DiepCJourney Podcast: Recent Episodes
Terri Coutee
Two-time breast cancer survivor, Terri Coutee, will share first hand knowledge of her personal Journey through successful breast reconstruction. She chose DIEP flap but will talk about all options for surgery for those affected by breast cancer and facing a mastectomy. She will talk to surgeons, patients, and other health care workers to help the listener navigate their own personal Journey to make their best informed decsion.
In this episode, Terri Coutee, Founder and Director of DiepCFoundation, sits down with Dr. Priya Jadeja, board‑certified breast surgeon with Premier Surgical Network in New Jersey. Dr. Jadeja brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, advocacy, and compassion to her work in this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, and she shares why fertility preservation must be part of comprehensive cancer care for young patients.
Episode Highlights
- Dr. Jadeja's path to breast surgery She reflects on what drew her to the field and how joining Premier Surgical Network has strengthened her ability to deliver high‑quality, patient‑centered care.
- Why fertility preservation matters With more young women facing breast cancer diagnoses, Dr. Jadeja explains how fertility considerations became a defining part of her practice and why this issue is gaining national attention.
- A patient story that sparked change Dr. Jadeja discusses the moment a 32‑year‑old patient declined chemotherapy because fertility preservation was financially out of reach and a turning point that ignited her advocacy.
- Partnering with Assemblywoman Brittnee Timberlake Hear the behind‑the‑scenes journey of the New Jersey Fertility Preservation Law, including traveling to Trenton with her patient to support the bill. Dr. Jadeja shares what this experience meant to her personally and professionally.
- Fertility preservation as essential cancer care As a female breast surgeon caring for young women with highly treatable disease, Dr. Jadeja outlines why fertility must be integrated into treatment planning; not treated as an optional conversation.
- Legislation shaping the future of patient‑centered care With New York becoming the first state to mandate private insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems, Dr. Jadeja discusses what this signals about the evolving landscape of supportive cancer care.
- Advice for advocates and clinicians Dr. Jadeja offers guidance for anyone - surgeons, patients, caregivers, or advocates, who want to create legislative change and amplify patient voices.
Where to Find Dr. Jadeja
Follow Dr. Priya Jadeja on Instagram for accessible, educational content on breast cancer surgery, fertility preservation, and patient advocacy.
Listen & Watch
You can listen to DiepCJourney® Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and watch full episodes on the DiepCFoundation YouTube Channel when published.
In this episode of the DiepCJourney® Podcast, we sit down with Tina Tsan, a dual‑licensed acupuncturist and Certified Lymphedema Wound Care Therapist whose integrative approach is reshaping how patients understand and care for their lymphatic health. As noted in the interview outline, Tina brings "a high level of expertise in the field of non‑operative and post‑operative edema control," blending Eastern medicine with modern lymphatic therapy to support patients recovering from surgery and cancer treatment.
Tina shares her professional journey, what drew her to acupuncture, how she entered the world of lymphatic and wound care, and why combining these disciplines allows her to treat patients with a more holistic lens. She breaks down the fundamentals of the lymphatic system, why it becomes so critical after mastectomy and reconstruction, and the early signs of lymphatic dysfunction patients should never ignore.
We also explore one of the most confusing areas for patients: the difference between lipedema and lymphedema. Tina explains how these conditions develop, why they're often misdiagnosed, and why early recognition matters. She also discusses how breast cancer treatments, including mastectomy, lymph node removal, and radiation, can disrupt lymphatic flow and what patients can do proactively to protect their long‑term health.
A major highlight of the conversation is Tina's insight into how acupuncture supports lymphatic drainage, inflammation reduction, scar tissue mobility, pain, tightness, and fatigue. She demystifies what a session feels like, addresses common fears, and explains why acupuncture can be beneficial both before and after surgery.
We close with a powerful discussion on integrative healing, the role of emotional stress, trauma, empowerment, and lifestyle habits in recovery, and Tina shares details about the upcoming Lipedema Summit 2026, a growing movement in patient education and advocacy.
This episode is packed with clarity, compassion, and practical guidance for anyone navigating breast cancer recovery, lymphatic challenges, or integrative healing.
To learn more about her work Tina shares how listeners can connect with her work and continue learning about lymphatic health and integrative care.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-tsan-daom-clt-17842634/
Website: Harmony Lymphatics
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmony_lymphatics/
Part of my work as Founder/Director of DiepCFoundation is traveling to medical conferences. In April of this year, at the ARSA Summit, Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Alliance 2026, I met Alina and Carolyn who both work in cancer rehabilitation. Their booth at the conference intrigued me and we started a robust conversation on the value of their work especially as it relates to breast cancer and breast reconstruction surgery.
This episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast is on the topic of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy at ReVital Cancer Foundation. It will be available on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel when published.
Alina Hedaya, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Her current focus is bringing rehabilitation to the forefront of cancer care. Alina is actively involved in training clinicians all around the nation so that cancer rehabilitation services are available for people right in their own communities. She serves on the board of the International Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation.
Carolyn Kalpas, PT, MSPT, is a cancer rehabilitation advocate and Specialist & Director for ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation at NovaCare Rehabilitation. She works as the liaison to healthcare in the oncology world. Carolyn believes that cancer rehab is an amazing part of what can be done for patients in supporting them throughout their cancer care and beyond.
We begin by discussing some of the most common physical challenges for breast cancer patients. Alina describes a few of the challenges.
· Pain
· Fatigue
· Limited shoulder mobility
· Scar tissue issues
· Lymphedema
· Being able to be independent after surgery.
We discussed the different considerations for rehabilitation following breast reconstruction and breast surgery. They emphasized the importance of looking at each patient on an individual basis, assessing their needs, and meeting them where they are in the recovery process. Surgical precautions are taken depending on what type of surgery a patient has.
Alina shares an important statement that summarizes the value of a rehabilitation specialist.
"You have someone by your side understanding what's safe."
We discuss lymphedema awareness, the importance of movement and its benefits in lymphedema treatment, and how they communicate with patient providers to maximize patient outcomes. They both share lifestyle modifications including aerobic activity, strength training for major muscle groups, skin care, getting proper fluid intake, aligning with surgical protocols during recovery, and we mention the value of a food diary to track optimal nutrition for patients.
I want to announce that June is Cancer Rehabilitation Month. As part of our efforts in working with the International Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation this interview is DiepCFoundation's program contribution for the community to learn more.
To learn more about their work follow the following links to find out more.
Website: Selectmedical.com/ReVital
LinkedIn – Carolyn Kalpas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-kalpas-pt-mspt-0bb6a5172/
LinkedIn – Alina Hedaya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-hedaya-pt-dpt-ocs-603856/
Instagram – Kessler Rehab: https://www.instagram.com/kesslerrehabilitationcenter/
Instagram – International Cancer Rehab Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/intcancerrehabfoundation/
How can you help today? After listening to this DiepCJourney® podcast interview with a highly skilled microsurgeon, Dr. Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, share it with someone who is newly diagnosed, has a genetic mutation putting them at high risk, and is facing a mastectomy but wants to reconstruct their breasts.
Since opening DiepCFoundation in 2016, our intent has been to empower patients with information about all breast reconstruction options.
There are three options:
- Implant-based reconstruction used a medical device surgically placed in the body after a mastectomy to replace the breast tissue that has been removed. A plastic surgeon can do this.
- Autologous reconstruction. This procedure uses the patient's own tissue to reconstruct the breasts after a mastectomy. This type of reconstruction requires a microsurgeon who has received training beyond standard plastic surgery.
- Hybrid reconstruction combines autologous tissue and an implant to achieve volume and or projection.
Performing autologous breast reconstruction is a far more complex task. Because of the additional training required, it is a chosen profession beyond standard plastic surgery for those passionate about what I consider an extraordinary task. This task includes tissue transfer and the anastomosis, suturing together tiny blood vessels, to create a warm breast using only the patient's own tissue.
What does this mean for patients? Because there are fewer microsurgeons than general plastic surgeons, access to care becomes an issue.
A patient may go to a well-qualified plastic surgeon and be told implants are their best option because that is what the surgeon is skilled at.
A well-intended, skilled plastic surgeon may also tell patients that a procedure like the DIEP flap is complex and lengthy.
Where does this leave the patient? Patients owe it to themselves to understand all options for reconstruction, but we know they often do not.
How do we change this? Education and outreach.
When a skilled microsurgeon isn't available in a patient's area, it's a very valid reason for them to travel.
To learn more connect with Dr. Kline and his practice on these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-center-for-natural-breast-reconstruction/?viewAsMember=true
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natural.breast.reconstruction/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturalbreastreconstruction
We know from evidence-based studies that exercise improves patient recovery before and after breast cancer treatment and surgery. It improves quality of life and strengthens physical function. In this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast we explore the benefits with Chris Fitzmaurice, a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the University of Miami Health System. He is passionate about helping people achieve their health goals through evidence-based exercise programs and personalized guidance.
He is a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET); and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Health Coach.
I reached out to Chris to talk to him specifically about breast cancer prehab, exercise for those currently in breast cancer treatment, but also to speak to him about getting back to exercise after breast surgery, whether from breast cancer or breast reconstruction.
Chris and I discuss how important it is for anyone to incorporate exercise into their life.
We have a common connection and friend, Dr. Jay Harness. Don't miss Chris's interview on the Cancer Fitness YouTube channel on "Exercise as a Molecular Medicine."
Chris has a robust presence on LinkedIn and Instagram with interactive videos and graphics explaining the benefits of exercise and demonstrating exercise you can do at home.
Connect with Chris Fitzmaurice on the platform:
LinkedIn: Christopher Fitzmaurice, MS CEP, CSCS, CET
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exercisebeatdiseases/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.fitzmaurice.58
On this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast my guest is Dr. Stefania Tuinder, a notable global expert in breast sensation for those undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction.
Originally from Italy, she is now located in Maastricht in the south of the Netherlands and works at an academic hospital. Her main work there is microsurgery, not only breasts but for sure breasts is where she does the majority of her work. Dr. Tuinder does only autologous breast reconstruction using all kinds of flaps. She has an active research interest in breast sensibility. The word sensibility is often referred to as sensation in the U.S.
As Dr. Tuinder tells us, function is as important as aesthetics, and one cannot exist without the other.
In addition to her work in the Netherlands, she works one week each month at the European Institute of Oncology doing breast reconstruction building a microsurgery team and center there.
Dr. Tuinder walks us through the information on her Breast Reconstruction and Sensibility webpage and all it has to offer. She welcomes your feedback and wants to hear from you. The link to contact her is: https://www.breastsensibility.com/contact
One statement from her webpage states:
"After amputation or reconstruction, the nerve connections between the breast and brain change."
This is a valuable episode for patients, clinicians, medical students, and trainees, as well as caregivers for those going through breast surgery. Be sure to check out the video episode on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel to watch the presentation.
As we wrapped up, Dr. Tuinder left us with a message that resonated deeply:
"All of you are beautiful. All of you don't need to be perfect, but to feel well with yourself and that would be enough. Don't let someone else decide for you. Decide by yourself what is really important to feel good. Because when you feel good you are beautiful."
Connect with Dr. Tuinder on the following platforms:
LinkedIn: Stefania (Plastic Surgeon) Tuinder
LinkedIn: Breast Sensibility
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefania_tuinder/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breast.sensibility/
Facebook: Breast Sensibility
As part of my work at DiepCFoundation, I am able to meet in person, well-known board-certified surgeons across the world. My guest is one such surgeon I know. I have been anxious to interview her. Two words I find myself choosing to describe her are: Adaptable and compassionate.
Each time I see her at a conference, the conversation is so easy and comfortable. I can't think it would be any different with her patients.
Dr. Andrea Moreira is a plastic surgeon at the University of Pittsburg and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Magee Women's Hospital.
Topics she covers in our interview include:
· How she developed her passion for plastic surgery.
· The services she provides at Magee Women's Hospital.
· Dr. Moreira's interest in robotic-assisted DIEP flap.
· The importance of providing a shared decision-making conversation about sensate breasts with her patients.
Connect with Dr. Moreira on the following platform:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrea_moreiramd/
Deciding which breast reconstruction path to take is rarely simple. Whether facing an active breast cancer diagnosis, navigating a high‑risk genetic mutation, or having a strong family history of cancer, the process demands research, planning, trust, and a strong circle of support. In this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, we sit down with Marcy Goodman who is a wife, mother, and dedicated professional. She opens up about the many layers of her decision to pursue autologous (using her own tissue) breast reconstruction.
Marcy shares how she evaluated her options, found the right surgical team, and ultimately traveled from Washington State to PRMA in Texas to receive the care she felt aligned with her needs and values. She walks us through the logistics that so many patients quietly shoulder: arranging time away from work, securing childcare, and finding a safe, restorative place to heal like Rose's House in San Antonio, which became her sanctuary during recovery.
With honesty and warmth, Marcy reflects on the physical and emotional journey that shaped her choice, offering insights, tips, and encouragement for anyone navigating their own reconstruction decisions. Her story is a reminder that while the path can be overwhelming, no one has to walk it alone.
Connect with Marcy on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcygoodman/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcy-goodman-b2471a87/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcy.goodman.3
Patient advocacy shows up in so many meaningful ways, and my guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast has been part of my own journey since the very beginning. We first connected back in 2015, when I was just starting to write my blog. She offered guidance, encouragement, and wisdom at a time when I was still finding my footing. I've followed her story ever since, and her voice has continued to inspire me and so many others.
As a valued member of the DiepCJourney® community, it felt only natural to invite her to share her experience with all of you. I'm delighted to welcome Rebecca Hogue, Becky to her friends.
She shares her many life transitions from professional work, moving from the U.S. and back to Canada, two breast cancer diagnoses, and the value of being your own best advocate in your healthcare.
Navigating two healthcare systems and transferring records was not always an easy task for Becky. She shares what challenges she faced and what she did to optimize her own healthcare in two different countries.
She is a published author and is diving into the world of podcasting. I highly recommend you reach out to Becky on the following websites. She is always willing to help when she is not clearing snow and driving a snowplow for her city in Nova Scotia.
Websites to find Becky:
https://rebeccahogue.com/
https://bcbecky.com/
Find her book on Amazon by Rebecca J. Hogue:
Never Knew I Wanted to be a Breast Cancer Survivor
Check out more about her podcasts:
https://definitelynotfamous.com/
https://bcbecky.com/podcast/
Connect with Becky on the following platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjhogue/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhogue
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hogue.rebecca/
Facing a genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of breast cancer means making decisions that truly feel life‑defining. Today's guest on the DiepCJourney® podcast, Emily Koellner, knows this experience intimately. With a strong family history of cancer, a mutation inherited from her father's side, and the unwavering support of her two sisters and loved ones, Emily navigated her choices with courage and clarity. Many of you will remember my earlier interview with her sisters about their own prophylactic DIEP flap journeys. Now it's Emily's turn to share her perspective, her strength, and the path she chose.
We begin with a recap of her decision to have reconstructive surgery. Emily shares valuable information with our listeners about surveillance vs. the decision to have prophylactic reconstructive surgery to reduce her risk of getting breast cancer.
We recall the two stories Emily wrote for the DiepCJourney® blog about her decision to have a child after her DIEP flap and the planning and discussion she had with Dr. Ledoux, her surgeon at PRMA about this decision.
You can read Part 1 here: Patience and Persistence: Pregnancy Post-DIEP
Read Part 2 here: Wonder and Happiness: pregnancy Post-DIEP
One of the most poignant statements from one of these blog posts from Emily is:
"I'm celebrating the proactive decision I made to take my health and future into my own hands."
She continues to be a strong advocate in the community and shares a very recent encounter with another patient who reached out to her in a message on social media asking about having a child after DIEP flap. You won't want to miss what she shares.
Emily continued her risk reducing surgeries by having a robotic assisted salpingo-oophorectomy at the request of her gynecological oncologist. She tells us about her recovery and how she is doing now.
Be sure to listen to the podcast with Emily and her sisters Elaine and Eleanor:
Episode 38: Sisters, BRCA 1, Three DIEP flap Stories
Connect with Emily on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilymkoellner/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emkoellner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykoellner/
Hi listeners. It's that time of year when we all take a few of those precious moments between the holidays and starting the New Year to look back, plan ahead, and savor those moments before heading back to work.
This is the final DiepCJourney® podcast of 2025 and I decided to go solo for the first time since beginning this podcast during the pandemic in January of 2021.
Let's take a look back at what we have provided courtesy of my outstanding guests. I always say, a podcast is only as good as its guests, and I am so lucky to have met them via my podcast and many I have met in person.
When I had my first podcast with Dr. C in January of 2021, we had been working together in this patient education advocacy space for six years.
That number has now rolled over to 11 years working together and he has been a cherished guest on so many topics on the podcast.
Since that first podcast in January of 2021, I have interviewed surgeons, both microsurgeons and breasts surgeons from across the world. Thank you to each of you for providing such valuable information to the listeners of the podcast.
I set this podcast up originally as a stand-alone platform but now because of changes in social media platforms I am able to share most of the podcast over on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel. You can find them on the channel listed as Podcasts if you'd like to watch them and actually see my guests. It's a fun alternative and really what some followers like over listening to the podcast.
With a niche podcast like this, my priority is creating content that truly serves the community—not chasing numbers. In a space as specific as breast reconstruction, I measure success by connection and education rather than statistics. The beauty of a niche podcast is that it reaches exactly who needs it most, so I focus on value over metrics.
Last year in January we kicked off the year with my friend Rory Zura of Foobs and Fitness. Understanding and knowing the research behind the benefits of exercise for breast cancer patients is so important and a topic that is asked about often. Thanks Rory!
She is a survivor with her own unique story. Patients stories matter to many, not only other patients, but healthcare professionals who can improve their communication and protocols for patients based on patient stories.
One of the most listened to podcast of 2025 was from Margaret Tueller Proffit, a young BRCA genetic mutation carrier who started her reconstruction with implants, transitioned to DIEP flap and then graced us with the conclusion of her reconstruction by sharing one of the best quotes I heard from a patient all year, "Go forth with confidence"!
Sensation of the breast always gets a lot of listeners. Our interview with Dr. Lisa Hunsicker was popular.
We tackled diastasis recti and why to repair it during DIEP with Dr. Kesley McClure of Southwest Breast and Aesthetics and found out what other procedures are performed in Phoenix at their facility with her colleague, Dr. Arvind Gowda.
Dr. Craigie shared a very interesting interview with us on the delay procedure, the SIEA, and the TDAP. These alternative methods of using a patients own tissue are very important for patients who don't always find this information easily.
Nipple reconstruction with Dr. Carpenter at PRMA came out of an in-person meeting we had at a microsurgery summit I attended. Thanks Dr. Carpenter for your warm smile and willingness to spend time with me to educate our audience.
I invite each of you listening to use the search engine to explore all the topics we have talked about with my guest on the link I'll provide at the end of the episode details. Libsyn has been a great podcast platform for us to use so a shout out to them!
As part of the resources we provide at DiepCFoundation, this podcast being one of them, we also have the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel I mentioned earlier and the DiepCJourney® blog.
