Mets Matters Newsletter

San Antonio River Walk "For thirty-four years, the symposium's mission has been to provide state-of-the-art information on breast cancer research. From a one-day regional conference the symposium has grown to a five-day program attended by a broad international audience of academic and private researchers and physicians from over 90 countries. The symposium aims to achieve a balance of clinical, translational, and basic research, providing a forum for interaction, communication, and education for a broad spectrum of researchers, health professionals, and those with a special interest in breast cancer." That said, nothing can prepare you for the SABCS. Tens of thousands of people, mostly doctors and researchers, attend the sessions provided by other doctors and researchers. These sessions report on recent research results and are delivered every 15 or so minutes from sunrise to way past sunset. In addition to the formal sessions there are more informal "poster discussions" and "poster sessions". These informal discussions and presentations provide information on studies and research that are not presented in the main sessions. The poster sessions are divided into subtypes such as: Tumor Cell Biology and it's many sub-subtypes, Prognosis/Response Predictions, Epidemiology, Risk and Prevention, Psychosocial, Quality of Life, and Educational Aspects and Treatment.

In addition, there are seminars, discussions and advocacy sessions hosted by major pharmaceutical companies that go late into the evenings. At the end of each day, the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation offers "Hot Topics Mentor Sessions". In these sessions, four doctors summarize four studies from the main session and explain them in lay terms. These sessions are well attended by advocates and patient advocates as they provide a detailed yet understandable summary of the days reports.

Two trials in particular created excitement at SABCS. The Cleopatra and Bolero 2 seem to present findings that may have significant impact upon the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The Cleopatra study looks at adding Pertuzumab to Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Docetaxel reduces risk of progression in Her2 positive metastatic breast cancer. The Bolero 2 trial reports that Everolimus (Afinitor) with Exemestane enhances Progression Free Survival (PFS) in postmenopausal women with ER positive metastatic breast cancer. Further details of both trials can be read here. Additional information about SABCS can be found here, and in about 30 days, slides of many of the sessions will be available on the SABCS site.

SHARE was honored this year to present a poster on the Novella which was created by Ivis Sampayo, Senior Director of Programs and Latina SHARE. The novella is a compelling story in comic book style that dispels myths of breast cancer in the Latino community. You can read the novella here. If you are interested in hearing more about SABCS, SHARE is hosting Dr. Rick Michaelson, Chief Medical Officer for Oncology at the Cancer Center of Saint Barnabas Hospital. SHARE advocates will be speaking as well. The program is on Wed, Jan 25th at 6 PM. Check the calendar for more details and to register.

METASTATIC SUPPORT GROUPS AND HOTLINE INFO

ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT: speak with another woman living with metastatic disease. Call the SHARE Hotline @ 212-382-2111.

TELEPHONE SUPPORT GROUP: Every Monday, 4-5 PM Click HERE

IN PERSON DAYTIME SUPPORT GROUP: First 3 Thursdays of the month. 12-1:30 PM Click HERE for more information.

IN PERSON EVENING GROUP: LIVING WITH UNCERTAINTY

Monthly on Wednesdays, 6-7:30 PM. Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 21, April 18. Click HERE.

You must register. Call the Hotline to register in advance for support groups.

In Person groups meet at the SHARE office. 1501 Broadway. Suite 704A, New York, NY 10036. Broadway between 43rd & 44th Street.

Click HERE to see additional SHARE programs.

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Did you know there is a Men's Group to support men as they support their wives, partners, daughters, friends and significant others? Call the Hotline 212-382-2111 for more information and to register.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS & CONFERENCES

Lisbon Report Back: First International Consensus on Metastatic Breast Cancer

Musa Mayer spoke at SHARE about the First International Consensus on Metastatic Breast Cancer in Lisbon in November. The goal of the conference was to begin to develop guidelines for treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The conference was founded by Fatima Cordozo of Lisbon with Larry Norton, Eric Winer and others. Look for an interview with Musa on the SHARE website in January.

Click HERE for SHARE's website.

The new SHARE calendar is available. Click HERE to see calendar online.

VOLUNTEERS

WHAT METASTATIC VOLUNTEERS ARE DOING AT SHARE

Volunteers are always needed for the hotline and peer matches. Contact Donna Faranda for more information: 212-937-5577

Event for Women Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer at i Trulli

November 30, 2011

Kathy i Trulli guests Barbara, Gigi

Many women living with metastatic breast cancer convened at i Trulli for an evening of socializing, mingling, meeting old and new friends and enjoying the wonderful food and ambiance of i Trulli. To be invited to future events, send an email to Christine.

ABOUT SHARE

SHARE's mission is to create and sustain a supportive network and community of women affected by breast or ovarian cancer. We bring these women and their families and friends together with survivors to provide participants with the opportunity to receive and exchange information, support, strength and hope.

SHARE provides telephone support, support groups, educational programs and advocacy opportunities. All services and programs are free.

Sincerely,

Christine Benjamin LCSW
Metastatic Program Coordinator

Cbenjamin@sharecancersupport.org

212-937-5586