Hypnosis has been shown to decrease pain, anxiety and stress as well as other symptoms related to cancer treatment.

Certified hypnotherapist Don Pelles will teach self-hypnosis techniques that will assist in the management of these symptoms. We hope you will join us for this wellness class.

Dr. Jeni Sheng, Assistant Professor in the Department of Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine will provide an overview of the latest findings in treatment, and research, from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Seasoned estate planning attorney and Hope Connections board member, Gary D. Altman, will lead an informative discussion on estate planning, trusts, charitable giving, and much more!

This will be a panel discussion with three young adults and a nurse navigator.

Arlen Gaines, Director, Hospice Social Services at JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) will be joining us to discuss end-of-life care and the benefits of hospice.

Cancer can wreak havoc on our digestive system. Patricia Guay-Berry (registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition) will discuss ways to prepare for and cope with the challenges of active treatment and afterwards. Learn helpful tips and strategies.

Brennan Streck, Oncology Nurse and Cancer Prevention Fellow at the National Cancer Institute will help us to better understand the roles and responsibilities of your cancer care team. She will cover how to approach difficult conversations, self-advocacy, and health literacy issues. Brennan looks forward to answering your questions! We are delighted to be co-hosting this program with Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.

With cancer treatment often comes side effects. These physical, cognitive, and emotional changes can present challenges at work and in school. Monica Bryant, Esq. with Triage Cancer will discuss the practical and legal tools that exist to minimize
challenges and cope with side effects.

To register, go to: https://smithcenter.org/programs-retreat/yac-hot-topics-ada-accommodations-adjusting-work-school-post-diagnosis/

While most of us are comfortable talking about life, many of us shy away from Death & Dying Conversations.

Dr. David Schrier, Chief Medical Officer with Montgomery Hospice, will be joining us to discuss what hospice is and how to approach difficult conversations. 

This will be an interactive discussion. Please bring your thoughts, feelings, and questions.

Dr. Aminah Keats ND, FABNO, Board Certified in Naturopathic Oncology, will provide information and several different strategies that can be implemented utilizing nutrition, herbal medicine, supplementation, and lifestyle factors with the goal of making the internal environment as inhospitable to cancer cells as possible.

Join us for a talk led by Dr. Cheung as she discusses the latest scientific evidence and her own research on implementing anti-racist approaches to engaging with younger adults in the conduct of research.

In addition to introducing key concepts, Dr. Cheung elaborates on how and why underrepresented patients should participate as advocates in research.

To register, go to: https://events.lifewithcancer.org/?date=2023-07-26

One of the most comforting forms of support you can offer a loved one with cancer is the use of touch. Lee Blank, LMT is a licensed oncology massage therapist. She has many years of experience in the field of oncology
massage, and she will provide safe and simple techniques anyone can learn and apply. These techniques were developed with support from the National Cancer Institute.

Please bring a couple of pillows and hand towels for this program.  Caregivers must register separately if attending in person with the participant.

Be sure to register under Virtual Groups/Classes or In-Person Groups Classes, as in-person spaces are very limited. 

Lola Crawford leads this interactive workshop that provides an opportunity for participants to identify, acknowledge and embrace positive aspects of themselves and encourage self-care. This program is in-person only at our Bethesda location.

While most of us are comfortable talking about life, many of us shy away from Death & Dying Conversations.

Janie Rakow has been a hospice volunteer since 2001, providing emotional and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones through the end-of-life process. She has also worked as a doula privately in her community to both raise awareness

For young adults, sexuality is a vital, rich, and pleasurable part of life, and young adults with cancer may experience changes in their sex lives during and after treatment. There are often unique questions and concerns about sex and sexuality that may not always get addressed.  Join us as we have a frank and honest conversation, and provide accurate information to help support a safe, healthy, and pleasurable approach to sex after cancer.

Yes, Cancer-Related Fatigue is Real, and it can be all-consuming and distressing. Dr. Jessica Engle, D.O who is the Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine, will help us to better understand this common condition as well as provide some helpful strategies and tools.

Amanda Goodstadt, Esq. Staff Attorney with Triage Cancer will help us better understand how federal and state laws, employer policies, and disability insurance work together (which is key to being able to take time off work, maintain an income, and protect your job and employer-sponsored health insurance coverage). There are also options for caregivers who need to take time off work.

This session will cover the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family & Medical Leave Act, state leave laws, and disability insurance options, and explain how they can work together for you, whether you plan to work through treatment or take some time off.

Robin Bennett Kanarek, author of Living Well with a Serious Illness: A Guide to Palliative Care for Mind, Body, and Spirit will join us for an interactive discussion about the importance of spirituality and quality of life.

Steve Lorberbaum, with Assisting Hands Home Care, will discuss all aspects of going to a doctor's visit; from tips on who to have with you, how best to ask questions, and when a family member/friend joins virtually to listen and learn. We hope you will join us!

Patricia Horning PT, DPT, CLT, CDNT will discuss the benefits of physical therapy after a breast cancer diagnosis, including tips for controlling lymphedema. Cancer Rehabilitation is typically covered by insurance and can be an important part of your recovery to improve daily function and quality of life.

We hope you will join us for this informative talk with Dr. Elizabeth Nichols, radiation oncologist with the University of Maryland Medical System. She specializes in treating women’s cancers.

She has extensive experience using proton therapy to treat advanced or recurring breast cancers and in combining this treatment with hyperthermia. She is also experienced in treating patients with brachytherapy, proton therapy and photon therapy.

During this presentation, we will walk through strategies for saving money on medical expenses related to breast cancer care. We’ll discuss negotiating medical bills and applying for financial assistance and prescription savings programs. We will touch on identifying and tackling health insurance denials and will end with tips on how to adjust your budget to accommodate additional medical costs.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part series on Managing Cancer Expenses. These presentations are standalone but complementary. Hope to see you there!

Through reflective writing practices, this interactive workshop will explore purpose, why purpose matters, and how to find and live with purpose. 

Yes, Cancer-Related Fatigue is Real, and it can be all-consuming and distressing.
Dr. Jessica Engle, D.O. who is the Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, will help us to better understand this common condition as well as provide some helpful strategies and tools.

Going through cancer as a young adult is already tough, but do you sometimes feel like your family and friends just don’t understand what you’re dealing with? Are you feeling extra stress in your relationships as a result of your cancer experience? Join us for a presentation and discussion on how to better communicate and manage expectations with friends and family.

“Chemo brain” is a term used to describe difficulties with word-finding and memory, often experienced during and after chemotherapy.

Jessica Parker, M.A., CCC-SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist. She will discuss the benefits of cognitive rehabilitation, and give you tips for making small changes to your daily routine that will have a big impact on your thinking skills and brain health.

During this presentation, we will walk through strategies for saving money on living expenses related to breast cancer care.

Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer and Stephanie Stern
For Patients, Partners, Friends, Caregivers