Chemotherapy induced neuropathy (CIN) is the bane of many modern oncology treatments. Pain, numbness, tingling or all three can persist forever. The risk of serious falls is increased by 50%. Dr. Thomas Smith, The Harry J. Duffey Family Professor of Palliative Medicine; Professor of Oncology will review the current strategies to prevent CIN (none proven at this point) and the most recent methods of treatment including topicals, CBD, auricular (ear) point acupressure, and Scrambler Therapy.

For young adults, sex is an important topic, and pleasure may be the most important aspect of sex. For young adults with cancer, there are unique questions and concerns about sex and sexual health that the medical team may not be adequately answering, and pleasure is likely never discussed. 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 and cancer.

Join Jacki Kwan, MSW for an interactive presentation that will focus on inner strength and spirit to promote gratitude, healing, and connection.

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 healthier habits afterwards. She will also focus on strategies
that: ease side-effects and maintain a healthy weight; prevent breaks in treatment and promote healing, and
make simple changes that lead to healthier living.

Grace, one of Food & Friends' community dietitians, will talk about frequently asked questions on nutrition and cancer. Larry from Hope Connections for Cancer Support will lead a mindfulness exercise to support relaxation and stress reduction.

When it comes to the language of science and medicine, there is no Rosetta Stone. Bill Hearl, Ph.D. will attempt to
provide some guidance on how to navigate through all the jargon in order to help you understand the many types of
cancer - related articles and websites on the Internet.

Dr. Karen Smith is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital, and a member of the Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Program and the Ovarian Cancer Program. Dr. Smith is also an assistant professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Smith has expertise in breast cancer, cancer genetics, cancer survivorship, clinical trials, and toxicology.

While most of us are comfortable talking about Life, many of us shy away from death & dying conversations. Join guest speaker, Dr. Anna Maria Izquierdo, a palliative care doctor with Care For Your Health, Inc, Palliative Medicine Consultants of Greater Washington LLC, for a conversation on end-of-life care. This will be an interactive discussion.

Fear of cancer coming back is the most common long-term effect of surviving cancer. Unchecked, fear of recurrence can be a constant source of distraction and worry.
Come learn about techniques to rein in anxiety and master your fears.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) originally was developed as a treatment approach for post-traumatic stress disorder. Evidence-informed psychotherapy that targets emotional distress and associated physical symptoms, EMDR can help reduce the physical and emotional distress of cancer and side effects successfully. Yvette Colón, PhD, BCD, LMSW, will focus on how EMDR works, its benefits, and how it can be useful to people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Enjoy an hour of relaxation and literally blow away stress with Hope Connections Relaxation & Tranquility facilitator, Larry Bricker. Learn and practice techniques to experience calmness, gratitude, and mental field trips. Explore the ABCs of tranquility: Awareness, Breathing, and Compassion. Let wisdom from Yoda help you enhance resilience, health, and happiness. No previous experience with meditation required.

Patricia Horning, PT, DPT. CLT, CDNT, from ReVital/NovaCare Rehabilitation will discuss how cancer rehabilitation may assist in managing pain, fatigue, weakness, and neuropathy. She will discuss strategies to prepare for treatment, how to stay strong during your cancer journey, and get back to your family, job and the things you care about most.

Emily Brown with Patient Advocate Foundation will discuss how to access disability benefits when faced with cancer. This session will focus on Social Security disability programs and benefits. Specific topics will include understanding eligibility guidelines, navigating the application process, overcoming denials, and understanding the disability timeline.

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 healthier habits afterwards. She will also focus on strategies that: ease side-effects and maintain a healthy weight; prevent breaks in treatment and promote healing; and make simple changes that lead to healthier living.

Join Lindsey Wise, LCSW-C and Paula Ernst, MSW as they explore what children understand and experience at different ages, tips for having a good conversation, resources for helping your child thrive through this time, and more.

While most of us are comfortable talking about Life, many of us shy away from Death & Dying Conversations. Join guest speaker, Dr. Anna Maria Izquierdo, a palliative care doctor with Care For Your Health, Inc, Palliative
Medicine Consultants of Greater Washington LLC, for a conversation on end-of-life care. This will be an interactive discussion.

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.