave this session feeling inspired and in possession of some yoga tools to take with you on your next stage of recovery.

Regain Your Strength and Inner Peace Through Yoga After Mastectomy Surgery [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Seleta is a 10 year breast cancer survivor who discovered yoga as an effective way to address many of the mental and physical issues that arose from her treatment. Recently certified with AFPA as a Yoga Instructor, her aim is to help you recover from mastectomy surgery, possibly stronger than you were B.C. (before cancer)!

She lives in Tacoma with her husband and empty nest, now that her youngest of 3 girls has gone off to college.

Overview

It has been scientifically established that diet matters in cancer development , and during treatment through recovery. Diet during cancer treatment can impact side effects, quality of life and also outcome.

However, all good diets are not equal.

Dr. Price will decipher why diet, particularly plant-based anti inflammatory diets, are important. Furthermore she will distinguish between Good, Great and Precise (individualized) diets. She will discuss how genetic raw data can be used to create individualized precise diets that can have a positive effect on cell-directed immunity.

The audience will leave with:

• An understanding of why plant-based, anti inflammatory diets are important to quality of life and risk reduction (Good diets)
• An understanding of how cancer therapy guides diet (Great diets)
• An understanding of how personalized genetic information can help guide the creation of precise diets that can positively affect immune (cell directed)function (Precise diets)

Good, Great and Precise Diets [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Dr. Lisa Price is a license Naturopathic Physician with expertise in complementary cancer care, and culinary nutrition during cancer treatment to survivorship. She practices in Seattle, Tacoma, Redmond and has an online telehealth practice.
A National Institute of Research Fellow (NIH), she studied the clinical and basic science (laboratory) immunological effects of medicinal mushrooms from 2005 to 2011. She is also an author of three conventionally published published books (Demos Health Inc., NYC), a radio hot, lecturer, and adjunct faculty at Bastyr University.

As a undergraduate and Master of Science student she studied microbiology and biochemistry in New York. She graduated from the prestigious Bastyr University in 1998, with honors in counseling.

Dr. Price is a certified expert in OPUS23, a nutritigenomic system allowing for the analysis of raw genetic data. This information allows her to create individual precise diets for her patients with chronic diseases.

Overview

Dr. Veatch will be reviewing the care of lung cancer patients in a modern era with options that go beyond standard chemotherapy. She will focus on specific mutations in the tumor that provide a target for individualized therapy.  In addition, she will review the check point inhibitors that mobilize the body’s immune system to effectively fight cancer and how these treatments have changed the landscape of lung cancer in the past 10 years for the better.

Lung Cancer: Fresh Approaches [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Dr. Andrea Veatch is Board Certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology and Hospice and Palliative Care with specialized interest in lung cancer, head/neck cancer, and other types of cancer.

Dr. Veatch earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis in 1995.  Following residency in Internal Medicine at Mt Sinai Hospital in New York, Dr. Veatch went on to complete her fellowship in Medical Oncology and Hematology at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/University of Washington in 2001.  Dr. Veatch worked with independent grant support under Dr. David Maloney at FHCRC until 2004 when she joined NWMS (formerly Rainier Oncology). Dr. Veatch is involved in numerous clinical research protocols as principal or co-investigator in lung cancer and multiple other cancer types.  Lung cancer is a multidisciplinary cancer requiring communication and coordination between no less than three doctor teams.  At NWMS, Dr. Veatch and her surgical and radiation oncology colleagues in the community have held multidisciplinary thoracic oncology clinics since 2009.

Overview

Breast cancer surgery has drastically changed in the last 150 years from radical deforming surgeries that cause long term physical and emotional side effects to less invasive procedures with excellent cosmetic and oncologic results. This presentation discusses the timeline and evolution of breast cancer surgery, as well as the advances in both surgery and radiation that are performed today based on retrospective data. Oncoplasty is an emerging surgical concept that aims to combine oncologic and plastic surgery techniques to create symmetry between patient’s breasts with minimal scars, allowing the patient to move forward and heal from a breast cancer diagnosis while feeling a strong sense of self-esteem. This presentation will also discuss the future goals in breast cancer surgery that are still being developed and studied.

Evolution of Breast Cancer Surgery: Past, Present and Future Effects on Sexual, Emotional, and Physical Well-being [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Michelle Haslinger, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in breast cancer surgery. Deeply committed to building a lifelong partnership with each patient in their fight against breast cancer, she provides both high quality surgical care as well as emotional healing and support. She offers the most advanced techniques in breast surgery, including nipple sparing mastectomy and intraoperative radiation therapy. With her unique training in oncoplastic techniques, she also focuses her surgical efforts on helping patients maintain a sense of physical wholeness so that they will feel beautiful and strengthened to enjoy their journey through life.

Dr. Haslinger is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons and Society of Surgical Oncology. Passionate about mission work, she holds a clinical and educational commitment to the underserved and international breast cancer populations.

Overview

At the Updates in Hereditary Cancer Genetics presentation, we will talk through the recent updates in cancer genetic testing, including new clinical testing, direct to consumer tests available to order from the comfort of your couch, and how these results are being integrated into your overall care. We’ll also go through what this may mean for other family members.

Updates in Hereditary Cancer Genetics [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Julie Simon is a genetic counselor who earned her Masters in Genetic Counseling from the University of California, Irvine in 2010. After graduation, she stayed working with graduate students in general genetics clinics before moving to the beautiful Pacific Northwest one year later. She enjoys working with people in the South Sound to make the best decisions for their own healthcare based on their genetics and personal or family history of cancer.

Overview

Did you know that stress can contribute to tumor growth and metastasis? Did you know that cancer recurrence has been correlated with higher stress hormones circulating in the body? Did you know that stress hormones can increase the invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells by up to 198% and have been linked to accelerated tumor growth in breast cancer?

We’ve all heard that stress is bad for our health, but I believe that most of us have no idea just how bad it is, particularly where cancer is concerned. This presentation will help you understand the dangers of chronic stress, and more importantly, effective ways to lower your stress.

In this presentation, you will learn:

• Definition and types of stress
• Causes of stress
• Effects of stress
• Stress and your health: What the research says
• How to manage stress

Stress [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Sarah Taylor holds a Masters in Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts, a Masters in Business Administration from Seattle University, a BA from the University of Washington and a Certificate in Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell. She has almost 20 years of experience in medical research, and has been published in multiple medical journals.

In 2017, Sarah began a new career in mental health counseling, and now has a private practice called Harbor Holistic Counseling. She specializes in existential issues using both traditional and holistic methods, and works primarily with cancer patients and their family members. In addition to utilizing traditional therapy methods, she also promotes a vegan diet, stress reduction, exercise, meditation and other methods shown to help improve mental health and cancer outcomes.

In her free time, Sarah is the author of “Vegan in 30 Days” and “Vegetarian to Vegan”, teaches Buddhist classes at the state Women’s Prison, and is the inventor of the Stackable Gourmet, as seen on the Home Shopping Network. She is happily married and lives in Gig Harbor, WA.

Overview

Understanding the basic documents of Advance Directives and how they help support your goals of care during a time of serious illness will be discussed.

This presentation will highlight how to complete your written wishes regarding your medical care and who would have the authority to make medical decisions for you if you are not able to make them for yourself.

Discussing the importance of completing Advance Directives and why the value of doing so cannot be underestimated.

Advance Care Planning – What, When, & Why [PDF]

Presenter Bio

David B Brecher, MD serves as the Hospice and Palliative Care physician at the Puget Sound Veterans Affairs American Lake Campus. He is Board Certified in both Family Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Additionally, he is a Fellow of both Academies. He is honored to serve our Veterans.

Overview

We will answer the following questions

• What is lymphedema?
• Who is at risk?
• When is it likely to occur?
• How do I reduce risk?
• How is it treated?
• What are the exercise guidelines?

Lymphedema: What You Need to Know [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Jessica Sorano brings 10 years of experience as an Army Officer and 2 years of experience as a Physical Therapist. Dedicated to providing the best health care, she has attended the Norton School of Lymphedema and received CDT certification. Born in St. Louis, MO she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in San Antonio, TX.

Lisa Moore is zealous about the importance of exercise, strength, mobility and in living our best lives possible. To that end, she has devoted the past 22 years in the healing art and science of physical therapy where she is a specialist in
balance and fall prevention, cancer and lymphedema treatment as well as rehabilitation of the full spectrum of orthopedic injuries and conditions both pre and postoperative. Lisa believes that physical therapy is vital to help
people exercise with confidence, manage stress and pain, sleep better and do all the things they enjoy doing. Her
clinical expertise is evidenced each day.

Overview

Brief overview of what we are going to do. Warm up, get the hearts pumping, cool down.