I want to leave you with a message from an end of the year blog I wrote just a couple of days ago. Here is the link to read the entire blog. https://diepcjourney.com/kindness-gratitude-courage-my-compass-for-2026/
Here is what I wrote:
As I step into 2026, I find myself returning again and again to three simple words. Those words are kindness, gratitude, and courage. They aren't new concepts. They aren't complicated. But they have become the compass points guiding how I want to show up in the world, how I want to lead, and how I want to serve the breast cancer community that has shaped my life in ways I never could have imagined.
These three words have carried me through seasons of uncertainty, moments of profound connection, and the quiet, steady work of advocacy. They have grounded me when the world felt heavy and lifted me when I needed reminding that hope is not naïve. Hope is necessary. And as I look toward the year ahead, they feel more necessary than ever.
Here's to a year guided by purpose, connection, and the quiet strength that lives within us all.
I cannot wait for you to listen to our guests in 2026, our sixth season.
Thank you for listening and being a part of the Journey!
The DiepCJourney® on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DiepCFoundation/podcasts
Connect with me on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diepcfoundation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diepCfoundation.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terricoutee/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tgcoutee/
We are diving into a conversation that's close to my heart and vital to the breast cancer community. On this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast are going to talk about the term, shared decision-making as it pertains to healthcare and take a deeper dive into its use in breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction with a returning guest Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo.
Dr. C is the CEO of PRMA Plastic Surgery, Director of Professional Relations & Global Partnerships at ARSA Health, Founder, Toliman Health, and creator of the Breast Advocate® App.
You may have heard previous interviews on the topic of shared decision-making with me and my guest. You may also have seen via our LinkedIn accounts that we are both co-leads of the WHIS shared decision-making Expert Group. What does this mean and what is our responsibility in this role?
This conversation is for anyone who's ever faced a difficult choice in their cancer journey, and for advocates, clinicians, and loved ones walking beside them.
We discuss the importance of patients taking time to self-assess their personal preferences, lifestyle, support they will need to recover, and what life looks like beyond treatment and surgery.
Shared decision-making is a productive and powerful process of communication between the patient and their healthcare team. Dr. C shares how they use it at their practice to empower patients and make them feel fully engaged in the decision process for breast reconstruction surgery.
Be sure to watch our conversation on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel by clicking on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwHH2yDCV2c&t=12s
Connect with Dr Chrysopoulo on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchrysopoulo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrChrysopoulo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchrysopoulo/
What does it mean to truly heal after breast cancer? In this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, we sit down with Dr. Silvia Kurtovic of Tucson Plastic Surgery to explore a holistic approach to breast reconstruction—one that goes beyond surgical technique to embrace emotional well-being, shared decision-making, and compassionate care. From honoring each patient's story to integrating wellness into recovery, Dr. Kurtovic offers insights that empower survivors to reclaim their bodies and their confidence with grace.
Dr. Silvia Kurtovic is part of the team of surgeons at Tucson Plastic Surgery. She works with Dr. Raman Mahabir performing a number of reconstructive procedures in Arizona. They practice the co-surgeon model in DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
Dr. Silvia Kurtovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon and one of the few female surgeons in Arizona who is both a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Kurtovic did her plastic & reconstructive surgery residence training at Duke University Medical Center. She received her fellowship training in aesthetic and microsurgery specializing in DIEP flap surgery in Canada.
Her personal experience with breast cancer and watching her mother go through it when Dr. Kurtovic was a young woman inspired her to specialize in the care and recovery of those affected by breast cancer and having reconstruction.
She shares an intimate look into the retreat she held in Tucson for her patients.
You won't want to miss this touching account of Dr. Kurtovic's own journey as a caregiver and how she translates that into her work today with her patients.
Connect with Dr Kurtovic on the following platforms:
Instagram: tucsonplasticsurgery
Facebook: TucsonPlasticSurgery
This
DiepCJourney® podcast interview was conducted at the PRMA Plastic Surgery practice in San Antonio during Breast Reconstruction Awareness week. Dr. Chet Nastala discusses PRMA's TruSense® and sensation to the breasts.
With extensive background training and twenty-five years of experience with the team of surgeons at PRMA, Dr. Nastala is particularly interested in the sensation of the breast, nerve repair, and optimizing outcomes for their breast reconstruction patients. They achieve this through ongoing research and improvement in surgical techniques at PRMA.
He discusses the nerve anatomy of the breasts and some of the limitations of the body's own ability to regenerate nerves after they are repaired. Dr. Nastala mentions various modalities of breast cancer treatment that include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and other biological therapies. He also talks about the possibility of nerve preservation and surgical techniques utilizing this method of improving sensation to the breast when oncologically safe.
He differentiates between the PRMA service mark, TruSense® and using a nerve graft. The TruSense® method signifies the surgeons take the patient's own recipient nerve from the breast and connects it to the donor nerve that is found in the abdominal tissue in a DIEP flap procedure. This procedure is using all the patient's own tissue and nerves.
A nerve graft is a cadaveric, prepackaged material that can be used for both implant and autologous reconstruction. It is sometimes necessary to use to "bridge the gap" in the nerves when there is not enough available from the patient.
The process of regaining sensation does take time. Dr. Nastala explains what can affect the nerves to regenerate, which include age, radiation, diabetes, and smoking. They collaborate with a team of breast surgeons to try and preserve as much of the nerve in the chest area as is oncologically safe and possible so that they can use the TruSense® method to restore sensation to the breast after mastectomy.
Connect with Dr. Nastala on the following platforms:
Instagram PRMA Account: https://www.instagram.com/prmaplasticsurgery/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chetnastala
In the world of podcasting, you meet folks you feel like you've known for a while because of your connections, and you've only seen them through the lens of your laptop camera.
This is the case for my guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, Marcylle Combs host of the podcast 50% with Marcylle Combs!
Marcylle Combs, MS, RN is an Entrepreneur, Leadership Expert, Speaker, Author, and Podcast Host committed to leveraging her experience in empowering individuals to realize their highest potential.
She spent over 30 years leading a large healthcare organization, which she owned, operated, and grew from a small home health agency to a multi-million-dollar enterprise with over 1,200 employees and twelve locations across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
After selling her healthcare business, Marcylle did not retire or slow down. She founded three companies, serving as President over MAC Legacy, The Marcylle Combs Company, and MAC Legacy Investments. These companies offer a range of services, including consulting, coaching, training, speaking, and investing in various industries.
In her debut book "Never Hire Your Friends", she details real-life scenarios and actionable advice on building thriving business while nurturing meaningful connections. She believes that leadership is not a position, but a choice, and that everyone can be a leader in their own sphere of influence.
Marcylle is also a wife, mother of five adult children, and a grandmother to lots of fabulous personalities. She loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, and learning new things. She aspires to grow and lead others until her last breath on this earth.
We chat about her breast cancer diagnosis, DIEP flap breast reconstruction, and what advise Marcylle shares for women everywhere when faced with a diagnosis. She is very candid about the challenges she faced with healthcare and shares tips on navigating this often difficult and vulnerable time in women's lives.
Connect with Marcylle Combs on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcylle_combs/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcyllecombscompany
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcylle-combs-65978425/
In this powerful DiepCJourney® podcast episode, Dr. Anne Peled and Dr. Ziv Peled, renowned experts in breast reconstruction and pain management join forces to explore the groundbreaking potential of Journavx, a new non-opioid oral pain medication designed to address acute post-surgical pain. With a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes and reducing reliance on opioids, this is the first FDA approved non-opioid oral pain medication for acute pain approved by the FDA in twenty years. They unpack the science behind Journavx, its clinical applications, and what it means for the future of recovery after breast reconstruction.
Listeners will gain:
- 🎙️ A deep dive into how Journavx works and why it matters
- 💡 Insights from Dr. Ziv Peled’s experience as a peripheral nerve surgeon
- 💬 Dr. Anne Peled’s perspective on patient-centered care and her personal experience after her recent implant-based breast reconstruction surgery
- 🔍 Discussion on shifting paradigms in pain management and survivorship
Whether you're a patient, provider, or advocate, this episode offers hope, innovation, and practical knowledge for navigating post-operative healing with greater confidence and comfort.
Be sure to check out the video episode on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXOO8yotZyc&t=1365s
Connect with Dr. Anne Peled on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drannepeled/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-peled-31626284/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drannepeled
Connect with Dr. Ziv Peled on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peledsurgery/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziv-m-peled-md/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeledSurgery
This DiepCJourney® podcast is for patients considering their options for breast reconstruction surgery as well as residence, trainees, and practicing surgeons. Our topic is robotic DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
This interview will contain information you may have questions or comments about. Please let us know in the comment section of the podcast after listening and we will do our best to answer any questions. You can watch the full video interview that includes a slide presentation on the DiepCFoundation YouTube Channel.
I am speaking to three guests today that include the patient, Gillian and the two board certified microsurgeons who performed Gillian’s recent robotic DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Dr. Daniel Murariu and Dr. Peter Deptula.
At age 33, Gillian was diagnosed with stage 3C triple negative & inflammatory breast cancer. Because of the treatment she received and her body proportions, her only reconstruction option was DIEP flap surgery. Drawn to the robotic approach for its ability to reduce pain and speed recovery, she spent months researching surgeons before choosing the right team with Dr. Daniel Murariu and Dr. Peter Deptula.
Gillian recently completed phase 1 of her DIEP flap reconstruction and is feeling more confident in her body. She’s looking forward to next year, when she will mark 3 years since her mastectomy and be cleared by her care team to start a family with her husband, Justin.
She shares her tips on traveling, recovery, and the research she did to find her surgeons and why she chose this team.
Dr. Murariu shares a presentation along with Dr. Peptula on the robotic techniques they successfully use in Hawaii. They share the following studies in the interview:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39191380/
https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/fulltext/2024/04000/indocyanine_green_guided_near_infrared.7.aspx
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39102843/
Although robotic DIEP flap is not readily available in the states at this time, it is growing in interest. There are surgeons in the U.S. and across the world performing robotic DIEP flap. Patients are asking about it so I hope this interview provides you with information you can ask about at your own breast reconstruction consult and as you consider your options and choices to make an informed decision.
Connect with Dr. Murariu on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealohaplasticsurgeon/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-murariu-0ba2b7195/
Connect with Dr. Deptula on the following platform:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.petey/
We are discussing a topic today that is very important in the breast cancer community, breast sensation. It is important for me as Founder and Director of DiepCFoundation to learn about and understand the latest innovations to improve patient outcomes and quality of life after a breast cancer diagnosis and surgery.
This will be available to watch on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel. This DiepCJourney® podcast interview is for patients and surgeons. Please let us know in the comment section of the podcast and video if you have any questions that arise from the interview.
I am speaking with Dr. Summer Hanson who specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery. She is an expert in treating a wide range of conditions, offering everything from complex breast reconstruction, trunk reconstruction and extremity reconstruction to skin cancer treatment, revision surgery and lymphedema surgery.
Dr. Hanson takes a holistic approach to care and is committed to offering each patient a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan. She works with her patients to understand their individual goals and concerns, and together they establish a plan designed to improve recovery and deliver long-term success.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Hanson is also devoted to research. We are discussing her involvement and work with the Bionic Breast Project and more specifically the FEEL Project (Focus on Educating Everyone about Sensation Loss and Pain).
The FEEL Project was born from listening deeply to patients share the personal impact of their mastectomy experiences. From loss of sensation and mobility to ongoing pain and other challenges, these stories inspired the creation of professional, evidence-based video content. Through candid conversations with patients, the project aims to educate the public and raise awareness about the often-overlooked physical and emotional effect of mastectomy.
Whether you are a researcher, student, patient, family member, or caregiver your feedback on the video is of great importance.
To be part of this project please reach out on the following forums and links.
The Lindau Lab
Woman Lab
Dr. Summer Hanson at the University of Chicago
Connect with the Bionic Breast Project on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionicbreast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575127590603
Connect with the Woman Lab on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearewomanlab
For patients exploring their options for breast reconstruction and learning they must travel, the very thought of a long car trip or airline travel can seem like an overwhelming task. It is important at DiepCFoundation then that we provide those practices who support patients who will be traveling for their breast reconstruction surgery. On this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, I talk to Dr. Richard Kline and his team to learn how they support patients who travel to their practice at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
Please go over to the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel and look for this episode soon! If you have questions after you listen to the interview whether you listen to the podcast or watch the video, let us know and we’ll try to answer them.
Dr. Kline collaborates with a team in the operating room for patients using the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction. This means that there are two board-certified microsurgeons with the patient during their surgery.
Dr. Kline also works with a team of PA’s (physician assistants) who join me in the interview. Meghan Dixon, PA-C and Logan Hillemmann, PA-C share their role in the intake, care, and follow-up recovery instructions for patients who travel. We are also joined by their office manager, Gail Lanter, who is there online and on the phone with a friendly voice, smile, and answers about travel, insurance, and to make new patients feel welcome.
To view procedures performed at the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWMSQdTwlAs&t=26s for the PAP flap.
Click here to hear about the SGAP flap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6Uer5K9OpU&t=155s
Connect with the team at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natural.breast.reconstruction/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturalbreastreconstruction
LinkedIn: The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction
It’s great to be back at the microphone after a summer break from podcasting and focusing our efforts on the inaugural DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium. We have a crisp, clean new look to our podcast cover with a few important changes!
Thanks so much for joining us and remember this will also be available on the DiepCFoundation educational channel under our podcast and video tabs.
We are going to be talking about surgical technology that is used to connect nerves, a suture-less device for nerve repair. At a medical conference I attended I passed by the BioCircuit table in the exhibit hall. After an invitation from the team at then vendor table I sat down to give it a go. You can actually watch that experience on the DiepCFoundation educational channel under the shorts. To search for it, type in the words, BioCircuit Nerve Tape®. Check the links below to watch the video.
I was amazed at how easy it was for me to use it and also how strong it is.
In surgical procedures, nerves are cut during the surgical process. The nerve tape we discuss is used across various specialties. At the Foundation on the DiepCJourney® podcast, we focus on all types of breast reconstruction for those undergoing mastectomy who are affected by breast cancer. In this interview we will be focusing on that specialty of surgery in this discussion.
We will be discussing the use of the Nerve Tape® in reconstructive surgery using implants with our guest surgeon.
The feeling of numbness across the breast area is a topic often discussed and is of concern in the community we serve at DiepCFoundation. It is a consideration in both erogenous sensation but also as a protective mechanism to prevent burns and injury to the breasts.
My guest is Dr. Lisa Hunsicker. She has been practicing medicine since 1995, and she opened Revalla Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics as her solo practice in Littleton Colorado in 2001. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas at Houston before moving on to her General Surgery training at the University of Colorado/Denver.
Dr. Lisa Hunsicker is a strong advocate for women's health issues and enjoys giving back to underserved communities. In addition to volunteering at health fairs, such as Tri for the Cure and at other local events, she has traveled many times to countries like El Salvador and Peru to perform reconstructive surgery on children and adults.
To view my experience using the Nerve Tape® click here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QedVwJfubfE
Connect with Dr. Hunsicker on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revallaaplasticsurrgery/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisahunsicker/
Connect with BioCircuit Technologies on the following platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/biocircuit-technologies/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nervetapeit/
There are many acronyms, terms, and procedures patients hear either in consultation with their plastic surgeon or online through various social media groups and platforms. Our guest on this edition of the DiepCJourney podcast is a board-certified microsurgeon who will help us sort out three of those terms today. The delay procedure, SIEA, and TDAP in breast reconstruction surgery.
We appreciate everyone who is utilizing the DiepCFoundation resources. Be sure to click here for the video interview with my guest at the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel.
I am joined by Dr. James Craigie, who specializes and is trained in microsurgery. The primary focus at his practice at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction in Mt. Pleasant, SC, is performing complex breast reconstruction procedures which we will discuss in this interview. I want to highlight that Dr. Craigie works with a team of microsurgeons practicing the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction surgery. To learn more about the benefits of the co-surgeon model check out a previous episode of the DiepCJourney podcast by clicking here.
At the Foundation, our focus is to provide accurate information to our listeners and why I ask Dr. Craigie to join us to discuss specific procedures in this interview.
The paper I reference in the interview on the value of the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction can be found and read by clicking here.
Connect with Dr. Craigie and his practice on the following platforms.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natural.breast.reconstruction/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturalbreastreconstruction
LinkedIn: The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction
This is a follow up of my interview with Margaret Tueller Proffitt who I spoke to after her phase one DIEP flap surgery at PRMA in San Antonio in January of 2024.
I invited her back to the DiepCJourney podcast to share details of the completion of her breast reconstruction after phase two. She traveled back to San Antonio seven months after phase one for her phase two surgery. We talk about the following:
· Communication and discussion with Dr. Whipple about your phase via a ZOOM call.
· What did she pack for phase 2.
· Who she traveled with for this phase of her surgery.
· The details of what Dr. Whipple did for phase 2.
· Compression garments, medical dressings, and showering.
· Pain medication, bruising, and change in clothing size after fat grafting.
· Flying home after surgery.
Margaret is a strong advocate and voice for the BRCA and breast reconstruction community. She is a mother, wife, loves to read, travel, has pets and she is a rock star on our Foundation YouTube channel with over a thousand views of video interview of phase one surgery.
She is living life, enjoying activities, travel, and family celebrations. I love success stories so I asked Margaret what she wanted to share with those listening to the interview who might be considering DIEP flap surgery.
“This was a short period of hard. Go forth with confidence. I love the body I have now.”
Connect with Margaret on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmproffitt/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-proffitt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margaret.t.proffitt
This interview on the DiepCJourney podcast is with three nationally known medical tattoo artist. It will also be available on the DiepCFoundation educational YouTube channel for viewing.
Our conversation today is on medical tattooing with three of the leading medical tattoo artists in the United States.
I begin with the President and founder of AMT, The Alliance of Medical Tattooing, Ms. Nicole Rizzuto, a licensed tattoo artist and I speak to her about her vision and why she created AMT.
Next is Christina Siegel who is a registered nurse and licensed tattoo artist and is the vice-president of AMT.
Last and certainly not least, is the medical tattoo artist in our beautiful city of Seattle, WA., Mr. Eric Eye. Eric and I are both advisory board members of AMT.
As a two-time cancer survivor who had successful DIEP flap breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy, I wanted “body art,” a story, a strong reminder of who I am, what I do, and a symbolic message to celebrate my own personal Journey through breast cancer. When I describe this as body art, it is much more that that because I went to a medical tattoo artist.
I chose Eric Eye because of his artistic background, credentials and someone who works with breast cancer patients. Going to a tattoo artist is an emotional process that is transformative, having a profound impact on breast cancer survivors.
In a recent cross-sectional study, the researchers examined the relationship between medical tattooing as a complementary cosmetic intervention and body-image distress and mental health outcomes among breast cancer survivors following surgery.
The findings show medical tattooing may be a valuable tool in improving body-image distress and mental health for those who wish to pursue it. The study also states more research is needed.
We discuss the services medical tattoo artists provide, safe practices and what patients should be asking for, the planning and shared decision-making conversations with your medical tattoo artist, and how each of them finds balance in this work of passionate care for breast cancer patients.
Please view their work on their websites and social media channels, especially Instagram.
