Rewritten Me: Recent Episodes
Luan Lawrenson-Woods
Having a mastectomy can be devastating. Sifting through all the information about reconstruction is overwhelming. The medical jargon bamboozling! And it can be just plain scary. And lonely. But you’re not alone.
Luan Lawrenson-Woods has a lived experience of breast cancer and breast reconstruction. She is the creator and host of the Breast Recon 101 Live Q&A series on Instagram, an Australian 'first' where the audience ask surgeons anything about reconstruction after a mastectomy. On the Rewritten Me pod Luan talks to leading breast and reconstructive plastic surgeons about all aspects of reconstruction – nipples, belly buttons, foobs, DIEP flap and staying flat. She also talks to healthcare professionals who can help with everyday practical advice to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
And Luan talks to amazing women from the breast cancer community who have a lived and felt experience of reconstruction and generously share their stories with you.
Rewritten Me is here to help you make an holistic, informed decision that’s right for you, so that you can have a say in how you re-write your story.
Katy Morrison was left with a single 20DD breast that caused her severe back pain after she was denied reconstruction at the time of her mastectomy because she had incurable breast cancer.
Katy advocated for a breast reconstruction*. And in this episode, she shares how her reconstruction and reduction surgery immediately relieved her back pain.
Katy’s recovery from breast surgery was tougher than she expected, and she developed a blood infection. She found herself in a physical and mental "hole" barely recognising herself and relying heavily on strong medication.
Acknowledging she needed a different approach, Katy found inspiration in Netflix sports documentaries!
Listen to how the mindset of athletes helped her re-frame her recovery and put together a team to help her get back on track.
And find out if Katy’s swimming in straight lines again (a podcast ‘in joke’ – check out part one of Katy's story 😉).
Katy epitomises self-advocacy and we’re so very grateful that she came back to share her story with us and you, so that we can all be inspired by her “never take ‘no’ for an answer” outlook!
- You can listen to part one of Katy’s story in our earlier episode.
Links for this episode:
- Katy's Instagram
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
DIEP flap reconstruction is called the ‘gold standard’ of reconstruction after mastectomy – but is it the gold standard for everyone?
Whether you’re considering DIEP breast reconstruction or have had DIEP breast surgery, this episode is for you. It's for your loved ones too as it'll help them understand how they can support you.
In this episode Luan talks with Dr Beryl Tan, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, who specialise in DIEP.
They talk about the basics of DIEP and what it involves, from pre-op preparation for first phase surgery to phase two/refinement surgery. And not just about breasts/s, but about other areas of the body that are affected too such as the tummy, bellybutton and rib area.
Dr Beryl has a history of breast cancer and has had breast reconstruction herself. She uses easy-to-understand analogies to explain the medical and surgical aspects of this reconstruction procedure.
Dr Beryl also shares the 3 important things that patients need in place before having this surgery. Additionally she provides realistic insights into what recovery and healing are like compared to other procedures, such as implants.
Links for this episode:
- Dr Beryl Tan website
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon or equally qualified surgeon in your country.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does MDT mean? How do they work for patients? Are there breast reconstruction MDTs?
As a patient, learning medical acronyms can be like learning a new language!
In this episode, Luan talks to A/Prof Rhea Liang ,General and Breast Surgeon, about MDTs (Multidisciplinary Team meetings) and their importance in breast cancer treatment.
An MDT can feel like a mysterious behind-the-scenes meeting where your future is decided without you having a say.
Dr Rhea explains how MDTs bring together various healthcare professionals to create a personalised treatment plan for each patient. Dr Rhea also talks about the potential benefits of having a reconstruction-specific MDT and how patient involvement in MDTs in other countries could provide valuable insights into informed decision-making.
But Dr Rhea talks about more than just MDTs. She explains how doctor training has changed over the years, including incorporating patient discussions about holistic care and recognising the different information needs of patients.
