Episode 54: Lymphedema Treatment and Surgery from London
DiepCJourney Podcast
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 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 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. is a...
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Episode 53: The Value of the Co-Surgeon Model In Breast Reconstruction and Insurance Coverage Concerns
DiepCJourney Podcast
The two-surgeon model in microvascular breast reconstruction and concerns about insurance coverage is a topic we are tackling on the . 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...
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Episode 52: A Patient Story: Transitioning from Implants to DIEP Flap
DiepCJourney Podcast
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 . 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...
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Episode 51: The Many Facets of Microsurgery
DiepCJourney Podcast
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 . 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...
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Episode 51: Lymphedema Treatment and Surgery for Breast Cancer Patients
DiepCJourney Podcast
This episode of the t 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. is Chief of Plastic Surgery and faculty surgeon at and works as a microsurgeon with , , in San Antonio. It is important for listeners to understand the function and importance of the lymphatic system. Dr. Fries...
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Episode 50: A Young Nurse and Her DIEP Flap Story
DiepCJourney Podcast
This episode of the 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...
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Episode 49: Fat Necrosis: What to Know and Look for in Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
With any type of surgery there are risks and possible complications. We are tackling a topic on this episode of the 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. founded 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 like DIEP flap. Preoperative patient...
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Episode 48: NAPBC Standards in Exercise Oncology
DiepCJourney Podcast
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 . The good news is that now the introduced new standards in January of 2024 for exercise oncology. Supporting this initiative is . 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, , PhD, and their...
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Episode 47: BIA/ALCL Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
DiepCJourney Podcast
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 . 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...
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Episode 46: DIEP Flap and the London Breast Meeting
DiepCJourney Podcast
I feel twice fortunate to be speaking to my guest on this episode of the on two topics, her specialty of performing DIEP Flap breast reconstruction and her role as conference scientific chair for the . 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 . I am speaking with , a consultant in plastic and reconstructive plastic surgery...
info_outlineHow 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: