Breakout Sessions

Moving Beyond Cancer to Wellness

Breakout Sessions

Bone Health

Presenter

Susan Ott, MD
University of Washington

Description

Dr. Ott will explain why cancer survivors have higher risk of fractures, and list some of the things they can do to improve bone strength as well as warn about all the misinformation about bones that is not based on science.  Finally, Dr. Ott will briefly mention some of the medications that patient's doctors might use to help prevent the fractures.

Mindful Movement (Qigong) and Acupressure to Promote Resilience

Presenter

Blake Langley, ND, Lac
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Description

The lymphatic system is a critical component of your body's defense against infection and cancer. Many cancer survivors (breast, prostate, head and neck, gynecological, etc.) may have a risk of lymphedema without realizing it. Lymphedema is not curable at this time; this session will teach what lymphedema is, strategies to reduce the risk of it developing, and treatment recommendations. We will also cover the importance of maintaining flexibility, working on scars and strength training.

Supplements: Decoding the Confusion from a Registered Dietitian’s Perspective

Presenter

Kerry K. McMillen, MS, RD, CSO, FAND
Director, Oncology Supportive Care and Screening
Fred Hutch Cancer Center

Description

Supplements and Neutraceuticals are a huge industry and heavily marketed.  This webinar will discuss common supplements/neutraceuticals, marketed for oncology patients and provide an evidence-based approach to answering the following questions: Can we get therapeutic amounts of these supplements in our food? If considering supplements, are they safe and what to look for? Which form(s) provide the greatest bioavailability? Using evidence-based practice, we will provide practical information that you can use to apply in your daily practice.

Art & Creative Expression for Self-Care

Presenter

Nicola Davies, JD, PCC
Create Next Steps, LLC

Description

Neuroscience has proven that art and creative expression can have long-lasting benefits for cancer patients, caregivers and loved ones.  Hands-on creativity can reduce physical pain, relieve stress and anxiety, and enhance the discovery of hope, strength and meaning.  We are all artists in our own lives, so no special “skill” or “talent” is needed.  Simply bring your enthusiasm and we will explore a variety of ways to engage in art-making for enhanced well-being.  All materials will be provided.  Let’s play!

Active Survivorship - Why It Matters

Presenter

Amy Dock, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Description

There is strong evidence that exercise is an important part of recovery for cancer patients.  Do you know if your current exercise regimen is specific to your needs as a cancer survivor?  Come to this session to learn about the latest recommendations and practical tips on making physical activity a part of your survivorship plan.

Fatigue and Cognitive Changes in Cancer Survivorship: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Presenter

David Sheppard, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist
Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington

Description

This session will review ways that fatigue and cognitive functioning can change after cancer and associated treatments. Attendees will learn how fatigue can impact cognitive functioning, and how cognitive changes in survivorship may reflect alterations in how the brain uses energy when performing daily tasks. This session also will review best behavioral practices to address cognitive changes and to managing excessive daytime fatigue, with an emphasis on shared strategies that can benefit both fatigue and cognitive functioning.

The Many Dimensions of Sleep

Presenter

Lina Fine, MD, PPhil
Neuropsychiatry, Sleep Medicine
Swedish Neuroscience Institute

Description

Sleep, that most essential physiological function, has long been one of the cornerstones of physical vitality, mental stability and steady recovery.  And yet, to approach it as a rigid prescription—a duty performed with the same mechanical diligence as flossing—misses its deeper nature. Sleep is not merely a biological function to be checked off but a deeply personal sigh of relief in the rhythm of daily life, a space where we seek not just restoration but a kind of easy joy. This session invites you to consider sleep in multiple dimensions, from the granular details of supplements and strategies to the broader shifts in mindset that shape the way we embrace rest.

Journaling as a Resource for Metabolizing Cancer Stories

Presenter

Pamela Krueger, MA, REAT, LMHC, LMFT, MFA
Cancer Lifeline, Clinical Program Director & Expressive Arts Psychotherapist

Description

Expressive writing from the inside of your experiences of cancer can allow you to move through the psychological effects on your mental well-being in a way that allows the more difficult memories to recede into the past and the ways that you've found meaning and growth to flourish into the future. Through experiments in different forms of journaling, you can find the one uniquely suited to your inner creative writing genius that all humans possess. No writing experience necessary. Bring your favorite journal or choose from our supply when you arrive.

Survivorship to Thrivership: Advocating and Empowering the Survivor & their Caregiver

Presenter

Barbara Regis, PA-C, MS
Associate Medical Director, Survivorship Clinic
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Description

In this session we will discuss approaches in helping you navigate after the cancer diagnoses and beyond. 

Navigating Financial Challenges and Burdens Through Blood Cancer Survivorship (or all cancer)

Presenter

Christopher Su, MD, MPH
Division of Hematology & Oncology
University of Washington

Description

We know there are challenges with financial toxicity. Blood cancer at the top of the list. Survivors can deal with lifelong financial barriers; ongoing medical debt, issues with insurance coverage, not being able to pay bills, bad credit scores, depression, mental health issues, and the need to advocate for survivor rights. And the US is currently looking at huge cuts with Medicare & Medicaid. This is creating additional stress and anxiety in the cancer community.  

Dr. Chris Su is an expert on this topic and will discuss how this issue is being addressed several different ways within LLS; through patient & community outreach and public policy.

RSVP online by May 30th