It’s important that patients feel empowered to ask questions and seek clarification about any medical terms or procedures they don't understand when considering their reconstruction options.
We hope this episode helps them to feel confident to do just that!
This is part one of my interview with Dr Rhea - subscribe to hear when part 2 drops.
Links for this episode:
- Dr Rhea Liang on X (Twitter)
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon or equally qualified surgeon in your country.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Find a bra that hugs you!
What bras can you wear after surgery for breast cancer? And when can you wear an underwire bra?
Finding the right bra fit is crucial for post-surgery recovery and can have a positive impact on a person's confidence and well-being. Bras can also help create symmetry after reconstruction, with options such balance shapers and bralettes.
But what should you look for if you don’t have access to a bra fitter?
In this episode, Luan talks to Gillian, who has a history of breast cancer, from Colleen's Lingerie, a store that offers a chest-inclusive range of bras and prosthesis.
Gillian says that the fit of your bra should feel like a hug. The closeness of your ‘bra hug’ will depend on what surgery you’ve had as there are different needs for various types of surgery.
Listen to Luan and Gillian talk about:
- The importance of bra fitting for post-surgery
- Bra needs for implants and tissue expanders
- Bra needs for autologous or ‘own tissue’ reconstruction
- Choosing the right bra after surgery
- Bras for radiotherapy
- When to start wearing longer-term prostheses
- Creating symmetry with bras
- Transitioning to regular bras
- Wearing underwire bras
- Signs of a bad fitting bra
The opinions expressed in this episode are not a substitute for and do not constitute medical advice. Speak to your surgeon about your post-surgery bra needs.
Links for this episode:
- Colleen’s Lingerie
- Amoena Retailers
- Fiji Fittings and Donations
- Cancer Council's ‘Breast Prosthesis & Reconstruction’
- Impact of autologous breast reconstruction on bra fit
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon or equally qualified surgeon in your country.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is a story of “balls to the wall” self-advocacy, tiptoeing around surgeons' offices and swimming in circles!
Trigger warning: this podcast contains discussions about metastatic breast cancer, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners.
In this episode the wonderful Katy Morrison shares with us the shock of her stage four (metastatic) breast cancer diagnosis, and her experience of living with the disease including the challenges she’s faced advocating for herself.
Katy talks about her decision to have a mastectomy after it was initially recommended by her breast surgeon. She tells us how she was refused immediate reconstruction – or removal of her healthy breast – as it was deemed a “waste of resources” because she has incurable breast cancer.
Katy’s single mastectomy resulted in significant asymmetry and severe back pain that negatively impacted her quality of life.
Despite the difficulties she’s encountered, Katy has a positive outlook and emphasises the importance of finding joy and humour in life. And advocating for yourself!
This is part one of Katy’s story, recorded in 2023.
Subscribe to hear the follow-up episode and find out whether Katy had her reconstruction.
Links for this episode:
- Katy's Instagram
- Make 2nds Count (UK)
- Secondary Sisters Instagram (UK)
- McGrath Metastatic Breast Care Nurses
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to season 2!
In the first episode of this new season, Luan talks to Specialist Breast Surgeon, Dr Kylie Snook, about aesthetic flat closure. Also known as optimal flat closure or ‘going flat’, it is a reconstruction option that can be considered alongside implant and autologous/‘own tissue’ reconstruction after mastectomy.
Taken from an Instagram Breast Recon 101 Live Q&A session, Luan and Dr Kylie’s discussion provides valuable insights for women considering aesthetic flat closure, including:
- Impact of previous surgeries & treatments
- Effect on chest shape & perspective
- Recovery time compared to breast reconstruction.
- Corrective/revision surgeries
- ‘Dog ears’ & aesthetic outcomes
- Scars & scar placement
- Lymphoedema
- Breast reconstruction after going flat
- Having an open discussion with your surgeon
Send an DM to Luan for a copy of the BCNA research referred to in this episode.