Presenter Bio

By day, this Zumba/Low Impact Dance enthusiast works with Special Education students. By night, she shakes her hips, waves her arms and dances to any beat she’s given. I have been teaching Zumba for over 8 years and Cardio Dance for the past 3 years. I love to see the smiles on my participants faces and the sweat on their brow. Most important, I love to burn calories while I’m dancing until I can dance no more….which is never!

Overview

Learn the value of making diet and lifestyle changes after a cancer diagnosis. How you live after a diagnosis can often reduce the risk of recurrence and the risk for developing other lifestyle related diseases as a cancer survivor. We will also cover the specific data on reducing risks for specific cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, based on research completed around the world on Cancer and Diet. Our diet and lifestyle choices are powerful tools under our control.

Eating for Survival 2019: It Matters [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Tricia spent 23 happy years at Franciscan Cancer Center and she credits her experiences there with the development of her interest and passion for excellent cancer care. Tricia came to Franciscan in 1993 as the first full-time Cancer Service Line Dietitian.  She subsequently moved into the role of Director of Community Cancer Programs performing hundreds of community presentations,  developing outreach and education programming throughout the South Puget Sound area, developing an award winning breast cancer lay navigation program, tobacco cessation programs and working with granters and donors to support unfunded cancer programs in the community.  Tricia is currently the Senior Director of the Cancer Service Line for Virginia Mason Memorial in Yakima Washington where she is engaged in building a New Care Team Model for the community, working to enhance end-of-life care, enhance patient navigation, and develop patient and caregiver centric programming.

Overview

This interactive presentation will discuss the hard conversations that most of us either want to avoid or feel ill-prepared to initiate. The burden of silence adds to the heaviness that patients, families and friends carry. With simple techniques and ideas about words and phrases that invite conversation rather than invading safety, participants can “take heart” that these shared moments will ease the silent suffering or unspoken fears that we all carry.

Presenter Bio

Dorothy has spent her entire life and career supporting folks in some of the most challenging times in their lives. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, where the first 25 years of her chaplaincy service were spent, Dorothy moved to the Pacific Northwest and spent this last 18 years as a chaplain at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup. She has a wide range of health care experiences, but she has focused on care for cancer patients and their families. The best of what she knows was taught her by the true experts in cancer, those who bravely battle this disease and refuse to let it define them.

Overview

The rapidly developing world of cancer genomics and targeted therapies can be difficult to keep up with. Learn the differences between the molecular profiling tests available, how to understand this new world of targeted therapy, and how to stay sane while dealing with advanced cancer. Corey shares her own experience with different molecular tests, clinical trials, combination therapies, and the costs and side effects that can come with them.

Presenter Bio

Corey Wood was diagnosed at 22 years old with stage IV lung cancer. As a never smoker with no family history of lung cancer and virtually no symptoms, the diagnosis came as a shock. Corey believes she is still here today and thriving due to genomic profiling and targeted therapy. She now works for Foundation Medicine– a comprehensive genomic profiling company that tests for genomic alterations that may be driving an individual’s cancer — both to consider appropriate therapies like targeted therapy & immunotherapy and provide clinically actionable information, like when to consider changing therapy.

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 14 of her 20 years as a dietitian working as an oncology nutrition specialist, starting with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in 2004. In 2007, she came to MultiCare and began developing outpatient nutrition services for MultiCare Regional Cancer Center’s four clinics. She has authored chapters on palliative care nutrition for two textbooks and has lectured for the University of Washington’s graduate nutrition program. In addition, Kelay has been lecturing and writing about the use of cannabis for cancer symptom management since 2015. Kelay is also a past-chair of the Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Overview

Cell therapy research is advancing cutting-edge treatments tailored to fight specific cancers – bringing new hope to patients.

Bringing the Fight to Cancer: Cell Therapy Research [PDF]

Presenter Bio

Scott Carter has spent nearly three decades in bio studies, including 13 years dedicated to cell therapy progress, in partnership with hematologist Dr. Edward Scott, Key Biologics founder. Mr. Carter works with medical & academic researchers across the U.S. & around the world to help accelerate treatment development & potentially bring a ‘moon shot’ cancer cure more closely within reach. Scott works with researchers who developed the U.S.’s first FDA-approved immune cell therapy & their patients in treatment & ongoing national clinical trials. Scott’s experience includes previous work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis. His apheresis expertise has taken him to cell therapy national & global conferences, including recent summits in Melbourne, Australia and London.