Connect with these medical tattoo artists on the following platforms:
Nicole Rizzuto:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nmrtattoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmr_medical_tattoo/
Christina Siegel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingstorytattoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingstorytattoo/
Eric Eye:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064024771215
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric_eye_restorative/
Alliance of Medical Tattooing: https://www.instagram.com/alliance_medical_tattooing/
We are going to discuss the topic of scars and cover several topics related to scars on this edition of the DiepCJourney podcast. It is understood, anyone who has surgery will have scars of some kind. There is a mechanism to how scars heal. In plastic surgery, if you think of the Greek word, plastikós (πλᾰστῐκός it means to shape or mold. Scars are a significant consideration in plastic surgery then. I invited an expert in the field to share his expertise on the topic.
My guest is Dr. Andrew Gassman joined PRMA in San Antonio, Texas in 2021.
Dr. Gassman completed his plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California, and a general surgery residency, as Chief of Surgical Resident Education, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood Illinois. Following his residency, Dr. Gassman completed his fellowship in breast and reconstructive microsurgery, with a specialty in facial reanimation at UTSW Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Dallas, Texas.
Dr. Gassman and his team practice the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction, meaning each patient undergoing autologous breast reconstruction will have two board-certified microsurgeons in the OR at the time of their reconstruction. They are part of the IFAR (Institute for Advanced Reconstruction) network collaborating with other microsurgeons in the IFAR network to improve patient safety, care, and outcomes.
Dr. Gassman discusses the importance of scars and the considerations for plastic surgeons regarding scars for their patients. He tells us,
“These are marks that a patient is going to carry with them for their lives.”
He tells us about techniques used at his practice and considerations like:
· Scar placement
· Scar healing
· Different types of scars and skin types
· Scar management after surgery
· Scar revisions at phase 2
· Emotional impact of scars
We reference a DiepCJourney podcast in our discussion you can listen to here:
Ep. 60: Credibility in the Noise _ Social Media, Breast Reconstruction, and Your Experience.
Connect with Dr. Gassman on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gassman_ps/
Instagram: PRMA https://www.instagram.com/prmaplasticsurgery/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.andrewgassman
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRMAPlasticSurgery
Do most people who have nipple reconstruction have breast reconstruction? Not necessarily. Do you think about nipple reconstruction if you’ve had breast cancer and are in a consultation for breast reconstruction? We are going to answer these questions and others on this episode of the DiepCJourney Podcast.
My guest is Dr. Courtney Carpenter of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Carpenter is passionate about utilizing her extensive expertise and experience to help transform lives through reconstructive plastic surgery. I want to point out that PRMA uses the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction, meaning there are two board-certified microsurgeons with the patient in the OR at the time of autologous breast reconstruction surgery. PRMA is part of the IFAR (Institute for Advanced Reconstruction) network of surgeons.
We discuss these topics:
· At what phase of the reconstructive process does nipple reconstruction happen?
· Methods of nipple reconstruction.
· Recovery and dressings used after surgery.
· 3-D Medical tattooing of the NAC (nipple areola complex) for those who do not have nipple reconstruction.
This is what Dr. Carpenter tells us as she summarizes her thoughts at the end of the podcast.
“Nipple recon is something people don’t think about. They hear their diagnosis. They are thinking about breasts. They are not necessarily thinking about the nipples or the thought that their nipples might be removed isn’t something that even crosses their mind, even though it might be on my mind or their breast surgeon’s mind.
I think that people should be encouraged to ask more questions. Especially if they are a candidate for preserving their nipples or not preserving their nipples. Questions are always great! I love questions, it means you’re thinking about it! You’re trying to get as much data as you want or as you need in order to make your decision.”
I am grateful for her time and expertise to help prepare our listeners for their consulation for breast reconstruction surgery and to know what questions to ask about nipple reconstruction.
Connect with Dr. Carpenter on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmaplasticsurgery/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PRMAplasticsurgery
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRMAPlasticSurgery
How much do you know about robotic surgery for DIEP flap breast reconstruction?
What areas in the U.S. are performing these types of robotic surgery for those affected by breast cancer? What if I told you robotic DIEP flaps are being performed in Hawaii?
It is important to share with you surgeons I meet to provide access to care for those affected by breast cancer. Thank you for listening to the podcast to find out who these surgeons are. We are going to discuss robotic surgery and DIEP flap being performed in Hawaii with my guests on this edition of the DiepCJourney podcast. Be sure to watch our conversation on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel when it is published, and you can sit with us and watch our conversation.
I first met Dr. Daniel Murariu at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in San Diego in September of 2024. What impressed me at our first meeting was his interest in the resources breast cancer patients provide. We talked about the resources provided by DiepCJourney Foundation, but we also discussed the many other breast cancer support groups helping patients navigate their decision through treatment, surgery, and recovery.
I was also impressed with the time he spent listening and I thought to myself, if I were a patient of Dr. Murariu, I think I would feel very much a part of my decision process with his thoughtful demeanor. He is a TEDx UC Davis speaker, Rotarian, speaks three languages, has published multiple papers, an impressive resume to be sure!!
Further, Dr. Murariu practices the co-surgeon model at his private practice office in Honolulu, Hawaii at Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery. He collaborates with his team member, Dr. Peter Deptula. We are going to learn more about the work of Dr. Deptula and his training in the interview.
They are both board-certified reconstructive surgeons who perform autologous breast reconstruction, lymphedema surgery, complex abdominal wall reconstruction, and complex microsurgery focusing on head and neck and breast reconstruction.
We wrap up our conversations with an announcement by Dr. Murariu. It is exciting to know that he and Dr. Deptula are organizing the RAMSES 2027 meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. RAMSES stands for The Robotic Assisted & Microsurgical Endoscopic Society, “The group represents the ‘early adaptors’ of robotic technology in the field of microsurgery.” He graciously invites surgeons to visit them to observe their work and learn more about robotics in plastic surgery.
Connect with Dr. Murariu and Dr. Deptula across these platforms:
Instagram:
Dr. Murariu: https://www.instagram.com/p/DE9H3QrRhNI/
Dr. Deptula: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.petey/
LinkedIn:
Dr. Murariu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-murariu-0ba2b7195/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Athena-Clinic-Plastic-Surgery/100087242137827/
This interview is another resource provided by DiepCFoundation.org specifically providing access to care for those affected by breast cancer. The slide presentation and interview are available on the Foundation educational channel for our listeners and followers who would like to access it at DiepCFoundation YouTube channel.
We are discussing a topic that is often discussed in my community so I reached out to my guest to share her expertise on the repair of diastasis and recognizing what a hernia or bulge might look like after autologous breast reconstruction, specifically DIEP flaps.
My guest is Dr. Kelsey McClure who practices with a team of other microsurgeons at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics in Phoenix, AZ. She is a board-certified plastic surgeon and holds certification with The American Board of Plastic Surgery.
She is an active member of:
- The American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM)
- The American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)
- Mountain West Society of Plastic Surgeons (MWSPS) AND the
- Arizona Society of Plastic Surgeons
She has authored several research publications. Dr. McClure believes that shared decision- making is necessary to tailor a comprehensive aesthetic and reconstructive plan.
We reference a PRS Global Open paper published by Dr. Arvind Gowda who has been a guest on a previous episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. The paper can be accessed through this open-source Journal here:
Approach to DIEP Flap Pedicle Dissection via a Midline Fascial Incision
Connect with Dr. Kelsey and her team across these platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southwestbreast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWBreast
When you have cancer you become a patient, and advocate, a student, and yes, I said student. It’s like taking one of those classes at university that you must take to learn the topic, but you don’t really want to take it. Have you ever met someone in the breast cancer community, and you think to yourself, “Damn! They really did a good job of navigating this whole process.”
They view their life before cancer. They view their life during diagnosis, after treatment, after surgery, and what that should look like to them. Then they got on with it. I met one of those people and we chat on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
We met through a mutual friend who is a trained microsurgeon. Dr. Anita Mohan introduced me to the inspirational Samantha Vale. They have known each other for quite some time; before Anita was a microsurgeon and before Sam had breast cancer. They danced, celebrated, and traveled together. Their friendship continues today and I’m lucky to know them both.
The story of her multiple occurrences, surgeries, and the lessons she learned along the way will inspire the listener to put your own story into a new light and perspective. Sam is a single mom with two young children who continues to navigate her personal Journey and choice not to reconstruct after a double mastectomy.
Listen to Sam’s story and how dance and music continue to nourish her creative strengths. She is a published author, and her book link can be found at the bottom of these notes.
Connect with Samantha across these platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthavaleuk/
https://www.instagram.com/samanthavaledance/
Samantha’s book on Amazon: The Lady with no Hair
As promised, season five presents our listeners with interviews from experts and shares with you all your options for breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy. In this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast the expert we interview is Dr. Arvind Gowda who collaborates with a team of surgeons at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics in Phoenix, Arizona.
One of our goals on the podcast is to provide access to care, no matter who you choose for your breast surgery. When you dial down to autologous reconstruction, using the patients own tissue, it becomes important to research the background, skill, and collaborative team effort of the microsurgeon you choose. Patients frequently must travel to find a microsurgeon, so it is our honor to provide this interview with Dr. Gowda for your consideration.
Dr. Arvind Gowda tells us about his interest, training, and fellowship in microsurgery for the listeners. He shares with us the names of his colleagues at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics. Dr. Gowda describes the importance of the co-surgeon model and how he and his team work together to optimize patient outcomes and improve the experience for the patient and the surgeon.
Dr. Gowda talks about the role of PAs (Physician Assistants) both in and out of the operating room at his practice. PAs play an integral role in the OR but also in clinic and for patient follow up. The ability to reach out to the PA when the surgeon is with a patient in the OR helps facilitate communication for patients.
Dr. speaks of the importance of patients assessing their goals to have a truly shared decision-making conversation with them regarding their choice in breast reconstruction and breast surgery.
Dr. Gowda shares his morning routine as well as one of his favorite workouts plans to maintain his health and stay strong for his patients.
Connect with Dr. Gowda through his practice on these platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southwestbreast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWBreast
Listeners of the DiepCJourney podcast are familiar with the DIEP flap breast reconstruction procedure where the abdominal skin, tissue, and underlying blood vessels are used to replace the breast tissue lost due to mastectomy after being affected by breast cancer. On this episode we are going to discuss the “stacked flap” in breast reconstruction.
I’m speaking with Dr. Tim Matatov of Southwest Breast and Aesthetics in Phoenix, AZ. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is specifically trained in microsurgery. It is the specialty of microsurgery that is required to perform a stacked flap procedure. Dr. Matatov and his team perform these and why I reached out to him for this interview.
Dr. Matatov tells us the original definition of a stacked flap is that you put one flap on top of the other and place those two flaps into a surgical site, in this instance, the breast area to recreate a breast after mastectomy.
It has evolved to a flap from the abdomen, a bipedicle flap with two blood vessels that are connected to the entire abdomen and taken as one piece. He points out that at his practice it is used for skin resurfacing in the radiated patient where a lot of the damaged tissue would have to be removed. This type of flap provides enough skin to repair the area damaged and needing repair from radiation.
Another purpose for a stacked flap is in the setting of a single mastectomy; when a patient chooses to remove only one breast and keep the other and there is not enough tissue from a single flap from the back, thigh, or abdomen. In this instance, the stacked flap provides the volume needed to achieve symmetry with the existing breast.
Dr. Matatov goes on to tell us where on the body theses blood and tissue sources are from as well as what the recovery looks like for patients.
Be sure to check out Dr. Matatov's podcast on Blood Vessels in Breast Reconstruction here:
https://diepcjourney.libsyn.com/blood-vessels-in-breast-reconstruction
Connect with Dr. Matatov and his practice on these platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southwestbreast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWBreast
My guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast is a young woman who during the height of the COVID pandemic, at only 33 years old, became diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.
Her Journey was not easy but, it is truly inspiring and motivating. She has a strong family history of distinct types of cancer. This is a quote from her website:
“Tired of reactive approaches, that waited for symptoms to appear, I refused to let history repeat itself. Recognizing that others face similar challenges I knew action was needed."
This quote reflects her work, her passion, and her profession. My guest is Rori Zura, who many know from social media as “badass” Foobs and Fitness.
The resilience she practiced doing chemotherapy alone during the pandemic translated into the grit and determination discovering her current work. Rori is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Subsequently, she became a certified Cancer Exercise Specialist with the Cancer Exercise Training Institute.
Her message is clear. Studies have shown that exercise can reduce the side effects of breast cancer treatment, reduce risk factors, and minimize the risk of recurrence. As she states on her website, “My goal is to create a tidal wave of change within our healthcare system.”
Sit with us and listen to Rori’s story to be inspired. Be sure to watch this interview on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel.
Connect with Rori across these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foobs-and-fitness/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foobsandfitness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foobsandfitness/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foobsandfitness
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@foobsandfitness
This episode of the DiepCJourney podcast is our final edition in 2024. I share a discussion across continents with two women leaders I admire who engage in patient advocacy and the patient story.
Marie Ennis O’Connor is well known for “Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer” a platform where she gathers writers and bloggers sharing their stories across social media platforms. Her journey in patient advocacy began twenty years ago with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Marie poignantly tells us in the interview that,
"We find when we are diagnosed with a serious illness, something is missing. We look around and see who can fix this. I discovered the person who could fix it was me."
Sue Robins , whose patient experience started with a breast cancer diagnosis, has focused her healthcare advocacy based on her son, Erin’s down syndrome. Like Marie, her healthcare advocacy began about twenty years ago. She is a Senior Partner and Patient Consultant at Bird Comm.
I call them both my friends and they grace us with rich information in the realm of storytelling and patient engagement. We take a deep dive and share firsthand experiences, good and bad, about conference attendance, invitations to speak, and how important we feel it is to pass on the wisdom we have learned to the next generation of advocates.
We are filled with nostalgic hope of meeting in person some day in Ireland, Marie’s home country, on the Wild Atlantic Way, the western side of Ireland. It was my favorite area when I visited there in the fall of 2023 and was able to meet Marie in person in Dublin.
Enjoy the final 2024 episode and I look forward to seeing you on the DiepCJourney podcast in 2025 with more exciting guests and topics!!
Connect with Marie across these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marieennisoconnor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondbreastcancer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie_ennis_oconnor/
Connect with Sue across these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue--6609147/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sue.squawk.9
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suework/
Books: Birds Eye View and Ducks in a Row
Ten years ago, on December 1, 2014, I was in the trusted hands of a skilled microsurgeon who took tissue from my tummy area along with the skin and blood vessels, and rebuilt what cancer had taken away from me. I lost my breasts to a double mastectomy. For those of us who have been affected by breast cancer, a mastectomy is an amputation. The skilled microsurgeon is my guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, president of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas, reconstructed my breasts using the training, skill, and compassion that makes him who he is as a breast reconstruction surgeon and is one of the finest human beings I know.
This podcast is a celebration of our work together over the past ten years and the work we will continue to do for the breast cancer community.
This podcast is about mentorship, past, present, and future. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane to hear about his own journey becoming who he is today and those who inspired him to chose microsurgery. If you have been in plastic surgery for any time, many of the names he mentions as his own mentors will be familiar to you.
This interview is quiet, thoughtful, and a couple of times catches me off guard emotionally with a mentor and friend. Thank you for listening with us.
Connect with Dr. Chrysopoulo on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrChrysopoulo/
Instagram and Threads: https://www.instagram.com/mchrysopoulo/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/drchrysopoulo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchrysopoulo/
Solutions often begin with a conversation. When faced with the task of planning your surgery, it is the goal of the DiepCJourney podcast to provide a pathway to workable solutions for those affected by breast cancer.
My guest is Dr. Andrew Elkwood, an international expert in advanced reconstruction and a highly skilled microsurgeon. Dr. Elkwood is the founder of The Plastic Surgery Center and Institute for Advanced Reconstruction (IFAR) in New Jersey.
You can also visit www.advancedreconstruction.com or call 954-218-5137 to schedule a consultation with a surgeon on these advanced and specialty conditions. The surgeons in the IFAR network perform breast reconstruction surgery due to loss of breast after mastectomy from breast cancer.
They also perform the following surgery addressing conditions that arise due to breast cancer treatment, many of which are nerve related.
· Neuropathy
· post mastectomy pain syndrome
· lymphedema surgery
· radiation-induced brachial plexopathy (numbness, tingling, weakness in the shoulder and/or arm
Watch the interview on YouTube:
Pathways to Care Due to Secondary Issues from Breast Cancer Treatment
Follow IFAR on Social Media:
YouTube
What is it about social media that draws the breast cancer community together? We are going to explore this question with my guest, Dr. Tasha Gandamihardja, consultant breast cancer surgeon and medical educator on social media under the name, @DrTashaG.
We will look at the benefits, downfalls, information, and disinformation provided by various social media platforms on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. How can you find the right community that supports both your emotional and educational needs when each person is unique and there are distinct types of breast cancer?
Why is it important for physicians to interact and be active on social media? Is it necessary for them to be on social media?
I have the distinct honor of being listed as an author on a published paper with her that we will discuss in our conversation. The paper is open access and is entitled, “The Role of Social Media and Breast Cancer: How Does It Impact Patients?” I acknowledge our fellow colleagues and authors on the paper:
· Sara Liyanage, author, and patient advocate
· Dr. Anne W. Peled, dual-trained breast cancer and plastic surgeon.
· Yazan A. Masannat of the UK, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon and host of the iBreast webinar series.
Patients who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer often absorb a small percentage of the information they are flooded with at their first consultation. Dr. Tasha tells us how she gently navigates patients through this journey by providing resources to explore while at home and making decisions about next steps.
Dr. Tasha tells us social media can provide a complementary resource for patients to feel connected to a like-minded community to share similar experiences. But there can be limitations and challenges finding the right community. We focus on exploring communities that provide evidence-based information, so patients get the right information and tamp down the misinformation that is found on social media.
Where is the future of information for the breast cancer community? We explore the value and impact of AI and how we feel it is our responsibility as curators of content to guide the breast cancer community in the use and value of AI in finding information.
Dr. Tasha social media accounts:
TikTok
YouTube
My Breast My Health Podcast
In this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast I interview April Johnson Stearns. She is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Wildfire Magazine & Writing Community. April has an extensive background in writing and landed her first memoir-based magazine cover story at 16.
She worked for her college newspaper and then the local newspaper in Santa Cruz, The Sentinel, following graduation. During the tech boom of the early 2000s April worked “over the hill” from Santa Cruz in Silicon Valley.
However, in 2012, in the midst of this career, April was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at age 35. Four years later, while struggling to “go back to normal” and find others in similar circumstances, April launched WILDFIRE Magazine & Writing Community as a way for younger people to tell and read breast cancer stories.
Since 2016, April has guided hundreds of writers through the Wildfire writing workshops and published more than forty-five issues of Wildfire Magazine.
April shares the passion behind the magazine and her work with the young breast cancer community inspiring them to share their stories. She hosts her own podcast The Burn where she interviews writers in the Wildfire community.
Connect with April and the Wildfire Community:
Wildfirecommunity.org
Facebook: facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Instagram & Threads: @wildfire_bc_magazine
Twitter: @real_wildfire
Email: editor@wildfirecommunity.org
Are you aware of the value of the two-surgeon model in reconstructive microsurgery? Have you heard about the benefits to patients of ERAS (Enhanced Recovery after Surgery) protocol? I spoke with two board-certified plastic reconstructive surgeons who practice at Tucson Plastic Surgery to answer these questions and others on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
My guests are Dr. Siliva Kurtovic and Dr. Raman Mahabir. They met at the Duke Flap Course, a well-known yearly gathering of microsurgical specialists from around the world who present the latest techniques in flap surgeries. Their combined training in breast reconstruction microsurgery and aesthetic plastic surgery offers their patients affected by breast cancer skilled and compassionate care.
