The bones are the most common place for breast cancer to spread. In this session, learn about treatment options, and get strategies to limit side effects, manage bone pain, and maintain bone strength. We also discuss how to understand screening tests, and share updates on clinical trials, studying new treatments and quality of life.

Speakers: Carmen Bergom, MD, PhD and Katherine N. Weilbaecher, MD

To learn more about Thriving Together: 2023 Conference on Metastatic Breast Cancer: https://www.lbbc.org/community/events/metsconf23

According to a poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation, around 20% of adults who have personally had cancer or have a family member who had cancer said they owe $10,000 or more in medical debt. This debt has been fueled in part by the "eye-popping price tags" of new treatments. For those living with metastatic breast cancer, that dollar amount is most likely much higher. This workshop looks at the costs of cancer seen through the lens of metastatic breast cancer patients.  The cost of cancer care and potential advocacy solutions is explored by American Cancer Society’s Pam Traxel, while Mary E. Costello, an MBC advocate, shares her story of facing staggering medical costs.

Speakers: Mary E. Costello and Pam Traxel

To learn more about Thriving Together: 2023 Conference on Metastatic Breast Cancer: https://www.lbbc.org/community/events/metsconf23

As a person living long term with mets, you may have experienced several lines of treatment or changes to your treatment. In this session we explore the variables involved in making these decisions, the questions you can ask to better understand available treatment options, ways to honor your quality-of-life goals (including when to halt or stop treatment), and how to communicate your decisions and needs effectively with your provider and your family.

Speakers: Virginia Borges, MD, MMSc and Abigail Johnston

To learn more about Thriving Together: 2023 Conference on Metastatic Breast Cancer: https://www.lbbc.org/community/events/metsconf23

Living with metastatic breast cancer can feel like a roller coaster. You may have experienced several changes in treatment, managed many side effects, and had to make hard choices about practical matters like career, relationships, and how to spend your time and energy. Join this breakout session to discuss these challenges, hear from others like you, and get strategies for managing the toll that these medical, emotional, and everyday matters take from you over time.

Facilitator: Cheryl Hughes, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C

Panelists: Ann Camden, Stephanie Walker, and Toni Willis

Understand different types of pain and hear about medicines and methods to manage pain while preserving your quality of life. Learn how to include pain management in your overall treatment plan, including ways to communicate with your doctor about concerns and finding resources and pain specialists.

Speaker: Joshua A. Jones, MD, MA

Managing side effects of your treatment is crucial to living well with metastatic breast cancer. In this session, learn about effective strategies to manage side effects from targeted, localized, and systemic treatments.

Speaker: Kimberly A. Curseen, MD

Whether this is your first breast cancer diagnosis, or you have had breast cancer before, learning you have metastatic breast cancer is likely to be overwhelming. This session is designed to provide you with the medical information and practical support necessary to help you make informed decisions about your treatment and to get your bearings during the first months after a metastatic diagnosis. This session may also be helpful to those who aren’t newly diagnosed but need a basic understanding of metastatic breast cancer and how it is treated.

Speaker: Zanetta Lamar, MD

A metastatic breast cancer diagnosis can feel like a shock to the system. If you’ve recently been diagnosed, we know that you may be experiencing intense emotions and uncertainty. Explore these complex emotions and hear from others who have been there and get strategies for managing feelings now and as you go forward.

Speakers: Jenny Burkholder and Celeste Vaughan-Briggs, LCSW

Every year, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) brings together thousands of cancer experts to present and learn about recent breakthroughs in cancer treatment. The theme of the 2023 meeting was Partnering With Patients: The Cornerstone of Cancer Care and Research.

During this webinar, medical advisory board member Kathy D. Miller, MD provides an overview of the findings presented at the 2023 meeting and how the latest breast cancer research impacts you.