For patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), Breast Cancer Awareness Month can sometimes be demoralizing in light of pervasive public messaging about finding a cure and embracing survivorship. In this interview, Janie Metsker, RN, BSN, CN-BN, Clinical Coordinator at St. Luke's Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer, shares ways to reframe the conversation in metastatic breast cancer to prioritize shared decision making, patients' individual goals, and redefining hope. Additionally, we hear a message from Justin Bray, a patient with metastatic breast cancer, about the importance for clinicians to form relationships with patients in order to understand and develop the best care for them throughout their journey.  

For patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), Breast Cancer Awareness Month can sometimes be demoralizing in light of pervasive public messaging about finding a cure and embracing survivorship. In this interview, Janie Metsker, RN, BSN, CN-BN, Clinical Coordinator at St. Luke's Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer, shares ways to reframe the conversation in metastatic breast cancer to prioritize shared decision making, patients' individual goals, and redefining hope. Additionally, we hear a message from Justin Bray, a patient with metastatic breast cancer, about the importance for clinicians to form relationships with patients in order to understand and develop the best care for them throughout their journey.  

Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors are effective treatment for patients with breast cancer but can be associated with significant hyperglycemia and rash. In this interview from the 48th Annual Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress, Janie Metsker, RN, BSN, CN-BN, Clinical Coordinator at St. Luke's Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer, shares updated strategies for managing these toxicities in order to provide the best outcomes for patients with breast cancer receiving PI3K inhibitors.  

In 2006, Lillie Shockney, Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins University, launched a retreat program for patients with metastatic breast cancer, a weekend-long retreat in which patients, their spouses, and caregivers can focus on communication, support, relationships, personal reflection, and laughter. In 2016, Janie Metsker, Clinical Coordinator at the Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer at St. Luke's Hospital, launched these retreats at her own institution. In this interview with Oncology Data Advisor, Ms. Shockney and Ms. Metsker reflect on the impactful moments that take place during the retreats and their profound significance for the patients who attend.  

In 2006, Lillie Shockney, Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins University, launched a retreat program for patients with metastatic breast cancer, a weekend-long retreat in which patients, their spouses, and caregivers can focus on communication, support, relationships, personal reflection, and laughter. In 2016, Janie Metsker, Clinical Coordinator at the Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer at St. Luke's Hospital, launched these retreats at her own institution. In this interview with Oncology Data Advisor, Ms. Shockney and Ms. Metsker reflect on the impactful moments that take place during the retreats and their profound significance for the patients who attend.