We shared personal stories, our combined interested in the shared decision-making model in breast reconstruction, and how surgeons and patient advocates can work together to educate patients on all options and aspects of the breast reconstruction decision making process. Dr. Kurtovic gives us her personal approach to caring for patients before and after surgery in a holistic manner to enhance emotional and physical recovery from DIEP flap surgery.
This dynamic team in Tucson, Arizona, who started as surgical colleagues at Duke University, share their personal story from the start to their present-day life. Not only are they changing the lives of breast cancer patients in their region, but you will hear about the beautiful family life they have created in this desert landscape I called home at the time of my second diagnosis. Although they were not in Tucson at the time of my second diagnosis, I am happy for those patients who are there now for this access to care with Dr Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir.
Be sure to watch our interview on the
DiepCFoundation Educational Channel
Connect with Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonPlasticSurgery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tucsonplasticsurgery/
LinkedIn:
Dr. Kurtovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvia-kurtovic-md-b0491532/
Dr. Mahabir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmahabir/
When you think about breast reconstruction do you only think about breast implants? If so, it is because many people are still choosing this option for reconstructing their breast after mastectomy. However, there are options. Using your own tissue is an option and the tissue, along with a blood source, can come from various parts of the body. Fat grafting to shape and form the breast is also an option many ask about but not all know about. This is our topic on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
My guest, Dr. Eric Wimmers, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing in Hopewell, New Jersey at the Plastic Surgery Center. He is part of the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction (IFAR) network of surgeons across the U.S.
Dr. Wimmers has unique training in microsurgery and immunology. Although he operates on the entire body, his special interests are breast reconstruction, abdominal wall reconstruction, and peripheral nerve repair.
His pathway to his current practice as a microsurgeon developed over time. Dr. Wimmers shares his personal journey with us from beginning as an emergency room physician to a surgeon. Once he had exposure to the scope of plastic surgery, restoring form and function to the human body affected by trauma and disease he never looked back.
Dr. Wimmers shares the value of his surgical practice being part of the IFAR network. He points out that they are grouping up with other like-minded microsurgeons across the U.S. to tackle problems and issues patients face when they have been told there is no hope or fix. Combined resources and talent within the IFAR network are providing greater access to care for patients.
We continue our discussion with an explanation of the types of breast reconstruction available. Dr. Wimmers utilizes the tummy tissue most often to perform DIEP flap breast reconstruction. However, he points out not all patients have the excess tissue in their own body in the right places to do autologous reconstruction, meaning using the patients own tissue. He does get inquiries about fat grafting only.
Patients are interested in it for a variety of reasons. It might be that they have already had a tummy tuck. It may be that their fat distribution is in other places other than the abdomen. Most of his patients requesting fat grafting only tend to be on the smaller side and prefer a smaller size breast. He explains the fat grafting only procedure in detail in our interview. Dr. Wimmers tells us fat grafting only is a series of procedures done over time. Fat grafting is a very technique driven procedure.
Be sure to watch our interview on the DiepCFoundation Educational Channel
Connect with Dr. Eric Wimmers:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrEricWimmers/
Connect with The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedReconstruction
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancedreconstruction/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/AdvancedReconNJ
Breast sensation, “sensibility,” is a topic I personally cannot talk enough about. Breast cancer patients want to be protected from burns. They want to feel the hugs from their children, grandchildren, partners, friends, and family. Sensibility refers to awareness, emotional response, and feeling so it makes perfect sense to use this word in our conversation on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
To be honest, the feeling of numbness that many feel after a mastectomy just feels odd. I speak from experience, and I listen to other survivors who tell me this. It felt odd for me, but I was fortunate to have nerve reconstruction at the time of my DIEP flap and now have sensate breasts, thankfully. I feel that my breasts are part of my body.
I feel so fortunate today to be speaking to a world leader in breast sensation/sensibility. You will learn so much from her in our discussion. I first met her at the London Breast Meeting in September of 2023. This is one of the leading breast meetings in the world. Her talk absolutely mesmerized me.
I saw her again in January of this year, 2024, at the microsurgery meeting and we said, this podcast needs to happen.
She is approachable, warm, and accessible.
Dr. Stefania Tuinder performs complex microsurgical breast reconstruction at the Maastricht hospital in the Netherlands.
Dr. Tuinder has published multiple papers on this topic.
I was inspired by a mutual friend, Mr. Vimal Gokani, who mentioned Dr. Tuinder and her work with sensibility and neurotized breasts on his podcast, PRS Global Open, DEEP cuts.
Sensation and sensibility are something women talk about and deal with after autologous breast reconstruction. I’m fascinated with neuroplasticity and how are brains can adjust to these new sensations.
Links to papers published by Dr. Tuinder:
What does a breast feel like? A qualitative study among healthy women
Sensory recovery and the role of innervated flaps in autologous breast reconstruction—a narrative review
Somatotopic mapping of the human breast using 7 T functional MRI
Connect with Dr. Tuinder:
Email: s.tuinder@mumc.nl
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefania-tuinder-0440176b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefania_tuinder/
This edition of the DiepCJourney podcast highlights a recently published paper in JPRAS, an International Journal of Surgical Reconstruction. The title of the paper is:
Flap neurotization improves sensation outcomes in abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
To our listeners, who may be patients, surgeons, or medical professionals we are going to explore the elements and details of this research paper and how it can be of benefit to you.
I am pleased to have two returning guests who have collaborated across continents from Australia to the U.S. sharing their combined microsurgical skills to improve patient outcomes in sensate breasts. Dr. Joe Dusseldorp is an author of the paper and an internationally trained microsurgeon who practices in Sydney, Australia. He works alongside oncologists to perform innovative treatments for breast reconstruction, which includes DIEP flap. He is a TEDx speaker, a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Faculty of Medicine at University of Sydney, and affiliated with the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
My second guest, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, is the current president of PRMA, Plastic Reconstructive Microsurgical Associates, in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. C is a board-certified plastic surgeon, breast reconstruction surgeon and microsurgeon who like Dr. Joe, performs autologous based breast reconstruction.
Raised and educated in London, England he has earned and received many academic achievements throughout his career. He continued his microsurgical training after moving to the U.S. and has authored and co-authored several book chapters and scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. He is the developer of the award-winning free Breast Advocate® app that provides anyone with breast cancer a much-needed voice in their breast cancer surgery decision making.
Connect with Dr. Joe Dusseldorp:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedusseldorp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoedusseldorp/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joe.dusseldorp
X: https://x.com/drjoedusseldorp
Links to find the work of Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchrysopoulo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchrysopoulo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrChrysopoulo
X: https://x.com/drchrysopoulo
In this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast I am joined by another podcaster. What I am most excited about is that he is one of our international guests this year.
We have known each other for some time. Not trying to age either one of us but I have enjoyed knowing him, having robust conversations, and learning so much about the world of plastic surgery and microsurgery from him. We will talk about these topics in the podcast in a cross-continental discussion with my guest Mr. Vimal Gokani.
Notice I said, “Mister.” That is because he is a well-respected microsurgeon in the UK and rather than Dr. as we refer to physicians in the U.S. they are bestowed the honor and title “Mr..”
Mr. Gokani is a consultant plastic reconstructive surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust with expertise in:
- · Lymphoedema surgery
- · Skin cancer surgery
- · reconstructive surgery following breast cancer and other types of cancer.
- · body contouring following weight loss.
- · abdominal wall reconstruction and…
- · aesthetic surgery of the breast, body, and face.
We are going to find out in this interview how he became interested in plastic surgery, and we will discuss some of my preferred topics to talk about:
- · Diep Flap
- · Lymphedema treatment service and surgery
- · Neurotized breast… restoring sensation to the breast.
- · And robotics surgery… where are we and what does the future look like in robotics.
Please be sure to go to Spotify and check out his podcast: PRS GLOBAL OPEP DEEP CUTS where he interviews notable colleagues in his field.
Mr. Gokani Social Media Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vimal-gokani-251b3336/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vimal.gokani/
Consider a young person who has been newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Add to the mix they are facing a mastectomy and exploring options for breast reconstruction. Let’s say they are someone who has grown up in the world of social media. The question arises, where do they connect and get their credible information? Breast reconstruction is a complex decisional process. Do they use a platform like TikTok based in thirty second increments or a more community-based platform like Meta/Facebook where patients can engage in more of a discussion about what they are facing after a horrible diagnosis? What are other platforms being utilized?
It is our topic of discussion on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast with my guest, Dr. Andrew Gassman, a board-certified microsurgeon who sees this population of women in his practice each day. He collaborates with a team of microsurgical specialists at PRMA in San Antonio, Texas. Their primary practice focuses on those affected by breast cancer, are facing mastectomy, and are exploring options for breast reconstruction. PRMA practices the co-surgeon model where each patient has two skilled microsurgeons in the OR for their autologous breast reconstruction surgery.
We ask our listeners to share the platform they use to find credible information on social media when newly diagnosed and considering breast reconstruction. Please share your comments after listening to the podcast. We do not feel that one platform or channel is more important than another. It is our aim to share our thoughts, but we want to hear from you. We honor your choice in social media selection.
Another way of sharing your thoughts with us is by reaching out on either one of our social media accounts.
Dr. Gassman Social Media Accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.andrewgassman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gassman_ps/
Terri Coutee Social Media for DiepCFoundation:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diepCfoundation.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diepcfoundation/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/6state
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terricoutee/
Access to medical care for those affected by breast cancer is crucial, and often life transformative. This personal story will give emphasis to the voice of an advocate, a woman of strength, and determined to find the best care available for her during her personal journey from diagnosis to recovery from reconstructive surgery.
My guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast is Dana Brown, a 54-year-old wife, mother, and educator. She has been married to her best friend and soulmate for 35 years. She was intent on finding a well-qualified microsurgeon to perform her DIEP flap breast reconstruction after enduring multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation.
It turned out to be a formidable task but one she tackled head on. After researching other practices around the country, she was able to find one in her state. She found Dr. Kasia Kania to perform her breast reconstruction. Dana's voice waivers when she tells us the words Dr. Kania spoke to her at their initial consult, "I can fix that."
Together, they wrote appeals to state insurance to obtain the best possible care for Donna.
She is now in recovery from her successful DIEP flap with Dr. Kania. The lesson to be learned is one of perseverance and stopping at nothing until one finds the best surgeon to perform what is for many a life-changing surgery after loss of breasts due to breast cancer.
Dana’s story is not unique. There are many who must fight to gain access to care. It can be emotionally and physically exhausting but with Dana’s determination and the combined efforts and support of her family and surgeon, she made it happen. The listener will draw many lessons and tips from my guest. It was a touching interview and I value the honest account of Dana’s experience helping others.
Dana’s social media account:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdanajo/
Dr. Kasia Kania’s social media accounts and information:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkasiakania/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorplasticsurgery/
LinkedIn: Kasia Kania, MD, MPH
Facebook: Taylor Plastic Surgery
This is a special episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. It is one of the most touching interviews I have done to date. Originally recorded during the pandemic as a video, I searched through my audio archives hoping I might find it to repurpose the interview. Thankfully, you can now listen to the interview as a podcast. I added a special tribute at the beginning of the podcast to honor my own Father and share the intrinsic value and meaning of the necklace I wear.
Next, I honor the mentor, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, who changed the trajectory of my work in 2016 encouraging me to open DiepCFoundation. The interview is a tribute to his own dad, the inspiration and story of why he chose microsurgery as his profession. Dr. C weaves in the history of microsurgery, riveted by the stories of soldiers during WWI and WWII that he watched on the “telly” with his dad during his childhood. You must listen to his account of Howard Gillies, the pioneering surgeon who treated facial injuries and pioneered the use of skin flaps in plastic surgery.
The pauses in his voice, the reflection in his words, parallel the ethos of my dad. These conversations in life are important to reflect upon and what brought us to choose our purpose in life. Mentors are leaders. They guide us, teach us, and counsel us. This quote from Steven Spielberg summarizes it beautifully. Thank you for being that mentor in my life Dr. C, and I feel it reflects the feeling we both have for our dads and one I am certain your children feel about you.
"The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image but giving them the opportunity to create themselves." ~ Steven Spielberg
More on the history of microsurgery:
Flap Monitoring in Breast Reconstruction and the History of the Guinea Pig Club in Plastic Surgery
Dr. Chrysopoulo social media accounts:
Instagram: https://www.istagram.com/mchrysopoulo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrChrysopoulo
LinkedIn: Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS
Twitter: @drchrysopoulo
Dr. C’s FREE breast cancer health app: Breast Advocate®
Imagine a world where a specialist surgeon on one continent could be virtually transported into any operating room of another surgeon specialist, anywhere in the world, to collaborate with one another visually and practically. That is now a reality with the Proximie system, an augmented reality telehealth platform and innovation in education and global surgery.
Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram if the Founder of Proximie. She shares the story of her childhood and the events that made a lasting imprint on her memory growing up in Lebanon. She learned a lot about community, people coming together and sharing and supporting each other.
Seeing the resulting injuries of war and the effects it had on friends who experienced injuries led her to understand the importance and role of doctors. Her family had a profound influence on her trajectory into medicine, innovation and narrowing the gap in access to care. This became of great interest to Nadine as her own career in plastic surgery progressed.
We discuss the collection of knowledge in the library database of the Proximie system and the ongoing value it has in surgical education and learning. I mention to Nadine the honor I had speaking to Dr. Joe Dusseldorp and Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo about their Proximie experience during a DIEP flap procedure. It was seamless connectivity for these two surgeons and delightful to share their experience using Proximie across continents.
At the heart of this it is patients for access and quality of care. Nadine has accomplished this by reimagining the future of healthcare through the Proximie system. Our thoughts conclude the podcast sharing the importance of leaving a legacy of your work and what inspired me to invite Nadine to be interviewed on the DiepCJourney podcast. I am grateful!
Learn more about Nadine’s work and the topics I reference in the podcast:
Nadine’s Ted Talk: Digitization in Healthcare Delivery
LinkedIn: Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram FRCS (Plast), BEM
Instagram: drnadz_j
Instagram: Proximie
Democratization in Microsurgery: The Proximie System with Dr. Joe Dusseldorp and Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS
Are you feeling anxious or confused about what to eat if you have had or currently have breast cancer? My returning guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast is Cathy Leman. She is a dietician, nutrition therapist, and a certified personal trainer, who herself has had hormone positive breast cancer.
Cathy developed the Peaceful Plate, a nutrition education and coaching program. She shares her personal experience being diagnosed with breast cancer.
We are discussing how to mange the anxiety that can plague many who have had breast cancer and what to put in our bodies in the form of food to optimize our health. We will chat about the food choices we can make to maintain a healthy lifestyle just as exercise choices are made to maintain our health.
Cathy dives into reasons for emotional eating, weight gain from breast cancer treatment, questions around soy consumption, how much protein we should consider consuming and what healthy protein options there are.
She shares portion control amounts, and we discuss how much fiber we should consider consuming per day. Cathy and I discuss realistic expectations regarding exercise for those in treatment and post treatment in survivorship. Movement in all forms is the key adjusted accordingly to your current health status. We hope this episode will encourage and inspire you to enjoy what you eat before, during, and after breast cancer!
Podcast Episode with Cathy: Episode 23: Dietitian and Coach for Breast Cancer Survivors
Cathy Leman Social Media Accounts:
Instagram: Cathy Leman Hormone Breast Cancer Dietitian
Facebook: The Peaceful Plate
LinkedIn: Cathy Leman, MA, RD, NSCA-CPT
Have you searched endlessly for days and weeks for a microsurgeon to perform breast reconstruction? Access to care is a real concern for patients who are affected by breast cancer. Finding a plastic surgeon who specializes in tissue reconstruction in the area you live in is not always a service afforded to all patients. Traveling for breast reconstruction is not out of the ordinary. It was something I did myself for my DIEP flap.
I want to bring awareness to microsurgical services in various geographic areas and interview surgeons to help patients who are looking for a reconstructive surgeon. I am introducing a new surgeon to our listeners. I hope this helps streamline the time you are taking during an already challenging time in your life.
Dr. Sarosh Zafar is a double board-certified microsurgeon in plastic and reconstructive surgery and general surgery. She specializes in the most advanced methods of breast reconstruction, complex reconstruction, and microsurgery. Dr. Zafar joined the team of pioneering surgeons at (CRBS) the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery and the St. Charles Surgical Hospital in 2021. She practices in the state of Louisianna but takes patients from across the U.S. and the world.
Dr. Zafar shares why she chose the field of plastic and reconstructive breast surgery. She tells us the services provided at CRBS highlighting the value of the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction surgery. Dr. Zafar shares the pathways to find her services both at CRBS and IFAR (Institute for Advanced Reconstruction), part of the Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Alliance (ARSA) network of surgeons.
Her compassionate comment at the end of the podcast will benefit patients listening. “If patients have any questions, never hesitate. That would be my number one message. Always ask. Always ask us for clarification. It can be a very confusing, intimidating process, but that’s what we’re here for to help figure everything out and help you get the best outcome that we can.”
Links to find Dr. Sarosh Zafar:
Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CBRS)
The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction (IFAR)
(IFAR) Patient Portal to Schedule an appointment: tel:1-833-887-2417
Social Media Links for Dr. Sarosh Zafar:
Dr. Sarosh Zafar: LinkedIn
Facebook: Center for Restorative Breast Surgery
Instagram: Breast Center NOLA
I have been fortunate to have discussions with surgeons in the U.S. on lymphedema. This is a topic I feel should be discussed with international surgeons as well. As part of my work with DiepCFoundation I am fortunate to meet surgeons from around the world at various plastic and microsurgical conferences. I will be talking to one of these microsurgeons on the DiepCJourney podcast. We need to know all we can about lymphedema, lymphedema surgery, how microsurgeons across the world are treating breast cancer patients for this condition, and so, this is our topic of discussion from a guest in London, in the United Kingdom.
Ms. Maleeha Mughal is a Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Guy's & St. Thomas Hospital. She specializes in Breast cancer reconstruction, Head and Neck cancer reconstruction and lymphedema surgery.
Ms. Mughal shares a personal story and why she made the decision to choose plastic reconstructive surgery as her profession. She describes the type of lymphedema she treats, the type related to cancer.
We discuss the causes, treatment, and surgical options for a condition that is not curable but treatable. One of the most important points in our discussion is early treatment and what symptoms to watch for. The sooner lymphedema is treated, the better the management of the conditions related to lymphedema. Lymphedema can affect a person's quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks and work.
Links to Important Resources and Ms. Mughal’s LinkedIn Account.
British Lymphology Society
Breast Cancer Now: A Research and Support Charity in the UK
Ms. Maleeha Mughal: LinkedIn
The two-surgeon model in microvascular breast reconstruction and concerns about insurance coverage is a topic we are tackling on the DiepCJourney podcast. I have NOT come to understand the complexities of insurance but have gained a great deal of empathy for those in the breast cancer community who deal with these complexities, and that includes patients and surgeons.
I was certain I needed to invite a guest I was completely comfortable discussing this topic with.
