November 11, 2003
Dana-Farber holds second annual conference for survivors of women's cancers
The balmy weather outside was matched by warmth inside as survivors of women's cancers connected with their caregivers and one another recently at Dana-Farber's second annual "Beyond Cancer: Celebrating Survivorship" conference. Held at the Inn at Longwood Medical on Nov. 1, the event drew some 275 current and former patients and their family members — twice as many guests as last year.
H. Burstein, MD, PhD
"Through a program of medical updates, patient stories, and an informal open house with health care providers, we've found a great way for survivors and families to share their experiences and help one another live more fully beyond cancer," said Harold Burstein, MD, PhD, of Medical Oncology, who directed the program.
At the morning-long session, attendees heard from a panel of experts about the challenges of life after cancer, including managing their health, dealing with menopause, and preserving sexuality. They were updated on the progress made in breast cancer treatments over the last 10 years, listened to a panel of survivors share their stories, and had a chance to learn about other sources of support, such as integrated therapies and pastoral care.
U. Matulonis, MD
One reason survivors of women's cancers lack a road map, explained Medical Gynecologic Oncology Director Ursula Matulonis, MD, is that although many studies have been done on quality of life for women undergoing cancer treatment, few address this topic as it relates to long-term survivors. With this in mind, she said, women should be assertive in their care after cancer.
"Don't assume anything," she advised. "Explore, investigate, and initiate. Come prepared to your medical appointments, and share in the decision making."
S. Feldman, MD, MPH
During her talk, Sarah Feldman, MD, MPH, a gynecologic oncologist with Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's Hospital who directs DFCI's Pap Smear Evaluation Center, described sexual problems that women who were treated for gynecologic or breast cancer may encounter. She then proposed some solutions, emphasizing that each woman's experience is individual and that the quality of her life and relationships is key.
Craig Bunnell, MD, a medical oncologist, offered a comprehensive look at advances in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer since 1993. "The fact that we have so many breast cancer survivors today is a good problem," he pointed out. "Ten years ago, we were admitting our patients to the hospital for chemotherapy, sometimes several days at a time. Now, they receive their treatments in the outpatient clinic, side effects are better managed, drugs are becoming more targeted and effective, and patients are able to lead more normal lives."
C. Bunnell, MD
Hope through connections
In a panel discussion facilitated by Jane Bausch, LICSW, of Care Coordination, three participants echoed the theme introduced by Matulonis: the importance of speaking up about their health, both during and after treatment. Ovarian cancer survivor Katharine Kinderman, who told her story in Newsweek's "My Turn" column, set the stage for the sharing of cancer experiences by saying, "We must find hope in all we do." She recommended fighting negativity throughout cancer treatment and survival, finding someone to talk to, and becoming an advocate for public awareness of the disease.
Cathie DiGrazia told a stunned audience that during a four-year period when she was caring for her two young children, she had breast cancer twice, and then guided her sister through the same disease and her father through prostate cancer. Her losses - a mastectomy, hysterectomy, and the breakup of her marriage - were eventually outweighed by gains, as she discovered happiness in her work and in a new relationship.
Three-time cancer survivor Kathi Kelly and husband Brian spoke throughout their story as "we." "Everyone has problems," said Brian. "Ours just happened to be cancer." Kathy has had ovarian, kidney, and breast cancer, and says that the needs of her children have kept her mind off her disease.
The warmth and camaraderie of the morning continued as participants traveled to Dana 9 to visit with their care teams and view exhibits from DFCI's Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, the Friends Boutique, the Wellness Community, and others.
"I wasn't sure I wanted to come because I don't know yet if I'm truly a survivor," said Joanne Gurry, who completed treatment for stage 2 ovarian cancer last February. "But this has been a great morning. I'm not on the Titanic anymore, but I'm on a lifeboat in the sea of cancer, and this conference has taught me how to navigate."
