Metastatic Breast Cancer Support and Education

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2023-2024 EMBRACE Metastatic Breast Cancer Forum Series

Join us for the EMBRACE Metastatic Breast Cancer Virtual Forum Series, a series of free online educational programs for patients, families, and loved ones. This series begins in Fall 2023 and will go through Spring 2024.

Information and registration

View recordings from the 2022-2023 forum

2022-2023 EMBRACE Metastatic Breast Cancer Forum Series

The 2022-2023 EMBRACE Metastatic Breast Cancer Forum Series of online educational programs for patients, families, and loved ones was held from October 2023 to May 2024. We hope you join us for the next series!

View forum series recordings
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2023-2024 EMBRACE Metastatic Breast Cancer Virtual Forum Series

Join us for the EMBRACE Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Virtual Forum Series, a series of free online educational programs for patients, families, and loved ones. This series will go through Spring 2024.

Pre-registration is required. Please use the event links below for more information and to register.

MBC and Clinical Trials: What are they and how do I know what’s best for me?

April 5, 2024 | Noon – 1 p.m. ET
Join Dana-Farber experts for an engaging and educational webinar on clinical trials. Adrienne Waks, MD, will provide an overview of what clinical trials are and the difference among the three phases. Nancy Lin, MD, will moderate a panel discussion detailing how to find a clinical trial and what to consider when choosing the trial that’s best for you.

Virtual Social Gathering for the Loved Ones of Adults Living with MBC 

May 15, 2024 | 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. ET
Please join Dana-Farber's EMBRACE and Clinical Social Work teams for an interactive virtual social with other people who have a loved one living with metastatic breast cancer. Based on feedback we received from patients and their loved ones, we designed this evening to be an opportunity for people to meet and connect, building a network of support for one another.

View recordings from the 2023-2024 forum.

View recordings from the 2022-2023 forum.

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Left to right: Brandon Ortiz, CPhT, Pharmacy Resource Supervisor; Rhaissa Germano, Resource Specialist; Liz Farrell, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Worker; and Patricia Stahl, MEd, Senior Manager, Volunteer Services and Programs

One of the goals of the Ending Metastatic Breast Cancer for Everyone (EMBRACE) program is to provide resources and information to help guide patients through many situations and decisions. Throughout their journey, metastatic breast cancer patients in the EMBRACE program receive education and support from expert clinicians, other professionals, and one another.

We offer patient- and family-centered care, which means that you and your loved ones are the focus of our attention. Your health care team will take the time to listen, understand your needs and preferences, and help give you a better sense of control over your life.

Supporting Patients Through the EMBRACE Metastatic Breast Cancer Program

Nancy Lin, MD, director of the EMBRACE Metastatic Breast Cancer Program, discusses the educational and supportive resources and clinical trial opportunities available to patients with metastatic breast cancer at Dana-Farber.

An outreach coordinator meets EMBRACE patients on their first day, outlines resources available to them, and guides them at every step. Some of these resources include:

The Blum Patient and Family Resource Center

The Blum Center offers a lending library, workshops, computers for use, interpreters by phone, care bags for new patients, resources for parents with cancer and their children, a creative arts program, and more.

Financial Assistance

Limited financial assistance for basic needs and parking costs, as well as referrals for financial coaching to help review your financial situation and provide advice and guidance are available. For eligibility information, please call 617-632-3301.

Legal Services

Referrals to legal services related to care are available for Massachusetts residents. These services do not cover emergencies, bankruptcy, divorce, child support, or contested guardianship. For more information, please call 617-632-3301.

Pharmacy Resource Program

The Dana-Farber pharmacy fills prescriptions for all pediatric and adult patients. Our pharmacists are an extension of the patient care team and work closely with physicians to provide seamless, convenient, safe care. Medication access and co-pay assistance may be available for chemotherapy and other medications. Eligibility requirements may apply; for more information, please call 617-632-3526.

Resource Specialists

Resource specialists can help with concrete resource needs: short-term housing, transportation, food, insecurity, and limited financial assistance for patients receiving treatment at Dana-Farber. Eligibility requirements may apply; for more information, please call 617-632-5817 or email rgermano@partners.org.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Groups

Two monthly groups for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients are co-facilitated by a psychiatrist and a social worker. Members vary from people newly diagnosed with MBC to people who have been living with MBC for years. Attendees report powerful benefits of getting to know and being able to process with people who "get it." For more information, please call 617-632-4235.

Educational Programs

Throughout the year, patients in the program receive updates on research and care through webcasts, web chats, podcasts, and other channels.

EMBRACE Newsletters

Extending the Benefits of Targeting HER2 in Breast Cancer

Nancy Lin, MD, and Paolo Tarantino, MD, explain how the antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) is now being used to treat HER2-low breast cancers.