We go back a bit. I have built trust in his principles over time and his focused passion on patient education. You have heard him on the podcast before, but he has gained a great deal of respect in the global community of microvascular breast reconstruction. I honor our listeners by introducing a friend, a patient-advocate champion, and someone I know will help me feel more comfortable tackling the subject matter and discussion of the podcast.
Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo is the current president of PRMA in San Antonio Texas. He knows a thing of two about microvascular breast reconstruction having performed over twelve thousand various breast reconstruction flap procedures with his team of colleagues at his practice. He is the Founder and Developer of the award-winning Breast Advocate app, a free breast cancer healthcare app providing the user with all your surgical options, a plethora of evidence-based resources, and a customizable and adaptable patient experience through the wizard, along with a community feature of like-minded users to share information with.
I have chosen this topic not to appear to be controversial. It is a topic that can stir emotions, and I have seen it presented in what I can only describe as a dramatic way. That will not be the type of presentation on this podcast today. I am discussing this topic now because of a heightened sense of concern regarding insurance coverage using the two-surgeon model, sometimes referred to as co-surgeon model in DIEP flap and microvascular breast reconstruction.
Studies on the Co-Surgeon Model:
-
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/micr.30191
-
https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/abstract/2022/02000/microvascular_breast_reconstruction_in_the_era_of.8.aspx
Links to other topics we discuss in the podcast:
DiepCFoundation Video: The Value of a Consistent Breast Reconstruction Surgical Team
S-code issue of 2023: The Patient Voice Has Been Heard!
ERAS Protocol: ERAS Protocol in Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Chrysopoulo Social Media Accounts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchrysopoulo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrChrysopoulo
LinkedIn: Minas Chrysopoulo, MD FACS
Twitter: @drchrysopoulo
Whether you have had a breast cancer diagnosis, have a genetic mutation placing you at high risk of getting breast cancer, have had or are facing a mastectomy due to either of these situations you will want to listen to this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
The time has come to share a personal story of a woman I interviewed twice about her decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy and implant reconstruction. This is the continuation of her Journey. She came to a decision to exchange the implants she never quite felt comfortable in and transition to DIEP flap breast reconstruction and use her own tissue this time around.
Margaret Tueller Proffitt has a delightful Instagram account and describes herself as a lover of books, learning and travel. She is a Mom to four, wife to one, and friend to all. I am honored to have my friend Margaret on the podcast.
On a recent trip to San Antonio to do advocacy work for DiepCFoundation, I visited PRMA where I had my own reconstruction. I received a text from Margaret mentioning her desire to transition from implants to DIEP flap. More importantly, she told me she was considering PRMA and wanted to know who I would recommend. Knowing Margaret as I do, I gently guided her to contact Dr. Lauren Whipple.
In the weeks following that text, I watched and waited until her surgery date, answering more questions, and guiding her through a very familiar experience to me, traveling for DIEP flap. There are so many similarities to our story. We had the same breast surgeon perform our mastectomy in Tucson where both of us lived at the time and Margaret still does. The similarities grew when I found out who would be the co-surgeon with Dr. Whipple the day of Margaret’s DIEP flap. Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, the surgeon who performed my DIEP flap, would be working alongside Dr. Whipple that day. PRMA uses the two-surgeon model for all their patients that have autologous breast reconstruction.
I am delighted to share Margaret’s story with the listeners. She discusses preparations, traveling to and from her surgery, her support, and caregivers, where she stayed, recovery, and what she is looking for to for phase two surgery.
Learn more about resources mentioned and topics related to the podcast:
Video tour with Dr. Chrysopoulo of Methodist Landmark where Margaret had surgery.
First video with Margaret: A BRCA Story of Surveillance Through Prophylactic Mastectomy.
Second video with Margaret: Two days before Margaret’s implant-based prophylactic mastectomy.
Connect with those mentioned in the Podcast:
Margaret’s Instagram account
PRMA’s Instagram account
Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo on LinkedIn
Have ever been you curious about the networking, conversations, and education that happens among colleagues at medical conferences? Or are there topics you see online but are not aware of the stories behind the social media posts from these conferences?
I invite a returning guest to give you a behind the scenes look at one such conference, the annual conference of The American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery. We chose a few highlights and topics from the conference to share our experience so you can learn more about these rich learning events.
Here to share the highpoints and a few of our favorite topics is one of the presenters at the conference himself, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. He is the current president of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas who works with a team of nine microsurgeons that perform primarily tissue-based breast reconstruction for those affected by breast cancer. He is a welcome returning guest to the DiepCJourney podcast.
In addition to his microsurgical prowess, he is an entrepreneur. Dr. Chrysopoulo founded Toliman Health and is the creator of Toliman’s flagship award winning app, Breast Advocate app, the first shared decision-making app for breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction.
He begins by highlighting the diversity of global skill represented at the conference sharing the moving moment when the “Best Case/Best Save” presentations were made. This is the most attended session at the meeting. It is a packed room. This year’s winner was an especially inspiring case of a young Ukrainian woman whose lower face was reconstructed due to a horrific shrapnel injury and repaired by Dr. Adam Maciejewski of Poland.
We touch on the keynote address from CEO and Founder of the Proximie Surgical Learning Platform System, Nadine Hachach-Haram. Dr. C points out the mission of the Proximie system is to expand surgical education and improve patient access to surgical expertise.
We revisit other topics like breast sensation, shared decision-making, and patient advocacy. Links to these topics can be found below.
Dr. C congratulates the ASRM team for putting together another impressive conference from global leaders in microsurgery. We are happy to share our experience.
Learn more about resources mentioned and topics related to the Podcast:
JAMA article on AI and chat box responses
Shared Decision-Making blog with Dr. Chrysopoulo
DiepCJourney podcasts on Breast Sensation
Connect with those mentioned in the Podcast:
Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo on LinkedIn
Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram (Plast) BEM on LinkedIn
American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery: Instagram
This episode of the DiepCJourney podcast is well-timed to publish on March 1, 2024, the first day of lymphedema awareness month. We hope you will share this in your community for breast cancer patients affected by lymphedema to provide them with the resources needed to treat this condition and let them know there are specialists in surgical treatment options as well.
My guest is one such specialist. Dr. Charles Anton Fries is Chief of Plastic Surgery and faculty surgeon at UT Health San Antonio and works as a microsurgeon with the team at PRMA, Plastic Reconstructive Microsurgical Associates, in San Antonio.
It is important for listeners to understand the function and importance of the lymphatic system. Dr. Fries begins by explaining this and what can happen during breast surgery of any kind. He describes how the pumping mechanism that is the lymphatic system is compromised with patients who present with lymphedema.
Anything that damages or interrupts the lymph circulation can cause lymphedema as in axillary dissection and breast cancer surgery. Radiation adversely affects the muscle of the lymphatic system and can also cause lymphedema.
Dr. Fries tells us some of the symptoms at the beginning are heaviness and swelling from the accumulation of fluid. This is the time to start intervening with treatments to prevent progression. Lymphedema is incurable and progressive. He shares with us that compression, massage, and pumps are affective in managing the progression of lymphedema and the burden of fluid that can accumulate.
He points out the importance of patients taking a holistic approach to the management of lymphedema including maintaining a healthy weight. One such study shows there is a real correlation between obesity and severity of lymphedema.
We continue our discussion with surgical options both in the office and in the surgical theater. Dr. Fries and I touch on issues with insurance coverage, and he proudly shares that one of his own patients was an advocate working for insurance coverage for the treatment of lymphedema.
Links we discussed in the podcast:
PRMA lymphedema measurement chart: https://prma-enhance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Lymphedema-Chart.pdf
YouTube video of the Podcast with Dr. Fries: https://youtu.be/PlY5lb14ovY?si=Jyr7v-p2RhYuDpSD
Dr. Fries Social Media Accounts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antonfriesplasticsurgery/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntonFriesMD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-fries-md-phd-a4167318/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/AntonFries
This episode of the DiepCJourney podcast shares a fascinating story of a young woman who graciously and professionally takes us through her Journey from being diagnosed with breast cancer, cold capping, the affect on her family and young daughters, and to the story of her DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
She never felt a lump. She was enrolled in a high-risk program based on her family history. Because of this, she found the cancer early.
My guest is Lacey Terpstra-Reid. She is a registered nurse residing in Guthrie Oklahoma. In November 2022 she was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer at age 33. Lacey has over 10 years of bedside experience as a nurse from working in a cardiac ICU where she cared for countless ECMO patients to her current role as an outpatient surgery recovery RN. She is a young mom to 3- and 2-year-old girls. She has spent this past year navigating her cancer treatments while chasing toddlers.
Lacey was familiar with the science behind the T-Stat flap monitoring system. In her work as an ECMO nurse she understands the parralels and how the oxygenation and blood flow that the T-Stat monitor used to monitor her flaps.
Links to other topics we discuss in the podcast:
ERAS Protocol in Breast Reconstruction with Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo
DiepCJourney Facebook Support Group
Dr. Nabil Habash
How to Prepare for and Have a Shared Decision-Making Conversation
With any type of surgery there are risks and possible complications. We are tackling a topic on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast that is frequently discussed in the community served at DiepCFoundation. I reached out to an expert in the field for our discussion on fat grafting in breast reconstruction.
Dr. Emily A. Williamson founded Plastic Surgery Northwest in Spokane Washington in 2010 after completing her surgical training at the prestigious University of Washington Plastic Surgery Residency. She works with a group of five other surgeons performing various aesthetic and plastic surgery procedures including autologous breast reconstruction like DIEP flap.
Preoperative patient education and counseling is imperative to minimize fears about fat grafting. Dr. Williams discusses how a skilled surgeon minimizes the occurrence of fat necrosis for both implant-based and autologous breast reconstruction. She describes how fat is utilized to achieve symmetry but also signs and symptoms of fat necrosis and what can be done for patients who develop this after a fat grafting procedure.
Recent study from France: Oncological Safety of Autologous Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy for Cancer: A Case-control Study
Article from the Cleveland Clinic: Autologous Fat Grafting For Breast Reconstruction: Safe but Worrisome to Patients
Social Media Links for Dr. Emily A. Williamson:
Facebook: Plastic Surgery Northwest
Instagram: emilywilliamsmd
There is hard science to support the benefits of exercise for those who are affected by cancer of any kind. We will discuss this on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. The good news is that now the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) introduced new standards in January of 2024 for exercise oncology. Supporting this initiative is Maple Tree Cancer Alliance.
Nationally there are around sixty-five hospitals and locations Maple Tree Cancer Alliance is partnering with to help patients and the medical community implement these changes to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
I am speaking to the Founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, Karen Wonders, PhD, and their Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jay K. Harness. They discuss the origins of Maple Tree and how it has grown internationally to provide free exercise training to thousands of cancer survivors. Their program is based on science and evidence with more than seventy peer reviewed manuscripts on the topic of exercise and cancer recovery.
Leading organizations across the world are supporting these efforts. We discuss the following organizations in our conversation:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
American Cancer Society
American Society of Breast Surgeons
Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA)
American College of Sports Medicine
You can reach out to Dr. Wonders an Dr. Harness on LinkedIn here:
Karen Wonders
Dr. Jay Harness
Maple Tree Cancer Alliance
Millions of women across the globe have undergone breast augmentation using a medical device called a breast implant. This is done for reasons such as cosmesis, sometimes called enhancement of the breast, but also for trauma to the chest wall or for oncological reasons meaning breast cancer.
Any surgery is not without risks. Using a medical device like a breast implant is not different. This is the focus of our discussion on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. My guest is a leading expert in the field. We are going to discuss the medical definition, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment BIA/ALCL. This stands for breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. It is an uncommon form of ALCL.
I am speaking to Dr. Mark Clemens. After receiving his Medical Doctorate from Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Dr. Clemens completed his Plastic Surgery residency at Georgetown University. In 2010, he came to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas where he completed a fellowship in Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Clemens is an active researcher whose interests include BIA-ALCL, long term implant outcomes, robotic-assisted, microvascular, and reconstructive surgery of the breast.
He is the author of the book, Phoenix Rising: Empower & Transform Through Breast Reconstruction. I am honored to list this book on the DiepCJourney Resources tab under Books.
Links to Dr. Clemens social media links can be found here:
LinkedIn: Mark Clemens MD, MBA, FACS
Facebook: faceook.com/clemensmd
Instagram: instagram.com/mclemensmd/
Twitter: twitter.com/clemensmd
I feel twice fortunate to be speaking to my guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast on two topics, her specialty of performing DIEP Flap breast reconstruction and her role as conference scientific chair for the London Breast Meeting. It was a phenomenal experience for me to meet her in person at the London Breast Meeting where I learned a great deal from the game-changers in breast surgery, oncology, and breast reconstruction. This gives me the ability to bring more in-depth information to the listeners and breast cancer community we serve at DiepCFoundation.
I am speaking with Marlene See, a consultant in plastic and reconstructive plastic surgery at Guys and St. Thomas Hospital, part of the NHS Foundation Trust in London. Marlene’s specialists interests are breasts and microsurgical breast reconstruction. She trained in London at East Grinstead before embarking on her plastic surgery training. She completed her training in microsurgery at Guys and St. Thomas Hospital. Marlene is a published author on the topic of breast reconstruction, facial analysis, and lower limb reconstruction.
Marlene shares with us the history of when DIEP flaps were introduced in microsurgery. She outlines the reason it is often called the “gold standard” in breast reconstruction, and what area of the body microsurgeons use to reconstruct the breast for those affected by breast cancer. Who is a candidate for DIEP flap and what concerns do patients have about recovery for this surgery? She shares with us the importance of using ERAS protocol to enhance recovery.
We then switch topics and discuss the origins of the London Breast Meeting. Marlene and I glimpse into the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the conference and what the focus will be. It all began ten years ago with an invitation from colleague and friend Jian Farhadi while she was completing her microsurgical fellowship. Jian wanted to begin a conference on breast cancer treatment, breast surgery, breast reconstruction, and aesthetic breast surgery. It has evolved into one of the premier breast meetings to attend and be part throughout the world.
With that, I invite you to listen to the podcast as Marlene shares the goals and theme of the London Breast Meeting 2024.
You can find Marlene See and her colleague Jian Farhadi on Social Media accounts here:
Marlene See:
Instagram: seemarlene
LinkedIn: Marlene See
Jian Farhadi:
Instagram: plasticsurgeryfroup_by_farhadi
LinkedIn: Jian Farhadi
In this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast I speak to Nikki and Sean, a married couple who share the poignant story of going through Nikki’s discovery of a genetic mutation and facing the shocking news of breast cancer.
It is who we meet through our own breast cancer Journey that has a profound impact on a person’s personal life. Nikki and Sean are two of those people in my life. We experience a range of emotions together throughout the podcast because we have known each other for some time. This story needs to be shared in as much as it was difficult at times for us all.
Nikki and Sean give us an honest, raw, touching account of not only learning she had a genetic mutation putting her at high risk of getting breast cancer but also finding out after prophylactic DIEP flap breast reconstruction she found her own breast cancer. What is it like as a couple to hear the news, share it with two young sons, find the humor in life while facing breast cancer, and how they pulled each other through it all. They talk about surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and recovery and survivorship.
There are valuable resources we wish to share with you that we spoke about in the podcast. You can gain access to all of them in the following links.
Outdoor Adventure for Young Adults Living with Cancer and MS
Yoga With Leona: Overcoming Breast Cancer Through Yoga
Harmony Hill Healing Retreat
Northwest Hope and Healing: Providing Financial Assistance to breast and gynecologic cancer patients.
Genetic Support Foundation
Mammograms are known to be the most common form of breast imaging to screen for breast cancer. This form of breast imaging is known to some to be uncomfortable and for some women culturally unacceptable. So, this DiepCJourney podcast interview sparked great interest in the work my guest is doing.
Professor Simona Francese, Professor of Forensic and Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry at Sheffield Hallam University is my guest. Her work and interest in forensic science lead her to a serendipitous discovery published in a paper she authored with others entitled, “Non-invasive screening of breast cancer from fingertip smears – a proof of concept study”.
Professor Francese and I met at the London Breast Meeting this year where she opened the conference with her presentation on this topic. I was keen to follow up on an interview with her.
This interview along with slides she shares on the study can be viewed on the DiepCFoundation channel.
Research requires funding. As one who has had numerous mammograms, I am taking it upon myself to share information to reach out to Professor Francese for anyone interested in contacting her to bring financing to this project. It is a favor I am happy to do for her and to the breast cancer community I serve.
Simona Francese
Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University
Howard Street S1 1WB, Sheffield, UK
Email: s.francese@shu.ac.uk
Tel: 0044 114 2256165
You can find links to her social media accounts here:
Instagram: forensic_geek
LinkedIn: Simona Francese
DIEP flap breast reconstruction most often requires surgical drains for post operative care. Patients often mention to me they are awkward, can become infected at the suture site where they are attached to the skin, and are cumbersome to hide under clothing after surgery when going out in public.
My guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast has been in communication with me over the past year in anticipation of his recently published paper, Are Surgical Drains Needed in DIEP Flap Surgery? The Drain-Free DIEP Flap Concept.
Mr. Theo Nanidis, is a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon with the NHS and private practice at The Royal Marsden. He graduated with distinctions from University College London Medical School in 2003 and completed his general surgical and higher plastic surgery training in London. Mr. Nanidis was awarded specialist fellowships at the Royal Marden and Queen Victoria Hospitals, where he spent two years specializing in microsurgery with a focus on breast reconstruction.
He has a special interest in surgical innovation and was awarded The Life Sciences Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Cambridge University in 2013.
His research interests include meta-analytical outcomes research, volumetric analysis of flaps and patient enhanced recovery pathways. He has published and presented his work nationally and internationally.
We reference a paper by Ms. Anita Mohan, Modified aesthetic abdominoplasty approach in perforator free-flap breast reconstruction: Impact of drain free donor site on patient outcomes. This was the impetus for further work and the recently published paper by Mr. Nanidis.
You can find his work on the following social media channels:
LinkedIn: Theodore Nanidis
Twitter: @drplas
Instagram: drtheonanidis
Facebook: Theo Nanidis Plastic Surgeon
Dr. James Craigie from The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction in Charleston, South Carolina, discusses the use of clips, mesh, and sutures used in breast reconstruction surgery on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
Many patients ask about these tools and devices. The information Dr. Craigies provides helps the listener understand their use and function in procedures like DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
This podcast cast is a remake of the DiepCFoundation video. We want to present platforms to watch and listen for patients as they reserach options for surgery after mastectomy. Our aim is to provide this information so the listener can takes notes, pause, rewind and replay the episode to prepare questions in order to have a shared decision-making conversation at their surgical consult for breast reconstruction for those affected by breast cancer and facing mastectomy.
You can reach out to their office on the account of their COO (chief operating officer):
Gail Lanter on LinkedIn
My guests on the DiepCJourney podcast are often made through connections in the breast cancer community. This is the case for Amy Robinson. She was introduced to me by another survivor who like me, benefits from the practice of meditation as part of her survivorship after surgery, treatment, and recovery. As a treat at the end of the podcast, I ask Amy to take us through a three-minute meditation. You won’t want to miss it!
