About the Summer Online Ovarian Cancer Wellness Symposium
The Summer Online Wellness Symposium is designed to support ovarian cancer survivors with practical insights and guidance for managing treatment-related challenges. During these two sessions, we will address two critical aspects of cancer care: oral health and gastrointestinal issues. Each session is tailored to provide valuable information and ways to navigate these aspects of your cancer journey. Whether you're currently in treatment, in remission, or supporting a loved one through their cancer experience, we invite you to join us for an engaging and informative discussion. Although the program is virtual, we aim to cultivate a space where you can engage, share experiences, and find strength in community support. You are not alone.
The Summer Online Wellness Symposium is open to ovarian cancer survivors and caregivers nationwide!
The program will be held via Zoom. See the registration information below.
Session 1: Keep Smiling! Oral Care Tips During Treatments and Beyond
Jill Meyer-Lipper - Registered Dental Hygienist and founder of Side Effect Support LLC
May 30, 2024
7:30 pm ET / 6:30 pm CT / 5:30 pm MT / 4:30 pm PT
Dealing with cancer treatment side effects, including oral changes, can be tough. These changes might cause discomfort and other quality-of-life challenges. During this program, we'll learn about basic oral care and the possible side effects you might expect from treatment. We'll focus on easy ways to prevent problems and keep your smile shining bright!
Jill Meyer-Lipper is a Registered Dental Hygienist and the founder of Side Effect Support LLC (https://sideeffectsupport.com/). Side Effect Support is an online resource for cancer patients, family caregivers, and healthcare providers aimed at reducing harmful oral side effects of treatments to improve quality of life and treatment outcomes.
Session 2: Common Gastrointestinal Issues During Treatment
Dr. Nita Karnik Lee - Gynecologic Oncologist - UChicago Medicine
Dr. Dejan Micic - Associate Professor of Medicine - UChicago Medicine
Several gastrointestinal issues can impact ovarian cancer survivors' quality of life while living with and through their cancer diagnosis. During treatment, some individuals experience loss of appetite, nausea, or chronic diarrhea. Facing a new normal after surgery with a colostomy or ileostomy bag can also overwhelm patients, whether permanent or reversible. Bowel obstructions leave many patients in fear. We want patients to understand the different gastrointestinal issues they may face and what questions to ask their healthcare team to make the most informed decisions.
Nita Karnik Lee, MD, is a Gynecologic Oncologist at UChicago Medicine who specializes in diagnosing and treating women with gynecologic cancers. Her focus is on providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical, chemotherapy, and survivorship care to women diagnosed with ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancers throughout their cancer journey.
Dejan Micic, MD, an Associate Professor of Medicine at UChicago, is a clinical gastroenterologist renowned for his expertise in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Additionally, he specializes in managing gastrointestinal conditions that lead to nutritional disorders, including short bowel syndrome and malabsorption syndrome, which hinder the full absorption of essential nutrients. His expertise in nutrition includes identifying malnutrition, providing nutrition education, and using alternative methods to get nutrients into the body.
Organizer
For more information please contact Karen Young, Midwest Senior Regional Manager, at kyoung@ovarian.org or (312) 226-9410.
Thanks to our dedicated sponsors for their support!
This program is made possible by individuals and partners dedicated to providing learning opportunities and a platform for our TEAL community to be inspired.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, facing a recurrence, or supporting a loved one with ovarian cancer, there is a lot of information and emotions to process. Our Online Wellness Symposium equips individuals with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to make informed decisions about their care and enhance their quality of life.
Dedicated healthcare professionals will share their expertise on diverse topics such as follow-up care and surveillance, brain fog, and issues that impact your self-image. Participants will hear informative presentations, and guests have the opportunity to ask questions, share their individual experiences, and gain support from one another.
May 30th, 2024 & June 27th, 2024
7:30 pm ET / 6:30 pm CT / 5:30 pm MT / 4:30 pm PT - Via Zoom