Links for this episode:
Instagram Live video of this episode
Not Putting On a Shirt website
Flat Life Australia Facebook group
Breast SurgANZ website
DM me on Instagram for a link to the BCNA report referenced in this episode.
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
Luan Lawrenson-Woods devised the Instagram Breast Recon 101 Live Q&A series and hosted the 2022 series on Pink Hope's Instagram account as a volunteer ambassador.
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Robyn has the BRCA2 variant and had a risk-reducing mastectomy with implant-based reconstruction in 2019. She experienced side effects that impacted her quality of life and made the decision to have the implants removed and ‘go flat’.
When a plastic surgeon told Robyn that she would look “aesthetically unpleasing”, she knew she had to self-advocate.
Robyn's story is one of courage - to challenge and re-think her own initial reconstruction choice and then to stand up for what was right for her and her health.
Luan and Robyn talk about:
- Hereditary cancer risk
- Robyn’s decision to have a mastectomy
- Why she had implants
- Her decision to remove them
- Finding the right surgeon
- Reconstruction framing bias
- The Australian flat community
- 'Flat' research with Flinders University
Resources for this episode:
- Informed consent
- Breast Recon 101 Live Q&A video: aesthetic flat closure with Dr Kylie Snook
- Flat Life Australia Facebook group
- Flinders research
- Not Putting On A Shirt
- Not Just a Linear Closure: Aesthetic Flat Closure after Mastectomy
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BRA-va art is a first-of-its-kind global Instagram campaign that uses exercise to promote BRA Day (Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day). Luan launched the campaign in 2022 and Rori Zura picked up the BRA-va art baton when she ran around New York in a pink striped ‘where’s Waldo’ top as she made BRA-va art!
Rori has always been a fitness enthusiast. When she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer during COVID, exercise was a key concern and topic of discussion with her surgeon. They encouraged Rori to keep moving to support her treatment. This advice was surprising to Rori – why didn’t everyone know of the benefits of exercise for cancer patients?
Rori is now a certified Cancer Exercise Specialist and founder of Foobs and Fitness, which encourages people to live a more active lifestyle before, during, and after diagnosis. Rori’s passion is to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone, and with her they don't. She has unwavering enthusiasm, creativity and joyful outlook. And she's an awesome battle buddy!
In this episode Rori shares her story of her treatment and implant reconstruction, and how her diagnosis set her off on a new career path. And she talks about the BRA-va art challenges she’s created so that you can have even more fun taking part this year!
Luan and Rori also talk about tips for making BRA-va art and how you can be help put BRA Day on the map on 18th October.
Listen in and then join them for #BRADay2023!
Links for this episode:
- BRA-va art Instagram
- BRA-va art website
- Foobs & Fitness BRA-va art challenges
- Foobs & Fitness Instagram
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There's lots of free information about breast cancer and reconstruction on Instagram. But how do you know it’s factually correct?
Dr Liz O’Riordan is known as the breast surgeon who has breast cancer. Liz talks about why she uses Instagram to create evidence-based content about breast cancer and how you can check the accuracy of online information. And she talks about how even she found it difficult to ask her doctor about a information she'd seen on social media.
If you’re a patient, advocate or medical professional who uses social media – or is thinking of using it – this episode for you!
Luan and Liz cover a lot, including:
- Online community
- Doctors using social media
- The CRAP test
- AI & Chat GPT
- Digital literacy
- Equity of representation
- Responsibilities of advocacy
And Liz talks about her new book, ‘Under the Knife: Life Lessons from the Operating Theatre’, and how its publication was community-funded through her Instagram account.
Links for this episode:
Listen to Dr Minas Chrysopoulo talk about the Breast Advocate® app.
Donna Ashworth ‘Loss’ book
PF Tick
Since this recording, Liz has had a second local recurrence. As she goes through treatment, she’s putting her breast cancer vlog on her YouTube Channel, where you can find all her breast cancer videos.