My guest, Amy Robinson, created Radiant Healing Together in 2022 transforming the breast cancer experience with vital research, caring support, and warm community. Her 12+ weekly live events, curated experts, and exclusive 170+ on-demand recordings of events, meditations, and classes help you achieve your greatest wellness & vitality, wherever you are on the breast cancer healing journey. This includes:
- Warm supportive community with 12+ events/week
- Metabolic Approach to Cancer, Radical Remission Healer, Healthy Recipes & Cooking, RHT Expert Summits
- Leading-Edge Experts in Medical + Emotional Healing and Spiritual Direction
- Classes with Nutrition, Lymphedema, Pelvic Health & Alignment, Art Therapy, Meditation and Yoga Professionals
- 70+ breast cancer meditations from 5-60 min
- 100+ ON DEMAND events, interviews & classes
You can find Amy and more about her work and resources here:
Radiant Healing Together Private Facebook Group:
Public Facebook Page for Amy
Instagram for Radiant Healing Together
This DiepCJourney podcast will focus on breast imaging. The questions we will discuss are when to see a radiologist, types of imaging, and more specifics about each type. We will look at what the future looks like in medical imaging in breast cancer.
I’m speaking to Dr. Randy Miles. Dr. Miles serves as the chief of breast imaging at Denver Health with oversite over the breast divisions clinical, research, and educational programs. He also serves as the associate director for research in the radiology department.
He earned his medical degree from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Dr. Miles has achieved multiple awards throughout his career and served on medical missions in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. He completed his master’s in public health degree from Harvard School of Public Health. He completed his diagnostic radiology residency training at the University of Illinois, Chicago where he served as chief resident. He went on to complete his breast imaging fellowship training at the University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
Dr. Miles has been the recipient of numerous research grants and has published over fifty papers. He talks nationally on his work in artificial intelligence, health literacy, and breast cancer disparities.
Join us as we share these topics that are of interest to those in the breast cancer community served at DiepCFoundation.
Connect with Dr. Randy Miles on his social media accounts here:
Twitter: Randy Miles, MD
LinkedIn: Dr. Randy Miles
The London Breast Meeting will be held from September 7-9, 2023, at the Royal College of Physicians. It is a special opportunity for me to interview and be interviewed by my guest today on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. My guests and I discuss opportunities we will be involved in at the London Breast Meeting from the perspective of industry leaders, a world class microsurgeon, and patient advocacy.
My guests are Rob Pupelis, CEO of Spectros, a medical device company that makes advanced molecular sensing devices like the T-Stat 2.0 tissue monitoring system for microvascular breast reconstruction like DIEP flap. I also welcome Elizabeth van Thillo, Vice President of Operations for Spectros. Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo joins us in conversation to discuss his role as an invited speaker at the London Breast Meeting. Dr. C is the current President of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas. We engage in conversation about the Breast Advocate® app he created. It is the first shared decision-making app for breast cancer and breast surgery. Dr. C is the Founder of Toliman Health, a digital health company committed to improving patient experience, outcomes, and satisfaction via empowering shared decision-making mobile technology.
I would like to share that this podcast interview was conducted in early July of 2023. We discussed a topic regarding insurance coverage for DIEP flap breast reconstruction that has been a great concern for many, especially those patients affected by breast cancer facing a mastectomy who are interested in tissue-based reconstruction. I am happy to announce at the publish date we can share the news that coverage for DIEP flap and other autologous tissue reconstruction will continue to be covered by insurance allowing full access to reconstructive options for women.
We share the excitement of attending the London Brest Meeting and connecting with colleagues across the globe to learn from gamechangers in oncological breast care and breast surgery. Be sure to listen to our fun London favorites at the end of the interview!
You can follow my guests and find out more on their LinkedIn accounts here:
Rob Pupelis
Elizabeth van Thillo
Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS
My guests on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast are three sisters, all of who have a BRCA 1 genetic mutation, and all of whom had DIEP flap breast reconstruction at the same surgical practice, PRMA, Plastic Reconstructive Microsurgical Associates, in San Antonio, Texas. This is also the surgical practice I had my DIEP flap performed by Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo in December of 2014.
Elaine, the youngest of the three sisters, lead the way being the first to have her prophylactic DIEP flap with Dr. Peter Ledoux. After finding she tested positive for the BRCA 1 genetic mutation, she completed her surgery in late May of 2017. While she was in recovery, her sister, Eleanor, the oldest of the three, had her prophylactic DIEP flap two weeks later with Dr. Chet Nastala.
I met Emily, the middle sister, while we both lived in Tucson, Arizona. Emily traveled to San Antonio in 2017 to help her sisters out during their recovery. After we sat down together in Arizona in 2018, it was in June of that year Emily decided to move forward with her DIEP flap with Dr. Ledoux. Her story is especially unique in that she planned a pregnancy after her DIEP flap. She shares the beautiful story of the birth of her young daughter after her DIEP flap.
This is perhaps one of the most emotional, delightful podcasts I have recorded. We talked about so much we had in common, especially our ties to PRMA. All three sisters are advocates for those who carry a genetic mutation placing them at a high risk of getting breast cancer. They share their story and what others can do to mitigate their risk of getting breast cancer.
Links on Facebook can be found here:
Eleanor Ryder
Emily Koellner
Link for LinkedIn Account:
Elaine Murray
Breast cancer is a scary word that no one wants to hear from their physician. When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer your mind can often go to, “How long am I going to live?” But because treatments have improved over the years, survivorship in breast cancer is a word we are hearing more often now in breast cancer communities, online, and in the media.
On this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast, we are shining a light on survivorship with our guest, Deepa R. Halaharvi, DO, who has “seen both sides as a breast cancer survivor and breast cancer surgeon.” She completed her residency in general surgery at Ohio Health Doctors’ Hospital and went on to complete a fellowship in breast surgical oncology at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Halaharvi practices at the OhioHealth Physician Group.
She shares her personal story, the procedures she performs for her patients including those with ptotic (droopy or sagging breasts) called the goldilocks mastectomy, her procedural practice in clinic for the newly diagnosed, and what she does in her personal life to achieve work-life balance.
Links and social media accounts to find out more about Dr. Halaharvi
The Breast Cancer Podcast
Instagram Account
LinkedIn Account
Facebook Account
When our bodies are physically changed because of breast cancer, it has the real potential of affecting sexual health. There are multiple layers to look at when a person presents with sexual dysfunction. In other words, the natural process of the act of sex has been disrupted due to treatment, surgery, the emotional impact of cancer, and other considerations.
My guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast is an expert in this field. I want to welcome Dr. Stacy Tessler Lindau, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Chicago Medicine.
Her Clinical Interests include Cancer Survivorship, Female Sexual Dysfunction, Female sexual function, Gynecologic Cancers, Integrated Women’s Health, and Medical Ethics.
I am pleased about our common connections and would like to mention that I am conducting this podcast because of being asked to help in gathering information on the Bionic Breast Study from patients in the community I serve. We are going to take an in-depth look at that program with Dr. Lindau today as part of the sexual concerns in women with cancer.
Dr. Lindau is also the Founding chair of the Scientific Network on female sexual health and cancer. She also created, Woman Lab, a platform where every woman – and everyone who loves and cares for women – can learn truths about sex.
On the podcast “The Curbsiders Internal Medicine,” Dr. Lindau tackles fully the problem of sexual health not being discussed among many physicians, no matter what discipline they specialize in.
You can find Dr. Lindau on LinkedIn here:
Dr. Stacy (Tessler) Lindau
Achieving symmetry and understanding fat grafting in breast reconstruction are topics patients frequently ask about. I reached out to an expert in the field.
My guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast is Dr. Tim Matatov of Southwest Breast and Aesthetics in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Matatov is a board-certified microsurgeon who performs procedures such as implant breast reconstruction, several autologous reconstruction procedures, autologous meaning using the patient’s own tissue to reconstruct the breast, nipple reconstruction, and a variety of other breast reconstruction procedures. He works with a team of two other surgeons, Dr. Joseph Zakhary and Dr. Matthew J. Mino.
We discuss mastopexy, or breast lift, in the setting of breast reconstruction. Achieving symmetry in the contralateral breast for a unilateral DIEP flap is important to the patient. It serves a functional purpose as well when wearing wardrobe items like a bra. He points out the psychological benefits to the patient since this becomes a quality of life and self-image concern for women. Dr. Matatov outlines the various names and details of mastopexy procedures and why one might be chosen over the other for optimal patient outcomes. Dr. Matatov shares how important it is to have an open discussion with patients about managing reasonable expectations.
Dr. Matatov continues the discussion with fat grafting. He points out that a lot of the techniques and percentages, and how it all works is for a majority of cases, theoretical. He states there is not any hard proof that one technique or device works better than the other. There are studies that are peer-reviewed but not randomized and controlled to a degree which backs up his statement on fat grafting methods. However, Dr. Matatov feels it is a very effective part of the breast reconstruction process. He points out again that managing patients’ expectations is very important in this step of breast reconstruction. It often takes more than one fat grafting procedure.
Techniques, patient outcomes, value of patient support groups, are discussed further in the podcast.
Social Media accounts to find out more about Dr. Matatov and his practice:
Instagram Account
Facebook Account
My guest today on the DiepCJourney podcast has a blog and website titled, No Half Measures, Living Out loud.
2017 was a pivotal year in the life of my guest, Abigail Johnson. Early that year, while dual nursing her twin boys she felt a lump in her left breast. The next few months involved multiple appointments with radiologists, oncologists, and surgeons. Abigail was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
Abigail Johnson is a wife, mother, writer, educator, earned her JD after completing law school and is a patient advocate. She begins the interview by sharing her experience at the National AACR conference held in early 2023. She sat on a panel with the FDA speaking about the importance of overall survival as an important end point in clinical trials. With all the complexities on that topic, she felt the FDA worked hard to make sure her voice was heard.
Attending conferences allows her to meet other patient advocates and for Abigail and me, this is always one of the highlights of traveling to these meetings. We met in person in December of 2023 at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. As she says, “Those in person hugs, nothing is better, honestly.”
She talks about the idea of “finding a purpose after a serious trauma.” Abigail states that trauma changes you fundamentally as a human being. The question becomes, how do you carry that trauma? Advocacy is the way Abigail has found some purpose in “the derailment of her life.” It has become an overarching theme in her life.
This was a podcast interview that felt comfortable, informative, and one I will go back and listen to myself often. You can reach out to Abigail and find more of her work in the following links:
Blog: No Half Measures: Living Out Loud
Bio: Abigail’s Story
Contact Information: Email Abigail
Place to find Abigail’s writing and work: Social Media and Elsewhere
Democratization is a noun. The meaning of democratization as it pertains to microsurgery is the action of making training and education available through technology, in this case, microsurgery in breast reconstruction. The chosen field of microsurgery requires hours of training and practice. Observing colleagues perform this sophisticated and complex surgery increases their own skill set with the primary goal being improving patient outcomes in breast reconstruction.
I invited back to the DiepCJourney podcast two internationally known microsurgeons. Dr. Joe Dusseldorp practices in Sydney, Australia and is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of surgeons. He has a keen interest in microsurgery and did his training overseas to achieve this status. He is also trained to do robotic assisted surgery.
Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo is the current president of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas, and founder of the Breast Advocate®, a free shared decision-making app for breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction. He holds a board certification in plastic surgery. As he states, board certification matters in your relevant field. Dr. C underwent further training in microsurgery that included burns and hand which led him to microsurgical breast reconstruction. It is the core of his practice with his team member surgeons at PRMA.
Dr. Joe invited Dr. C to join him live in the operating theater using the Proximie technology system to observe a robotic assisted DIEP flap breast reconstruction. When you hear the term “mate” from a London born microsurgeon, Dr. C, referring to Dr. Joe in Sydney, you know they have become colleagues in surgery as well as friends who have a passion for providing the best outcomes for breast cancer patients in breast reconstructive surgery.
I invite you enjoy the conversation and explanation of how these two cross-continental surgeons seamlessly joined each other via the Proximie technology system in the operating theater discussing, learning, and sharing their combined skill in a robotic assisted DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Dr. Joe and Dr. C both say this is the way forward, democratization in surgery, allowing more surgeons to train in real time, avoiding the need to travel and take them away from their patients and time in clinic and the OR.
Resources discussed in the Podcast.
Proximie Healthcare Platform
Dr. Joe’s DiepCFoundation educational video on Robotic Assisted DIEP flap
Dr. C’s DiepCFoundation educational video on Reducing Abdominal Complications: DIEP Flap
Connect with Dr. Joe
Dr. Joe on Instagram
Dr. Joe on Twitter
Dr. Joe on LinkedIn
Connect with Dr. Chrysopoulo
Dr. C. on Instagram
Dr. C. on Twitter
Dr. C. on LinkedIn
Megan-Claire Chase is a breast cancer survivor who deals with a lot of effects from treatment and being diagnosed with lobular breast cancer at a very young age. But she excitedly begins our conversation by saying her pain melted away at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium when she was able to meet patient advocates in person for the first time. Social media connects many of us but the conference we both attended in early December of 2023 allowed us to sit down together to share intimate conversations, ask each other how we are doing, and share our advocacy work. I was fortunate to be one of those advocates to finally meet her in person at the meeting.
Megan-Claire experienced strange symptoms for about two years that were left without a diagnosis. Her mother had ovarian cancer when she was pregnant with Megan-Claire. She states she felt this made her a miracle baby for her parents. Megan-Claire felt certain at some point in her lifetime she would get cancer because she has a strong history in her family. Because of this she was able to get a mammogram at age thirty-five and have it covered by insurance.
Being hyper aware of her body due to family history of cancer, the signs she saw were concerning. She noticed tiny green bruising on her legs, weight gain, loss of hair on the left side of her head, and a “zit” on the outside of her left breast. She knew something was not right. Megan-Claire shares with us she would like the medical community to be more aware that black women and other women of color will present with different symptoms that her white counterparts.
This leads us to a more in-depth conversation on health disparities, implicit biases in breast cancer care and what Megan-Claire accomplishes in her community and advocacy work to improve the communication between the patient and physician. Megan-Claire will be participating in a community event to connect patients and provide these resources June 15-21 of 2023.
The event and other ways to join Megan-Claire on social media can be found here.
National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week started by the FDA through the Oncology Center of Excellence.
Megan-Claire’s Linked Account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-claire-chase/
Breast Cancer Program Director: Share Cancer Support
The art of microsurgery transcends the work behind surgical loupes and microscopes when a breast cancer patient has breast reconstruction after loss of breasts due to a disease. My guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast are two microsurgeons who worked together to create Project Restored
Dr. Ron Israeli and Dr. Jonathan Bank selected several of their patients to participate in this unique artistic endeavor. Our key guest today is one of those patients, Chelsey Pickthorn.
Chelsey shares the story of her diagnosis at the very young age of 33. She has an extensive family history of breast cancer and felt she had a wealth of knowledge. However, when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, she tells us she had never heard of it before. Chelsey raises awareness not only for this subtype of breast cancer but also for those with metastatic breast cancer. A year after her initial diagnosis and breast reconstruction, she was diagnosed with metastatic disease.
Her connection to Mollie Sugarman and the Patient Empowerment program brought Chelsey to know she would be in caring and trusted hands with the community that NYBRA had set up. She felt both seen and heard. Chelsey states it is the most important thing in your breast reconstruction decision process.
Chelsey shares, along with Dr. Israeli and Dr. Bank, the poignant moments and process of Project Restored.
We are speaking about the art and practice of microsurgery as it relates to breast reconstruction surgery in this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. Microsurgery is a specialty of plastic surgery requiring training beyond plastic surgery residency. Microsurgery involves moving tissue and blood vessels from one part of the body to another to repair or replace tissue that has been affected by disease or trauma. Carefully dissecting blood vessels from a donor site, microsurgeons then place the tissue from the donor site to the new site and tie blood vessels together at the new site under high powered microscopes.
One form of breast reconstruction is the DIEP flap. The donor site is the tummy tissue. This abdominal tissue is disconnected, and the new recipient site is the breast area that has been affected by breast cancer. My guest is a microsurgeon who frequently and successfully performs this type of breast reconstruction surgery.
Dr. Sumeet Teotia is a Professor of Plastic Surgery and Director of the Breast Reconstruction Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He has a keen interest in classical drawing. The parallel between classical art, drawing and breast reconstruction is our topic of conversation today.
You can view some of his drawings on his Instagram account at drsumeetteotia
In this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast I speak with a medical oncologist. Dr. Eleanora Teplinsky has her own podcast called, INTERLUDE: Cancer Stories with Dr. Teplinsky. She is Head of Breast Medical Oncology and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at The Icahn School of Medicine in Mount Sinai, NY. She has a robust and education Instagram account speaking about key topics in cancer care and survivorship. She addresses the consequences of a cancer diagnosis and the very real occurrence of patients playing the “blame game” thinking they may have caused their cancer. She addresses risk factors and how risk factors are not causal. Her favorite quote in her office and what she shares with her patients is, “Inhale the future and exhale the past. I ask her about research in alcohol consumption as it relates to breast cancer patients. Dr. Teplinsky discusses those risk factors and what we need to be aware of. She carefully explains the affects of cancer treatment and how it can vary from patient to patient. Coordination of care with your medical team to manage these side affects is important. Working with your oncologist, radiologist, surgeon, and physical therapy among others becomes important in treatment management. Dr. Teplinsky shares her sage advice on using social media for breast cancer information. She also shares her thoughts on the financial toxicity breast cancer patients can face. You can find her on LinkedIn at Eleanora Teplinsky.
Neosho Ponder, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor at Trinity Washington University in Washington, DC is an author, educator, breast cancer survivor, and woman of faith.
She personifies resilience. Neosho is my guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. We met as patient advocates at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December of 2022 and found our lives had many parallels.
We talk about these parallels through our Kansas heritage and our own personal Journey through DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Neosho has experienced homelessness and going through breast cancer treatment at the same time. She writes about her life’s experience in her book, GOD’S GOT JOKES: How I Used My Faith and God’s Humor to Survive Breast Cancer. Her faith has sustained her and grounded her throughout her life. Weaving in her healthy sense of humor she tells us it has been her strength and foundation.
She is a first-generation college graduate and proud alumni of Howard University where she earned her Ph.D. Neosho is a volunteer as a Tiger Lilly Angel Advocate sharing the knowledge she gained through her own breast cancer treatment and surgery. She also volunteers in the Young Survival Coalition DC and For the Breast of Us.
Our conversation wraps up as we share our Kansas connections. I am honored to share the story of her uncle, Jesse Lee Jackson, a former mayor of Chanute, Kansas.
Connect with Neosho on LinkedIn:
Neosho Ponder, Ph.D
Access to DIEP flap breast reconstruction is in danger. Why? Because of coding changes to insurance, it may become out of reach financially for some women. This is the most advanced form of breast reconstruction available, and I felt it was time to address this concern.
I begin by sharing my own story and how I was positively affected by making the choice to have DIEP flap after a second breast cancer diagnosis. I am one of thousands of voices who need to be heard, to be honored as we work to reverse this decision so access to this type of surgery can continue to be available.
It was important for me to hear from the voice of a microsurgeon who is passionate about doing DIEP flaps and advanced microsurgical procedures to understand from her perspective why the coding changes are concerning to her for her patients. I invited my guest, Dr. Dhivya R. Srinivasa to address the topic in this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
We want the listeners to have resources to other entities who have set up advocacy pages so that you can share your voice, your story, so decision makers can see how important this choice in surgical options is for those affected by breast cancer. The following list is websites set up to help bring awareness to this coding change and what you can do to help.
