National Carcinoid Conference
October 22 & 23, 1999
San Francisco, CA

Another Carcinoid Seminar was held October 22 and 23, 1999 in San Francisco.  The attendance had to be limited to 100.  Information in an issue of "Rays of Hope". See The National Carcinoid Support Group's page on how to subscribe to "Rays of Hope".  We had registered for this seminar, had plane tickets and hotel reservations, but due to my major surgery (including liver resection) earlier in Oct. 1999 we were unable to attend.

Information sent out September 9, 1999, by Jean Mickelson is shown below:
On October 22-23, 1999, we will be cosponsoring a National Carcinoid Conference.  This conference is totally for and about carcinoid cancer, with multiple speakers, all geared to answer the questions and concerns you have posed to the NCSG over the years.  Made possible by the generosity of Novartis Oncology in association with The Cancer Resource Center at UCSF Stanford Healthcare, this will be the first two-day, multiple speaker conference. The speakers have been chosen specifically to answer the concerns you have posed to us.

Friday, October 22
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Registration and complimentary buffet lunch
1:00 - 1:15 p.m. Introductions
1:15 - 2:15 p.m. "Carcinoid Cancer: Diagnosis and New Approaches to Treatment and Management" Alan Venook, M.D.
2:15 - 3:00 p.m. "Ask the Doctor: Q & A"
3:00 - 3:15 p.m. Break
3:15 - 4:15 p.m. "Fact and Fiction: Food Issues in Carcinoid Disease" Monica E. Warner, M.S., R.D., C.D.N
                             Director of Development, Research Coordinator of the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, New York
4:15 - 4:30 p.m. Break
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. "Answering Employment Questions for People with Cancer" Betty Kohlenberg, M.S., CRC, ABVE  Vocational Counselor
                           Evening Participants on their own

Saturday, October 23
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Complimentary breakfast in conference room
10:00 - 10:45 a.m. National Carcinoid Group Seminars:
                             "Experimental Protocol Update and Issues" Jean Michaux, NCSG Executive Director
10:45 - 11:30 a.m. "Treatment Testimonials"
                              First-person treatment insights from fellow carcinoid fighters. Speakers include:
                              "Sandostatin LAR and Interferon" Rosemary Finley
                              Other speakers to be determined
11:45 - 12:45 p.m. "Caregiving Skills 101: The Basics", Celi Adams, RN, ONC, Founder & Clinical Director
                               Home Care Companions

- Dr. Alan P. Venook, M.D.
Director, Clinical Research Office, UCSF/Mt. Zion Cancer Center.
Dr. Venook is a top oncologist with currently over 80 carcinoid patients on his roster! Dr. Venook is well-schooled in everything "carcinoid," and will speak on liver embolization (why, when, and when not to), Sandostatin LAR, chemotherapy, cryosurgeryŠand more!  Dr. Venook's speech will be followed by a lengthy Question-and-Answer session. He values you, we value you and we want to try and answer those nagging questions you have!

- Monica E. Warner, M.S., R.D., C.D.N
Director of Development, Research Coordinator of the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, New York, New York.
Probably ninety percent of our people know Monica! Monica and her husband, carcinoid specialist Richard Warner, M.D., head the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, Inc. Monica is a registered dietician who, due to her work at the Foundation, has a unique insight into the dietary needs of people with carcinoid cancer. Since Monica resides in New York City, she shall be participating by teleconference-but with the added pizazz of slides! Topics include the nutritional aspects/needs of carcinoid
cancer, alternative dietsŠand more!

- Betty Kohlenberg, M.S., CRC - Betty is a counselor specializing in vocational aspects of cancer, such as employment discrimination. Betty will be addressing such hot topics as:
o What should I say -and NOT say -in an interview?
o What do I say to an employer about my health?
o How do I ask an employer for time to see the doctor or go for treatment?

- Celi Adams, RN. - Celi, a registered nurse and Clinical Director of Home Care Companions, specializes in workshops for caregivers. Topics include: how to build a support network that will last; how to manage medications; handling common symptoms and side effects; how to negotiate insurance and disability benefits; how to find other help available in the community.

- NCSG Seminars:
I [Jean] will update the group on some of the latest (and upcoming) experimental protocols, plus factors that everyone should know when considering entering experimental protocols.  Then, it's time for some "first-person" testimonials on treatments. Speakers will include Rosemary Finley, who will talk about her experiences on Sandostatin LAR and interferon.  Other "first-person" speakers are being booked.  This is also a time for peer group questions and interaction. Having a rare cancer is not fun, and it's downright lonely. Let's end that loneliness through peer interaction!  Let the warmth of one another serve as the ultimate medicine!

     Address & Vital Stats: Ah, yes, the "vital stats." The convention will be held at the San Francisco Airport Marriott, 1800 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame, CA. This is an excellent convention hotel, with a free hotel shuttle from/to the airport.  Although the entire conference is free, we ask that you register for the convention so that we know how big of a meeting room to book in advance, as well as how many mouths to feed!
     To register, please call The Cancer Resource Center at UCSF Stanford Healthcare at (415) 885-3693.
     If you plan on staying over in San Francisco, please call the Marriott AFTER SEPTEMBER 15 and ask for the special Carcinoid Conference Rate.  [As of press time, it's projected to be $99-119 for Friday and Saturday nights, but please ask!]  Reservations MUST BE CONFIRMED by October 1 to receive this rate. If your medications need refrigeration, call the direct number to arrange your needs. There is a limited number of room refrigerators available, as well as a refrigerator near/in the office.  Again, please call the Direct Number for details and refrigerator bookings.
     San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel Direct Phone: 650-692-9100 Toll-free Number [if no refrigerator is needed]: 800-228-9290  Directions from San Francisco going south on Highway 101: Exit at Milbrae Avenue East (1 mile south from SF airport). Cross freeway overpass. Turn right onto Old Bayshore Highway. The hotel is on the left.

See you at the convention!
Jean Mickelson Michaux, Executive Director, National Carcinoid Support Group, Inc.

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