You can also find Liz:
- liz.oriordan.co.uk
- Don’t Ignore The Elephant podcast
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Natasha Cauchi was 29 when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. As part of her treatment she had a double mastectomy with implant reconstruction. Three years later Tash and her husband decided to try for a baby.
Chemotherapy can damage fertility and Tash was in early menopause. She had IVF, which was unsuccessful. Then she became pregnant naturally!
While the arrival of baby Oliver is joyous, Tash shares how she feels grief and sadness that she can’t breastfeed. Tash also talks about how she needed to advocate, especially when a nurse in hospital told her to ‘put him on the boob’ to breastfeed.
Tash also shares her story of:
- Treatment and fertility preservation
- Ovarian tissue freezing
- Trying for a baby after breast cancer
- What IVF was like
- Oliver’s dramatic arrival!
- The pressure to breastfeed in hospital
- Using donated breast milk
Thank you, Tash, for sharing your story with us. And welcome to this wonderful world, Oliver AJ, it’s so much more wonderful knowing that you’re in it!
Links for this podcast:
- Natasha's Instagram page
- Ovarian tissue freezing
- Mother's Milk Bank
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
Subscribe to be notified when new Rewritten Me episodes are published.
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does Medicare cover for breast reconstruction? What do you need to consider if you choose to be treated privately?
The two different systems in Australia – public and private – can be confusing, and potential financial costs of reconstruction can cause anxiety. It can also be an awkward discussion to have with your team.
In this episode Luan talks to Specialist Breast Surgeon and President of BreastSurgANZ, Dr Melanie Walker, about how to navigate finances.
Luan and Dr Melanie talk about whether Medicare covers:
- All types of reconstruction
- Elective mastectomy
- Revision surgery
- Delayed reconstruction
- Liposuction and fat grafting
- Nipple reconstruction
Luan and Dr Melanie also talk in general about private cover, including:
- What to ask your specialist’s team
- What might not be covered
- What your quote may include
- Negotiating costs
Links for this podcast:
- AMA Guide for patients
- BreastSurgANZ
- Cancer Council resource
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
Subscribe to be notified when new Rewritten Me episodes are published.
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
Note: this podcast talks about what is covered by Medicare. What you have access to and what resources and services are available to you, including waiting times, can differ depending on where you live. And things change. This information was correct at the time of recording (3rd July 2023).
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It isn't vain to want your breast/s reconstructed after a mastectomy. Some women choose not to reconstruct because they think it's cosmetic. And some women aren't given the option to reconstruct.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, Dr Kirstin Miteff, talks about consulting both a breast surgeon and a reconstructive plastic surgeon when you research your reconstruction options.
Dr Kirstin also talks about how a referral to a plastic surgeon at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis may reduce the reconstruction timeline for some patients.
Luan and Dr Kirstin also talk about:
- What a reconstructive plastic surgeon does
- The role of plastic surgeons & breast surgeons
- And how they work alongside each other
- What to consider when choosing your reconstruction
- Telehealth consults for regional/rural patients
- What to ask a reconstructive plastic surgeon
- The training path of reconstructive plastic surgeons
- How some women haven't been offered recon
You might also want to:
- Listen to Dr Joe Dusseldorp talk about DIEP 'flap' strategies
- Listen to Dr Bish Soliman talk about other 'flap' options
- Subscribe to be notified when the episode about public & private health drops!
Links for this podcast:
- Aspire Plastic Surgery website
- Aspire Plastic Surgery on Instagram
- Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When it comes to implant-based reconstruction, you might hear the terms UTM and OTM. But what do they mean and why might you choose one over the other?
Luan talks to one of Australia’s leading consultant breast surgeons, Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier, about under and over the muscle implants, including:
- What’s involved for UTM & OTM
- What might dictate your decision
- The benefits of each
- Acellular dermal matrix
- UTM dual plane technique
- OTM two staged approach with expanders
- Exercise after UTM/OTM
- What happens if you have a port?