Advocacy: Dhivya R. Srinivasa, MD, FACS
Advocacy: Jamie Zampell, MD
Advocacy: Dr. Elisabeth Potter, MD
PRMA: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS explanation of coding changes
Advocacy Page: PRMA Plastic Surgery
We are discussing a topic that will resonate with many of our listeners who have been affected by breast cancer. Whether you are the patient, caregiver, physician, or surgeon we are going to discuss navigating the complex Journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer through the lens of a nurse navigator. How does one seek this help at the cancer center you are being treated at? We will discuss working during a diagnosis and while in treatment and living a full and purposeful life as a survivor after breast cancer and breast reconstruction. We will also unpack the often challenging topic of palliative care and end of life for those who have metastatic disease. My guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast is Lillie Shockney, Co-Founder of AONN (Adademy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators) and University Distinguished Service Professor of Breast Cancer and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. These are only a few of Lillie’s accomplishments. She has many and is a well-known, well-respected voice in breast cancer and breast reconstruction. I am delighted to share this conversation with you. It felt so comfortable for me to record it for our listeners.
Since having DIEP flap, a plastic reconstructive surgery technique performed to rebuild breasts after a mastectomy, I have been fascinated with the field of plastic surgery and topics related specifically to breast reconstruction.
I interview Rob Pupelis, CEO, of Spectros for the first episode of season three of the DiepCJourney podcast. Rob shares the story of his visit to the Queen Victory hospital (QVH) in England. He was able to visit Queen Victoria while attending the London Breast Meeting in late 2022. While at the conference, Rob demonstrated the T-Stat tissue oximetry system developed by Spectros. T-Stat is used to monitor flaps in breast reconstruction and in our conversation, we discuss the efficacy of the T-Stat system and why it improves the surgeon’s success rate of flap procedures like the DIEP flap.
We begin our conversation with the history of the Queen Victory Hospital treating burn victims during WWII. A surgeon from New Zealand, Archibald McIndoe, came to the Queen Victory hospital via a chance meeting with his cousin, Sir Harold Gillies, often considered the father of plastic surgery. Seeing the severe burn injuries sustained by pilots in WWII, McIndoe saw what his cousin, Sir Harold Gillies did using tube pedicles to rebuild the faces of WWI soldiers and expanded on this technique by treating the soldiers at Queen Victoria. He took healthy, unburnt tissue from other sites on the soldiers to reconstruct burnt tissue.
He nurtured this community, and these airmen were considered “guinea pigs” as part of his pioneering work in reconstructive burn surgery. These young airmen treated by Archibald McIndoe became known as the Guinea Pig club. He took them under his care not only during their physical healing but also treating the psychological impact of having disfigurement from these burns. There were over 600 of these airmen. Rob shared some of the photos hanging in the halls of QVH taken during his visit listing the members of The Guinea Pig Club, Archibald McIndoe, and the operating theater.
We go on to discuss modern day techniques used in microsurgery and how Rob became the CEO of Spectros. Flap monitoring is an important question many patients ask about. The T-Stat monitoring system is at the bedside of the patient after DIEP flap breast reconstruction to ensure that the blood flowing into the breast and out of the breast is monitored.
The physician performing the DIEP flap has 24-hour access to real time data provided by the monitoring system via a small sensor placed on the flap to monitor it while the patient is in hospital after surgery. We went on to discuss how T-Stat can be used regardless of the coloration of skin.
I hope this educational podcast discussion will encourage patients to ask about the type of tissue monitoring system their surgeon uses to monitor flaps during their initial consult for breast reconstruction. Many thanks to Rob for educating us about the benefits of the T-Stat system by Spectros.
The final episode of Season 2 of the DiepCJourney podcast brings together thought leaders in shared decision-making. This fireside chat includes the members of the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) Shared Decision team. This team was formulated and is led by Gareth Presch who founded WHIS in 2015. Taking a Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG3) approach to person centered health, Gareth Presch recognized that there were five key cornerstones of which all needed to be supported, at a the same time, by the same people: Health, Economy, Education, Environment, and Ecosystems. He discusses his work by looking back at the accomplishments and milestones met in his 2022 global travels, speaking engagements, and participation in the World Urban Forum in Katowice, Poland in June of 2022.
Susanne Baars connects people to knowledge. She received training as a genetic scientist at Harvard and she is using her expertise through the Social Genomics Moonshot project she created to find access to care for those across the globe. Her work has transformed the lives of cancer patients. You can read more about her story with one patient, Harry, on his Journey through personalized treatment.
Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo is the current president of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas. He is a reconstructive microsurgeon performing breast cancer surgery primarily using the patient’s own tissue to reconstruct breasts lost to mastectomy. Dr. Chrysopoulo is an entrepreneur. He is the Founder of Toliman Health and through Toliman developed the first shared decision-making breast cancer surgery app, Breast Advocate. His innovations brought him to Katowice, Poland with his daughter to present the Breast Advocate app at the World Urban Forum along with Gareth.
I am proud to work with and know these thought leaders as we continue to understand the needs of global digital health, personalized care, and building communities through our collective efforts. As Susanne stated, “Movement is the greatest facilitator”. Dr. Chrysopoulo stated that the only constant we have is change. It is through incremental changes as change agents we can work to improve health care through shared decision making and promoting and developing best practices in health care communitcation.
Food and what to eat after a breast cancer diagnosis is our topic on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. About 80% of all breast cancers are ER positive. This means the breast cancer cells grow in response to the hormone estrogen. With so much information about what to eat, what not to eat, how much to eat, food can become a topic that triggers anxiety and confusion.
My guest today is Cathy Leman. She is a registered dietitian, nutrition therapist, and certified personal trainer. Most women diagnosed with hormone-positive breast cancer feel anxious and confused about food, especially after they finish treatment. She is also a survivor of hormone-positive breast cancer, and founder of the Peaceful Plate program. The Peaceful Plate program teaches how food supports survivorship health and well-being, and coaches women on ending food fear so they eat with peace, not panic. When you eat with peace, you enjoy your food.
Cathy also writes the dam. mad. About BREAST CANCER blog.
Having concerns is not exclusive to those who have had hormone positive breast cancer. It revolves around all types of breast cancer and Cathy has room for coaching in all types of breast cancer.
Cathy’s mantra, “When you eat for your breast health you eat for your overall best health!”
Cathy can be found on Instagram at hormone.breastcancer.dietitian
How many people diagnosed with breast cancer think about clinical trials or being part of one? In this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast we are going to discuss the importance of patients asking about participation in clinical trials and studies to improve the lives of breast cancer patients.
My guest is Stephanie Graff, MD, FACP. She is the Director of Breast Oncology at the Lifespan Cancer Institute and Professor of Medicine at Brown University. Dr. Graff is passionate about connecting with her patients for personalized care and advancing breast cancer research, and breast cancer prevention.
Our interview includes the process and steps involved for patients who sign up for clinical trials and studies. There are benefits for patients and Dr. Graff examines the processes. Her hope is this becomes standard of care for physicians to tell patients about clinical trials available and encourage them to sign up if they qualify.
Dr. Graff is also involved with the American Cancer Society in Kansas City, The Susan Love Research Foundation, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and other prominent organizations. She is a published author of several research papers. She was named “Woman Disrupter of the Year” at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Conference.
Dr. Graff obtained her medical degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. She is active on social media sharing tweets about her research and work. We are both Kansas City Chiefs fans and occasionally share our love of the #ChiefsNation on Twitter.
You can find out more about her work and interest in clinical trials and research on LinkedIn at:
Stephanie Graff, MD, FACP
High definition DIEP flap is combining the aesthetics of plastic surgery and the skill of microsurgery to optimize the donor site, the abdominal area, in breast reconstruction.
Dr. Andrew Gassman of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas, sat down with me to record a Facebook Live interview for the DiepCJourney podcast. This occurred the day after BRA day, Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day 2022. This podcast is being used across other platforms, including the PRMA YouTube channel, and will also be seen on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel.
The techniques used in high-definition DIEP flaps include methods of suturing and fat grafting to contour the shape of the abdominal area. Dr. Gassman addresses what patients are candidates and the conversation he has during a consult to explain what he will be doing during a high definition DIEP and what the recovery will be like.
High definition DIEP flap is combining the aesthetics of plastic surgery and the skill of microsurgery to optimize the donor site, the abdominal area, in breast reconstruction.
Dr. Andrew Gassman of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas, sat down with me to record a Facebook Live interview for the DiepCJourney podcast. This occurred the day after BRA day, Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day 2022. This podcast is being used across other platforms, including the PRMA YouTube channel, and will also be seen on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel.
The techniques used in high-definition DIEP flaps include methods of suturing and fat grafting to contour the shape of the abdominal area. Dr. Gassman addresses what patients are candidates and the conversation he has during a consult to explain what he will be doing during a high definition DIEP and what the recovery will be like.
You have been diagnosed with breast cancer or find you are at high risk of getting breast cancer and are facing a mastectomy. Now what? If you choose to reconstruct your breast what does this process look like?
Patients are inundated with information at the beginning of a diagnosis or finding they have a genetic mutation. They see an oncologist, breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, radiologist, and other medical specialists. Where does a patient begin the research and planning for your breast reconstruction? Is timing important if you are currently undergoing treatment, either chemotherapy or radiation? Are lifestyle considerations important in the decision process?
My guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast is Dr. Santosh Kale, MD, MBA. He is a board-certified Plastic and reconstructive microsurgeon who practices in Gahanna, Ohio at Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery just outside of Columbus Ohio. Along with his team at Midwest Breast he specializes in beast reconstruction (implant and tissue-based), aesthetic breast surgery, body contouring, and lymphedema surgery.
The discussion we have today covers many of these topics in general terms for patients to begin to consider as they plan their own reconstructive Journey. Our goal is to provide this information to assist you an your consults in preparation for your breast reconstruction surgery.
DIEP flaps are a type of breast reconstruction using a patient’s own tissue to reconstruct breasts after mastectomy for those affected by breast cancer. DIEP stands for deep inferior epigastric perforators. Epigastric refers to the abdominal area. The underlying tissue and perforators (blood vessels) are disconnected by the microsurgeon from the abdominal area and transplanted to the breast area to create soft, warm, tissue much like the breasts removed during mastectomy.
To do an efficient DIEP flap requires years of training, skill, planning, and a team. My guest, Dr. Nicholas Haddock is one of the Breast Reconstruction Team at UT – Southwestern Department of Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX. He works with Dr. Sumeet Teotia performing state of the art autologous breast reconstruction in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in Texas.
In our discussion we reference the PRS Global Open paper he authored with Dr. Teotia titled, “Efficient DIEP Flap: Bilateral DIEP Flap in Less Than Four Hours”
Our goal for the conversation in this episode of the DiepCJourney Podcast is to inform and educate patients about the value of a team approach and to consider questions to ask at their own surgical consult for breast reconstruction.
Breast cancer patients seek information about medical tattoos for varied reasons. This can include decorative tattoos to cover scars after breast surgery or 3D nipple/areola tattoos to artistically recreate the nipple/areola area of the breast sometimes removed during surgery.
I am speaking to two medical tattoo artists on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast, Nicole Rizzuto and Eric Eye. Connecting these cross-continental experts and discussing their work combines out collective interest in helping those affected by breast cancer understand what medical tattoos are.
Nicole and Eric explain the technical and emotional aspect of their work with patients in their tattoo studios. There can be fear associated with getting a tattoo because for many, it is their first tattoo. These two well trained, experienced medical tattooists work with a variety of “canvases.” They must consider radiated skin, skin that is healing, age, pigmentation, and other factors.
One of the best resources to view a medical tattoo artist’s work is their Instagram accounts. You can find Nicole’s account at nmr_medical_tattoo. Eric’s Instagram account is at eric_eye_restorative. They show work with a variety of clients and show fresh work, second sessions, and final work so you can see the progression of the process.
Have you ever been told you have dense breasts by a clinician after a mammogram? Whether you have or not, our topic on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast is focused on dense breasts. My guest is a patient advocate who carries this message to many after her own diagnosis. Siobhán Freeney shares the story of her diagnosis and why her tag line, “Your Breast Density Matters” has become a call to action for patients and clinicians alike.
Patient advocacy is often born out of a diagnosis. What one experiences upon hearing you have breast cancer, often becomes a catalyst for change. Siobhán is beating the drum for dense breast awareness. Her call to action is early detection, regular self-breast exams, and being aware that dense breasts can potentially interfere with breast screening and what can be seen on mammograms. She discusses the various levels of breast density. Do check out her request form on her website, “Ask About Your Density.”
Siobhán and I dedicate this podcast to one of our own, Leigh Pate, who we lost in June of 2022 to cancer. Yes, Siobhán , we are standing on the shoulders of giants. Before her passing, I recorded an interview with her on the Lobular Breast Cancer you can listen to here: Lobular Breast Cancer.
Have you ever been overwhelmed as a breast cancer patient with terms pertaining to treatment and surgical options? Our topic today is breast sensation. Sensation in the breasts is vital for sexual health, as well as protection and safety for feeling heat.
In this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast we are going to focus on two terms regarding breast sensation for those facing mastectomy: nerve preservation and nerve reconstruction. What is the difference between the two terms? When can these procedures be performed and my whom? Does every patient have access to these two types of nerve sensation surgery?
My guests today are two leaders in the field of nerve preservation and nerve reconstruction.
Anne Peled, MD, is a dual trained breast surgeon and plastic surgeon practicing in San Francisco, California. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of thirty-seven choosing to undergo a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy because of great concern with being left numb.
Dr Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS, is a microsurgeon who performs breast reconstruction focusing on autologous tissue reconstruction, using the patient’s own tissue. He is the president of PRMA in San Antonio and Founder of the free breast cancer app, Breast Advocate.com.
Dr. Peled and Dr. Chrysopoulo have presented at webinars and conferences training colleagues globally on the techniques of nerve perseveration and nerve reconstruction surgery.
Benefits of exercise for those who are newly diagnosed, or in recovery and survivorship from cancer treatment is our topic on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. My guests, Karen Wonders, PhD, FACSM and Jay K. Harness, MD, FACS from the Maple Tree Cancer Alliance discuss the many benefits and program for exercise oncology developed by Dr. Wonders for Maple Tree.
Dr. Wonders is the Founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance. This nonprofit organization provides free exercise training to thousands of cancer survivors across the globe in clinical settings. Karen utilized her years of education, research, training, and observing cancer patients who benefitted from exercise and shares evidence-based information and studies demonstrating the many benefits of exercise oncology.
Dr. Jay Harness is the Chief Medical Officer of Maple Tree. He also hosts Breast Cancer Answers® on his dedicated YouTube channel. An accomplished breast surgeon and past president of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, he provides the medical expertise and research so essential to the Maple Tree Cancer Alliance mission.
Benefits of exercise for those who are newly diagnosed, or in recovery and survivorship from cancer treatment is our topic on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. My guests, Karen Wonders, PhD, FACSM and Jay K. Harness, MD, FACS from the Maple Tree Cancer Alliance discuss the many benefits and program for exercise oncology developed by Dr. Wonders for Maple Tree.
Dr. Wonders is the Founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance. This nonprofit organization provides free exercise training to thousands of cancer survivors across the globe in clinical settings. Karen utilized her years of education, research, training, and observing cancer patients who benefitted from exercise and shares evidence-based information and studies demonstrating the many benefits of exercise oncology.
Dr. Jay Harness is the Chief Medical Officer of Maple Tree. He also hosts Breast Cancer Answers® on his dedicated YouTube channel. An accomplished breast surgeon and past president of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, he provides the medical expertise and research so essential to the Maple Tree Cancer Alliance mission.
There are thousands of people diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Some have a great desire to stay connected to a community they really never thought or wanted to be part of. But so often, friends are made, bonds are formed and there is a feeling of wanting to give back. The world of patient advocacy is broad. You can take a deep dive and spend a lot of time or choose to be a patient advocate in small ways. We guide you through this thought process on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
My two guests know a lot about the world of patient advocacy. Sandi Sanford and Denise M. Barlow have been with the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation for a number of years. Through their advocacy work they have met other individuals and organizations that have broadened their network and ability to help others in the breast cancer and cancer community.
Both survivors, they know first-hand the value of patient advocacy. We speak about their firsthand experiences. We share the following resources for others who may be interested in in exploring the possibility of participating as a patient advocate. There is also a link to apply for the Alamo Advocate Program Scholarship
AACR: American Association for Cancer Research
Alamo Advocate Program Scholarship: Application URL
National Breast Cancer Coalition: NBCC Project LEAD
San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: SABCS 2022
When you are making a healthcare decision the words shared decision-making are valuable. Understanding the term shared decision-making and putting it into practice can present challenges for those who are not aware of the phrase. It can be an effective tool and method of communication in healthcare decisions. Shared decision making is when the patient and their healthcare team work as collaborative partners in determining the best care for the patient based on the patients’ personal preferences, lifestyle, support, and values.
On this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast I invite two guests who have developed digital healthcare apps specifically focused on the shared decision-making concept and practice. Both of my guests are recognized internationally for work in their respective fields. Michael Fergusson is the CEO and Founder of Ayogo Health, a Canadian Healthcare Technology company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, MD FACS, is a recognized expert in breast cancer reconstruction and the Founder of the Breast Advocate® app. He is the President of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas.
Michael recognizes the complexities of human beings. The inspiration for his company, Ayogo, respects this complexity valuing the full participation of patients. Asymmetry can occur between patients and physicians when the process of shared decision-making takes place. This all takes time, reflection, and learning. His app, based on the shared decision-making model, allows patients the ability to invest in all three. Ayogo has twice been named on of the most innovative mobile health companies in the world and is consistently recognized by the industry as standard-setting for quality and innovation.
Similarly, Dr. C’s app guides a breast cancer patient from diagnosis through to the decisional process of surgical treatment. Co-created by patient advocates, healthcare professionals and specialists who treat breast cancer patients, the Breast Advocate® app is designed as a customizable shared decision-making tool to give patients the ability to understand what their full range of options are. Dr. Chrysopoulo will be presenting his work at the eleventh session of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Katowice, Poland in June of 2022. He will meet with Mayors from around the world discussing sustainable solutions to the challenges in tackling breast cancer, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can learn more about Michael’s work at the website Ayogo. Learn more about Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo’s work at Breast Advocate® app website. Both apps are available through the app store.
When you think about how you became an informed patient regarding breast reconstruction, was it by talking to other patients or through a consult with your plastic reconstructive surgeon? In this episode of the DiepCJourney Podcast, the discussion with two patient advocates and two internationally recognized microsurgeons reveals the power of global connections in breast reconstruction for patients and the importance of curating content based on best evidence and supportive patient care.
My guests, Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Dr. Joe Dusseldorp, and Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS explain how we have all become connected through social media. The information we have shared has become the driving factor behind our passion to educate those affected by breast cancer on a global scale, sharing information we each gain from listening to patients and finding resources and answers to their questions about breast reconstruction and the process of making a decision about what type of reconstruction to have, including no reconstruction or aesthetic flat closure.
Have you ever wondered why someone would choose the specialty of microsurgery? It takes years of dedicated training after medical school. Microsurgery restores form and function due to damage or loss of body part after an accident or disease.
