Ask-the-Expert Online Conferences

Browse the recent transcript on April 2008: Preventing and Treating Arm Lymphedema, check out the Transcript Archives, or see what our experts will be covering in the next few months.

Coming Soon:

Each month, you can connect with information, experts and each other during breastcancer.org's Ask-the-Expert Online Conferences. Conferences are typically held on the third Wednesday of the month from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ET — but be sure to check our calendar since the exact day and time may vary.  Find out when the conference will take place in your time zone.

In this section you can find out about upcoming conferences and read the transcripts from the conferences that we've hosted on these topics:

• The Best Tests
• Your Pathology Report
• Treatment Issues
• Complementary and Holistic Treatments
• Diet and Nutrition
• Dealing with Breast Cancer Fears
• Quality of Life

Please see the transcript archives for a complete list of all conference transcripts.

We also recommend that you sign up for free email updates from breastcancer.org. This is the best way to keep your finger on the pulse of the breastcancer.org community and get breaking research news and advance notice of our conferences and other online events.

Ask-the-Expert Online Conference
May 21, 2008

After Surgery: Short-term and Long-term Effects

All types of breast cancer surgery have a risk of side effects. Some may last for a few weeks - or a few years - after surgery. Stiffness, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and lymphedema are some of the issues that can arise. These side effects can have an impact on daily activities such as driving, lifting a child, or opening heavy doors. So, how do you manage these side effects and how can you safely resume your normal level of activity?

Join us Wednesday, May 21st, between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time for our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference on After Surgery: Short-term and Long-term Effects. Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Linda Miller, P.T., D.P.T. will answer your questions about short-term and long-term side effects of breast surgery, and what you can do about them.

Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon and clinical instructor at the Thomas Jefferson University Department of Surgery in Philadelphia, PA. She also maintains a practice in Cherry Hill, N.J. Dr. Brill is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition, she has published breast cancer research in medical journals such as Annals of Plastic Surgery and Cancer, and she has presented research at the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Brill is also a volunteer physician for L.I.G.A. International, which flies medical professionals to Sinaloa, Mexico to provide free healthcare and education to impoverished people. Dr. Brill goes on L.I.G.A. medical missions several times a year to perform breast surgery, often on advanced cases of breast cancer. 

Linda Miller, P.T., D.P.T. is the clinical director of the Breast Cancer Physical Therapy Center, L.T.D., a private practice serving southern New Jersey. Linda specializes in treating post-operative complications of breast cancer surgery, including lymphedema. She also heads RECOVERY IN MOTION, LTD, a growing network of facilities that use an educational and treatment program she developed that focuses on breast cancer rehabilitation. Linda teaches continuing education programs nationally and has published several articles on post-operative breast cancer rehabilitation and breast cancer lymphedema.

To join the conference on May 21st, go to www.breastcancer.org any time between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. EDT* and then click on the “Join Conference” button. No special software is required. A transcript of the conference will be posted on the site by May 28, 2008.

Sign up to receive an e-mail alert letting you know when any new conference transcript becomes available.

• WHEN: Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m. EDT: Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Linda Miller, P.T., D.P.T. will answer questions from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• WHAT: After Surgery: Short-term and Long-term Effects: Find out about short-term and long-term side effects of breast surgery, and what you can do about them.

• HOW: Come to the Breastcancer.org homepage at any time DURING THE SCHEDULED CONFERENCE, and click on the “Join Conference” button. It’s easy to participate. The live conference will appear in text on your screen.

*Breastcancer.org welcomes conference participants from all over the world. If you are not on the East Coast of the United States, find out when the conference will take place in your time zone.

Ask-the-Expert Online Conference
April 16, 2008

Preventing and Treating Arm Lymphedema

Arm lymphedema, or excess lymph fluid in the arm, is an often misunderstood side effect that can happen if you’ve had lymph nodes removed or radiation to the armpit area. Symptoms can include swelling, stiffness, arm tightness, and pain. While sometimes reversible in its early stages, for many people lymphedema is a permanent condition. Cuts, infections, and heavy lifting are some of the ways lymphedema can develop. And sometimes, lymphedema happens without an exact cause.

On Wednesday, April 16th our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called “Preventing and Treating Arm Lymphedema.” Guest speakers Kathryn Schmitz, Ph.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.M. and Nicole Stout Gergich M.P.T., C.L.T.-L.A.N.A. and moderator Jennifer Sabol, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about ways to prevent and manage arm lymphedema.

Kathryn Schmitz, Ph.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.M. is assistant professor in the division of clinical epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania and adjunct associate professor in the division of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota. She leads a number of research studies, including a study examining physical activity and lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Dr. Schmitz has won multiple awards from the American Heart Association, including the Jeremiah Stamler Award for New Investigators and the Trudy Bush Fellowship for Cardiovascular Research in Women's Health.

Nicole Stout Gergich, M.P.T., C.L.T.-L.A.N.A. is a physical therapist and lymphedema specialist at the Breast Care Center at the National Naval Medical Center. She is also the president of the oncology section of the American Physical Therapy Association, and has previously served on the Medical Advisory Board and research committee for the National Lymphedema Network. Ms. Stout Gergich has lectured internationally on the topics of lymphedema and cancer rehabilitation. Areas of specialization within the lymphedema population include head and neck, breast reconstruction, stage III management, and wound care.

Jennifer Sabol, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon who directs the newly developed Breast Care Center at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa. For the past 9 years, Dr. Sabol has held an appointment at Jefferson Medical College as a clinical assistant professor of surgery. Among her many interests, Dr. Sabol spearheads several research initiatives to advance the care for women with breast cancer and improve methods of breast cancer detection and treatment. She has appeared on CNN to discuss breast cancer-related issues and is a frequent lecturer. Dr. Sabol is also a member of the breastcancer.org Professional Advisory Board.

Read the transcript now.

Sign up to receive an e-mail alert letting you know when any new conference transcript becomes available.