- What about radiotherapy?
- Potential complications of each
- How these can be addressed (eg rippling)
- Surveillance imaging after UTM/OTM
You might also want to:
- Listen to Dr Kylie Snook talk about mastectomy and expanders
- Subscribe to be notified when the episode about public & private health drops!
Links for this podcast:
- Dr Sanjay's website
- Dr Sanjay on Instagram
- BreastSurgANZ
- Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Rewritten Me’s first ever ‘extra’ episode, Luan talks to Dr Minas Chrysopoulo who devised the Breast Advocate® app.
Breast Advocate® is the world's first shared decision-making app for breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction. It's the app that helped Dr Sandy Minck when she was researching her risk reduction surgery (episode 8).
Dr C, as he’s known, is an American-based board-certified surgeon and micro surgeon who co-created the Breast Advocate® with patient advocates and leading specialists.
Listen in to find out how the app’s easy-to-use wizard can be a useful decision-making tool, even for those who live outside of the States. And hear Dr C share how the process of partnering with patient advocates to create the app has helped him become a better clinician.
Links for this podcast:
- Breast Advocate® website
- Breast Advocate on Instagram
- Dr C on Instagram
- World Health Innovation Summit
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The results from a routine mammogram in 2022 led to a whirlwind of investigative tests for Dr Sandy Minck. Sandy was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and found out she carries the CHEK2 genetic variant. She also had dense breast tissue. This all contributed to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Sandy’s mother died of breast cancer. When Sandy researched what options she had to minimise her own risk, she was aware that her decision-making was very emotive. She sought evidence-based opinions but, even as a non-practicing GP with a high level of health literacy, Sandy found the process overwhelming.
Sandy wanted a ‘one and done’ bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy and direct to implant (DTI) reconstruction.
So, how did she decide what was right for her? And is she ‘one and done’ or will she have more surgery?
Luan and Sandy talk about:
- How Sandy assessed her risk of breast cancer
- Why she decided to have a risk reduction mastectomy
- Why Sandy chose implants for reconstruction
- Whether she’ll have revision surgery
- Reconstruction decision-making tools that helped
- Breast density and other breast cancer risk factors
- Her advocacy work
Links for this podcast:
- Sandy Minck LinkedIn
- BCNA Breconda
- Breast Advocate app
- Pink Hope, Australian genetic risk charity
- EVIQ
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
In this podcast Luan and Sandy talk about Sandy’s personal experience. They don’t recommend any surgeon, practice and/or procedure or treatment. The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s important to decide what reconstruction is right for you at the time. However, over time things can change, such as life priorities, work commitments and childcare responsibilities. So too can the results of your reconstruction.
Kylie Lynch had multiple surgeries to achieve a bilateral implant-based reconstruction following her diagnosis of invasive mucinous and ductal carcinoma with extensive lymphovascular invasion. Seven years later Kylie had an autologous ‘flap’ reconstruction because the long-term effects of radiotherapy had caused capsular contracture around one of her implants.
Luan talks to Kylie about why she chose DIEP, what she took into consideration when choosing a plastic surgeon and how she got over the ‘DIEP blues’.
Luan and Kylie also talk about:
· Why Kylie chose implants initially
· What tissue expanders felt like
· Being ‘triggered’ by her DIEP
· Her recovery from DIEP
· Plans for revision surgery
· The bonding power of support groups
· Kylie’s advocacy work
Links for this podcast:
· Kylie’s website
· YPink, is at Mater, Sydney
· Read about DIEP*
*You can also read about TRAM, which is the surgery Kylie refers to when she talks about muscle and mesh being used in other types of 'flap' procedures.
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
In this podcast Luan and Kylie talk about their personal experiences. They don’t recommend any surgeon, practice and/or procedure or treatment. The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it mean to be a patient advocate and to ‘own your worth’?
When Terri Coutee received her second diagnosis for breast cancer she was mistakenly diagnosed with incurable metastatic disease. This prompted her to blog about her experience and advocate for others.