Our guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast is Dr. Brian Bradow. He is a reconstructive plastic surgeon who practices in Colorado. Brian chats about his early interest in surgery as a young boy. He talks about the rigors of his profession and the importance of work-life balance.
Brian discusses his work with breast cancer patients and restoring the nipple/areola area in a procedure called, "nipple sharing" in breast reconstruction. I connected with Brian on LinkedIn. You can find his LinkedIn account here.
When it comes to making decisions in your healthcare, my guest, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and I present the first in a series on the topic of shared decision-making this year on the DiepCJourney podcast.
Toliman Health was founded by Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, an internationally recognized expert in breast cancer reconstruction and shared decision-making. Dr. Chrysopoulo is the creator of Toliman’s flagship app, Breast Advocate®
As co-leads of the WHIS Shared Decision-Making Expert Group our goal is to facilitate the adoption and practice of shared decision-making (SDM) throughout healthcare systems and across all medical disciplines.
The "why" of the informative approach to decisions in healthcare is multi-faceted. It encompasses the patient's preferences, values, support system, and expectations for outcomes.
Connect with Dr. C on LinkedIn:
Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS
Kimberly Richardson, patient engagement expert, is our guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
Kimberly was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer called Granulosa Cell Tumor, Stage 3A. This experience had great impact on her life and she is now a tireless advocate for change.
Kimberly applied for and received status as an NCCS Elevate Ambassador and launched an educational program for scientists and cancer survivors called, “Survivors Advising Scientists Educational Program” (SASEP).
She believes in asking critical quetions to improve the patient experience in cancer care. Kimberly encourages those who think they have been called to be advocates to explore this work and do it until you are proud of what you do! It is an honor to interview her.
We are discussing lobular breast cancer, also known as invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), with Leigh Pate on the DiepCJourney podcast. Lobular breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed type of invasive of breast cancer.
Often an understudied subtype of breast cancer I ask Leigh to join us today to help our listeners understand more about it. Leigh founded the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance (LBCA) in 2017 and continues to work as a research advocate in the breast cancer and ovarian/fallopian tube cancer community.
We encourage monthly self-exams. Leigh and I both had ILC and through self-exams were able to find our breast cancer. We speak about having imaging results interpreted at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers as ILC is often a breast cancer that is difficult to detect from breast cancer imaging.
On this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast I interview microsurgeons specific to and practicing at The Guys and St. Thomas. It is a hospital that is part of the NHS (National Health System) Trust in London, United Kingdom. These microsurgeons all work in an integrative setting for breast cancer patients and those affected by breast cancer with a genetic mutation placing them at higher risk of getting breast cancer. We talk about the process of offering all options of breast reconstruction for their patients, lymphedema surgery, working with patients of color and the affects melanated skin has on scars, the advantages, and disadvantages of social media in breast reconstruction, and what it means to be part of this team of microsurgeons working together for patients. The following surgeons can be found on LinkedIn:
Mark Ho-Asjoe
Ken Otuoke
Maleeha Mughal
Paul Roblin
Marlene See
Hil Moss is our guest on Season 2, Episode 5 of the DiepCJourney Podcast. A young breast cancer survivor (diagnosed at 28), Hil is an active patient advocate, mentor, and writer in the cancer community, and dedicates her time to raising awareness around the importance of early detection and longitudinal survivorship care. She is also an MBA/MPH Candidate at Yale University, with a focus on entrepreneurship & innovation in cancer care. She made the choice to leverage her own tissue to reconstruct her breasts having DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Hil shares her story from diagnosis, breast reconstruction, and through to her recovery. She shares her connection to the Breasties community and the advocacy work they share.
Our call to action is to begin doing breast self-exams at an early age. A breast self-exam for breast awareness helps you understand at an early age the changes in your breasts tissue that includes the look and feel of your breasts. Breast cancer does not discriminate, even for young women. Beginning BSE (breast self-exams) at the age of 20 is recommended especially because younger women's breasts tend to present with more dense tissue, making it difficult to see lumps on a mammogram.
Zack Varkaris is a trained molecular biologist that has spent the last few years working on fertility issues for menopausal women and together with the rest of the Austin Biotec team has developed the concept of Freudenspanne©️
This is our topic on Season 2, episode 4 of the DiepCJourney podcast. I found Zack to be a philosopher of life. A creative individual who faces each day with his inquisitive, passionate nature, Zack has authored the book, The Veveliss Chronicles: The Crescent and the Cross.
Who we meet in life, how we live our life, the foods we put in our body, exercise, our attitudes as we move through life changing events shapes our outlook and ability to deal with those changes. This was a fascinating conversation I will be listening to myself again to absorb the richness of this conversation.
Can you imagine hearing the words, "You have breast cancer" at the age of thirty? This is a time when many young women are planning their careers, starting a family, and fitting in travel plans and time with family. Ghecemy Lopez, DSW, MA Ed, was that young woman.
Season 2 of the DiepCJourney podcast promises stories of strong advocate voices. Dr. Lopez is one of them. She is now the Program Manager and Lead Patient Navigator for the Ronnie Lippin Cancer Support and Navigation Program at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Lopez's life changing moment when she was diagnosed became a pivotal moment in her career as she turned to advocacy to listen to and support those who reach out to her to help them through their breast cancer diagnosis and survivorship.
We celebrate with her the 11th year anniversary of her breast cancer diagnosis and hear the joy in her words as she offers others her time, with her heart.
You can find Ghecemy on Facebook as she shares her advocacy tips and events for others on Facebook.
Dr. Don Dizon is our guest on seasons 2, episode 2 of the DiepCJourney podcast. What are we discussing? Sexual health needs after cancer, a topic patients often have to bring up to discuss with health care providers. Dr. Dizon tells us why this is the case, and empowers patients with information to talk about with specialists in cancer care regarding sexual health after cancer.
Dr. Dizon is Director of the Pelvic Malignancies Program and Founder of the Sexual Health First Responders Program, Lifespan Cancer Institute Professor of Medicine at Brown University Providence, RI.
We are kicking off Season 2 with Episode 1 of the DiepCJourney podcast with Dr. Joe Dusseldorp, an internationally trained microsurgeon who performs DIEP flap breast reconstruction in Sydney, Australia.
I first listened to Dr. Dusseldorp in his inspiring TEDx talk entitled, "Personalizing medicine - how technology is making the incurable curable".
His passion for patient outcomes is apparent in this interview as he describes his work and how breast reconstruction awareness in Australia has become an important part of his mission.
As we wrap up season 1 of the DiepCJourney podcast for 2021, we look back to our most downloaded episode with guest Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS discussing the value of ERAS (Enhanced Recovery after Surgery) protocol. This is a powerful discussion about ERAS and how it is used across other healthcare specialties to shorten hospital stay, requiring less narcotics, and improve recovery for patients.
This is definitely worth listening to again, or downloading to empower patients considering breast reconstruction surgery or for those who might be having another surgery.
As we come to the end of the first season of the DiepCJourney podcast, I am honored to interview my guest, Gareth Presch.
Gareth is a global healthcare thought leader and the Founder and CEO of the World Health Innovation Summit. He is the Expert Lead on SDG3/4 for the UNGSII Foundation, Founder of the Global Social Prescribing Alliance, and a Member of Pope Francis's Vatican COVID19 Commission Group 2 Looking to the Future.
We discuss building communities of trust in the healthcare sector promoting consistent, patient-centered care through implementation of SDG3, Good Health and Well-Being.
Mollie Sugarman is the Clinical Director of the Patient Empowerment Program at NYBRA (New York Breast Reconstruction Aesthetic) Plastic Surgery in Great Neck, New York.
In this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast, Mollie outlines the integrative care approach in a patient's breast reconstruction journey.
Mollie discusses the benefits of the program to the patients, caregivers, and their surgical team. The Patient Empowerment Program is designed to involve those who surround the breast cancer patient to support them in various ways honoring each patient based on their individual needs.
Sharon Bober, PhD, Psychologist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, chats with us on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast about sexual health for cancer patients.
Sharon is also the chair of the Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer.
Nichole Owens is a young breast cancer survivor who chose implant breast reconstruction. She is also Chief Marketing Officer at GRYT Health. Nichole share her personal story on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
She joined GRYT Health and shares with us the important information about the GRYT Global Virtual Cancer Conference held each year to empower patients with resources, information, and interactive sessions covering a variety of topics for cancer patients.
Breast cancer does not discriminate, either globally or by gender. Our guest on the DiepCJourney podcast is male breast cancer survivor and fierce advocate from Australia, Rod Ritchie.
Education is an important part of his work. Please go to MaleBreastCancer.org for resources, awareness, and Rod's important manifesto.
Ginter Hultin, MD RDN, is our guest on Episode 21 of the DiepCJourney podcast. Ginger is a published author and Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist who owns Champagne Nutrition®.
Her books, Anti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Prep and
How to Eat to Beat Disease Cookbook can help you prepare meals and understand the nutritional value and healing mechanisms of diet for those affected by breast cancer or healing from breast surgery.
Dana Donofree is a woman who had breast cancer at a young age. She transformed her professional career into a business to serve women who have undergone breast surgery due to breast cancer on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
Dana created Ana Ono Intimates and the mantra is, "We recognize not all breasts are (re)created equal." She designs bras and intimate apparel to help women regain a sense of comfort and being beautiful in their own skin after being affected by breast cancer.
Dr. David Light MD, of NYBRA Plastic Surgery, discusses delayed and revision breast reconstruction on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
We talk about ERAS protocol, telemedicine, traveling for reconstruction, and the shared decision-making protocols Dr. Light and his colleagues practice daily with patients to empower them to make their own best and personal decision about breast reconstruction when they are affected by breast cancer.
Sharing your story as a breast cancer survivor on social media requires authenticity, creativity, vulnerability with a keen knowledge of navigating the responsibility of telling stories that will benefit the reader.
My guest on the DiepCJourney podcast is Marie Ennis O'Connor. She guides many breast cancer patient writers as a social media consultant, keynote speaker and digital storyteller. Her creative work can be found at Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer. Her work spans the globe and her impact creating a cross continental family of writers is immeasurable.
Caregivers are called upon in the most unexpected ways through disease, an accident, surgery, or treatment. This is the story and Journey of a thousand miles, two breast cancer diagnoses, multiple surgeries, and the story of how my son, Brian, taught me more about this role and what it means to be a compassionate caregiver.
On episode 17 of the DiepCJourney podcast, we reflect on how our family came to know the role of caregiver more than once. We share our poignant stories and a few good Journeys along the way honoring our Texas surgeons at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo of PRMA.
When a woman or man faces a mastectomy due to breast cancer they have options to reconstruct their breast. The options include using an implant or a using the patient's own tissue known as autologous breast reconstruction. Dr. Steven Pisano of PRMA (Plastic Reconstructive Microsurgical Associates) in San Antonio, Texas discusses all the options and why some women chose no reconstruction in Episode 16 of the DiepCJourney Podcast.
There is no one best option and the choice should be made in a shared decision-making conversation with the surgeon.
Lymphedema. It is not a disease. It is a condition breast cancer patients can experience. Skill, knowledge, expertise, experience, and compassionate care all matter when you are seeking any treatment for lymphedema. Our guest, Dr. Ramon Garza III, is well-qualified to discuss the topic of lymphedema treatment and surgery and possesses all of those characteristics.
He is a board certified plastic surgeon in San Antonio who practices at PRMA (Plastic Reconstructive Microsurgical Associates) and performs both surgical and non-surgical treatment for those affected by lymphedema.
We discuss the value of finding a certified lymphedema therapist. You can search the LANA website for one in your area.
New innovations are born out of passion, vision, clinical trials, and a scrupulous process of proving patient safety. In this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast we are going to talk to Billy Heim, COO of BioAesthetics. He is part of a team who developed an innovation in breast reconstruction, the NAC Graft, nipple areola complex graft.
I am joined by Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS, an internationally recognized expert in breast cancer reconstruction and shared decision-making. He is president of PRMA (Plastic Reconstructive Microsurgical Associates). Dr. Chrysopoulo founded Toliman Health and is the creator of Toliman’s flagship app, Breast Advocate®, the world’s first shared decision-making app for breast cancer treatment and breast reconstruction.
Together, this conversation unfolds by educating the public, both reconstructive surgeons and patients about this new innovation in breast reconstruction.
Our guest on Episode 13 of the DiepCJourney Podcast is Maryam Elmi, MD, MSc, FRCSC, an oncoplastic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Elmi specializes in surgical oncology and cancer genetics and high-risk screening. She works with her colleagues in the San Antonio area and strongly believes in a multidisciplinary team approach for breast cancer patients. I am honored she is one of the valuable team members of health care professionals on the DiepCJourney closed Facebook group to lend her commentary and expertise in her field.
Roberta Albany is a formidable breast cancer patient advocate and spokesperson for health disparities. Her work with Living Beyond Breast Cancer and in her own community at Cancer in the Know has gained her great respect and why I am excited to interview this friend and colleague in the breast cancer space for the DiepCJourney Podcast.
Eric Eye is our guest on Episode 11 of the DiepCJourney Podcast. He does both decorative, restorative, and 3D nipple and areola tattoos for patients who have had mastectomy and breast reconstruction after breast cancer. His work can be found on his Instagram account. He is located in Seattle, Washington but Eric has traveled to provide services for breast cancer patients.
Male breast cancer will be diagnosed in about 2,650 men according to BreastCancer.org. A leading patient advocate for the Male Breast Cancer Coalition brining awareness to male breast cancer is our guest on the DiepCJourney Podcast, Michael Singer and his wife Patty.
The poignant story of his sister's death from metastatic breast cancer to his fierce work in patient advocacy has become a strong voice to bring awareness that breast cancer does not discriminate and touches the lives of men, too.
Have you been offered flat closure after a breast cancer diagnosis? Do you know what questions to ask your surgeon to achieve optimal aesthetic flat closure?
Dr. Ergun Kocak and Dr. Pankaj Tiwari of Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery in Columbus, Ohio, discuss the details of the surgery in Episode 9 of the DiepCJourney Podcast and what you should consider discussing with your surgeon to achieve the best possible patient outcomes after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Facing a mastectomy, loss of breasts, is a challenging process. We hope this episode will empower you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Are fear of pain and time of recovery after breast reconstruction surgery some of your biggest concerns? If so, this episode with Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo will give you information about ERAS (Enhanced Recovery after Surgery) protocol many large volume centers are now using for DIEP flap and other types of breast reconstruction.
Implementation of ERAS begins with educating the patient and starts the morning before surgery.
Dr. C is the president of PRMA in San Antonio and the developer of the Breast Advocate app. Both of these sites have more information about ERAS protocol as well as the DiepCJourney blog and DiepC Foundation YouTube channel.
Have you been overwhelmed with emotion and information when newly diagnosed with breast cancer? Our guest, Dr. Deanna Attai, is an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles. She takes us from the moment of diagnosis to the clinical visit and everything those affected by breast cancer must go through as they decide next steps.
With treatment options that can included chemotherapy, radiation, and extended therapy for breast cancer as well as surgery, Dr. Attai explains how she assess the personal needs of each patient. We discuss the importance of a shared decision-making conversation and engaging the patient in the treatment and decision options.
Juliet Fitzpatrick is a breast cancer survivor and patient advocate from the U.K who chose aesthetic flat closure after breast cancer. She writes about her experience at Blooming Cancer, Living Flat and Recovery after Breast Cancer.
Juliet chats about her decision to remain flat. She asked a lot of questions and did her research after her breast cancer diagnosis before making this choice. We chat about prosthesis, support groups, blogging and gardening. These are all on the list of things that Juliet is doing since her diagnosis and through her continued recovery, finding the simple passions in life that are important to her.
Dr. Ron Israeli of New York Breast Reconstruction and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (NYBRA.com) and Dr. George DeNoto, Director of General Surgery and Hernia Institute, St. Francis, Hospital, East Hills New York, discuss the technique they have developed together for abdominal wall reconstruction.
They have worked together to improve this technique for breast cancer patients who have had breast reconstruction using the abdominal tissue and have presented with hernias after the surgery.
Episode 4 of the DiepCJourney podcast speaks to an educator, microsurgeon, and Director for MedStar Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Academic Chair for the Department of Plastic Surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center, Dr. David H. Song.
Dr. Song holds the BC3 Conference (Breast Cancer Coordinated Care) in Washington, D. C. every other year. We discuss the medical professionals that can comprise the team and why each is an integral factor for those diagnosed with breast cancer or at high risk of getting breast cancer.
Access and disparities in care can limit the ability to fully coordinate care so Dr. Song and I tackle this topic in our conversation with breast cancer and reconstructive resourcesfor breast cancer patients.
In this episode of the DiepCJourney Podcast we interview two microsurgeons who perform microsurgery that can result in sensation to the breast for those affected by breast cancer.
Dr. Anne Peled, based in San Francisco, is a surgeon, an educator, a researcher, a mother, an athlete, and a breast cancer survivor. Dr. Ziv Peled, married to Ann, is a Board-Certified plastic surgeon trained to perform the full spectrum of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgical procedures and is located in San Francisco.
Together they are an innovative and formidable team of experts in restoring sensation to the breast. We discuss the process of restoring sensation for both implant-based and autologous (using your own tissue) like I did for My DIEPflap reconstruction, insurance coverage, and hope for innovations and education now and in the future.
Dr. Tim Matatov, MD, a plastic surgeon trained in microsurgery, takes us on a "DIEP-dive" of the blood vessels used in breast reconstruction. Blood flow and finding optimal veins and arteries in both the breast and donor site flap/tissue determines the outcome of any type of breast reconstruction but particularly autologous reconstruction which uses the patient's own tissue.
This tissue, referred to as the flap or donor site, can include areas of the body like the inner thighs, back of the buttocks, but the most common donor site is the abdominal area called DIEP flap, deep inferior epigastric perforators. It is often referred to as the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction.
We begin with assessment of the blood vessels at a consult. Dr. Matatov explains the various branches of blood vessels harvested for autologous reconstruction and completes the conversation by describing how the tissue is transferred along with the blood vessels to the breast area.
This episode, the first, is dedicated to Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. After a second breast cancer diagnosis in 2014, he performed my DIEP flap breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy earlier that same year. He not only was the microsurgeon I chose, he has become a mentor to me, the voice in the corner, always cheering me on.
I did a complete change in careers in early 2015 after my surgery and began writing the blog DiepCJourney: Reconstructing a Purposeful Life.
One year later, after his encouragement, I opened a nonprofit foundation, DiepCFoundation.org, to support those affected by breast cancer sharing education and resources through their own Journey.
His work ethic and desire to educate about breast cancer and breast reconstruction have been a compass and guiding light for me through my own advocacy. Constantly encouraging me to stay the course, find the communities that need this education, and unwavering willingness to help, have forged our commitment to continue this work.
We take a walk down memory lane and finish with a powerful ending discussing the Breast Advocate App, an app he developed for those affected by breast cancer.
Enjoy the Journey, the chat, and the man on a mission to educate and an expert in breast cancer reconstruction and shared decision-making.
Welcome to the introduction of the DiepCJourney podcast. We hope you'll join us for exciting new episodes coming soon to learn more about all options for breast reconstruction and breast surgery when affected by breast cancer and facing a mastectomy! For more information please visit our website https://diepcjourney.com/