Luan and Terri talk about how Terri went on to set up not-for-profit DIEPC Foundation, and create a 24/7 library of educational resources to help those affected by breast cancer make an informed decision about reconstruction after a mastectomy.
Be sure to listen out for the poem Terri melodiously reads that so beautifully sums up the work of patient advocates #WorkIsLoveMadeVisible
Luan and Terri also talk about:
- The role of a patient advocate
- Keeping calm when things go wrong!
- Importance of open dialogue
- How we can all learn from each other
- Responsibilities of patient advocacy
- Improving patient outcomes
- Tips for navigating conferences as an advocate
Links for this pod:
- DIEPC Foundation website
- DIEPC Journey private Facebook group
- DIEPC Instagram
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hear about new techniques being used to try to preserve and restore feeling and sensation in the breast after reconstruction.
“That [extra] 20 minutes is this woman’s entire lifetime of [breast] sensation,” A/Prof Cindy Mak.
Loss of feeling after a mastectomy and reconstruction is a concern for many women.
I talk to A/Prof Cindy Mak & Dr Joe Dusseldorp about techniques they’re using to preserve and reconstruct nerves.
They also share the results of these surgeries: listen out for my "wow” jaw-drop when Dr Cindy tells us that they’ve observed that temperature sensation is developing after reconstruction.
And Dr Joe also tells us – hot off the press! – how he’s using the same nerve reconstruction techniques developed for the breast to help optimise the sensation in the tummy area after DIEP flap surgery.
We talk about:
- Breast sensory nerve preservation:
- For DIEP, TUG & implant
- Can it be used for delayed recon?
- ‘Spare part’ nerve grafting
- Breast sensory nerve reconstruction
- Abdominal nerve preservation:
- Sensory and motor (core muscle strength)
- Things to consider about these techniques
- How can patients find out more about them
Links for this pod:
- Dr Cindy Mak’s website
- Dr Cindy’s Instagram
- Dr Joe Dusseldorp’s website
- Dr Joe’s Instagram
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What other options are available if you want an ‘own tissue’ reconstruction, but you aren’t a candidate for DIEP flap?
Some women may not have enough tummy tissue for a DIEP. Others may have previously had abdominoplasty, or a DIEP reconstruction that didn’t work out.
Dr Bish Soliman is an internationally trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who specialises in complex microsurgical reconstruction, such as ‘own tissue’ or ‘flap’ reconstructions.
Luan talks to Dr Bish about the alternatives to DIEP, including the LAP flap, which is a relatively new procedure that may be a second-line option for women who’ve had abdominal surgery previously, such as a tummy-tuck or DIEP.
Luan and Dr Bish also talk about:
- What is a ‘flap’?
- Difference between a ‘free’ and pedicle ‘flap’
- LAP/TUG/PAP/GAP/Lat Dorsi flaps
- What’s involved in each
- Benefits & downsides of each
What to know more about DIEP? Check out episode one in the series.
Links for this pod:
- Dr Bish Soliman’s website
- DIEP information sheet
Where you can fin Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Did you know there were different kinds of mastectomies?
In this pod Luan talks to Specialist Breast Surgeon, Dr Kylie Snook, about what a mastectomy is and why someone might have one.
Luan and Dr Kylie talk about:
- Is all breast tissue removed?
- Nipple-sparing & skin-sparing mastectomies
- Mastectomy incisions
- Tissue expanders
- Preventative/risk reduction mastectomy
- Bilateral & contralateral mastectomy
- Lymph node biopsy
Links for this pod:
- Dr Kylie is VP of BreastSurgANZ
- Watch the IG Live ‘what to ask in your first appointment’ with Dr Kylie
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What can you eat to help you heal well after reconstruction surgery?
In this pod Luan talks to nutritionist, Associate Professor Teresa Mitchell-Paterson, about what food choices you can make to help support your recovery from surgery.
Luan and Teresa talk about
· Foods that may support wound healing
· How you can hydrate after surgery
· Foods to help with constipation
· Can you have coffee?
· What about chocolate?!
· How to ease back into eating after your op
Links for this pod
· Where to find Teresa
· By Rosie Instagram account
· Eat Well Guide
· My Fitness Pal app
· Cancer Council counselling
· Box breathing
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical or health advice you should seek a consult with an appropriately qualified health or medical professional, or a FRACS qualified surgeon. Check with your healthcare team and a healthcare professional before taking any herbs, vitamins, and other dietary supplements.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Talking to your surgeon about what’s meaningful to you and what approaches, or strategies, they can take to help you achieve an optimal reconstruction is all part of shared decision-making.
In the first episode of season one, Luan talks to reconstructive plastic surgeon, Dr Joe Dusseldorp, about the strategies he considers for DIEP flap reconstruction in relation to form and function of the breast/s and abdomen.
Luan and Dr Joe talk about:
-
Nipple preservation
-
Desired breast size
-
Feeling in the breast and the tummy
-
Preserving core muscle function
-
Strengthening muscle (after pregnancy)
-
How CT scans help inform DIEP strategies
There are other strategies for reconstruction that Luan will be talking to other surgeons about in future pods – subscribe for updates!
And check out the pre-launch pods where we talk about other types of reconstruction.
Links for this pod:
Dr Joe Dusseldorp’s website and Instagram page
IG Live about Robotic Assisted DIEP
More about DIEP flap reconstruction
Some information about TRAM
BRA-va Art social media campaign to promote BRA Day
Where you can find Luan:
- Website
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon, or an equally qualified surgeon in your country.
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The 3rd Wednesday in October is Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or BRA Day as it's known!
For BRA Day 2022 I sat down with reconstructive plastic surgeon, Dr Joe Dusseldorp (FRACS). Dr Joe specialises in breast reconstruction, particularly ‘own tissue’ reconstruction like DIEP flap reconstruction. He’s a medical innovator and personalised medicine advocate, and he led the first team in Australia and New Zealand to perform a robotic-assisted DIEP.
In our chat we talk about:
- The difference between reconstructive plastic surgeons and breast surgeons;
- What breast reconstruction is;
- The main types of mastectomy;
- Different types of reconstruction options;
- And why women might choose them.
Huge thanks to Pink Hope who made the audio (and video) recording happen!
Links:
Video of Luan and Dr Joe’s interview, hosted by Pink Hope
Dr Joe Dusseldorp’s website and Instagram page
AHPRA where you can look up a surgeon’s speciality
BRA-va Art social media campaign to promote BRA Day
The preventative health hub Pink Hope
Find Luan:
- Website
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon, or an equally qualified surgeon in your country.
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The Rewritten Me podcast is produced on the Traditional Lands of the Cammeraygal people of the Guringai tribe of the Eora Nation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this first episode, I share how devastating it was to be told I needed a mastectomy and how I’ve gone from being the star of the Unwritten Me Sh!tshow to hosting the Rewritten Me podcast.
I talk about my breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and surgeries, as well some of the little talked about side effects of my DIEP reconstruction, like the ‘Ken Doll’ (oh, and my labi@ also gets an honourable mention!).
Listen in to hear how on Rewritten Me I’ll be talking to healthcare professionals along with women from the breast cancer community so that you can learn more about breast reconstruction in Australia. And not just the surgical side of things, but the physical, emotional and practical things too.
Rewritten Me is here to help you choose how you re-write your story.
Links:
BreastScreen Australia
Breast Recon 101 Live Q&As on Instagram
Live Chats on Instagram
Pink Hope, the preventative health charity
Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance (note: American site)
Where you can find Luan:
Website
If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
The Rewritten Me podcast is recorded and produced on the Traditional Lands of the Cammeraygal people of the Guringai tribe of the Eora Nation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.