Episode 61: Microsurgery, Lymphedema, Neurotized Breasts, and Robotics
Release Date: 07/17/2024
Episode 93: Navigating Healthcare as a Patient Advocate
DiepCJourney Podcast
Patient advocacy shows up in so many meaningful ways, and my guest on this episode of the 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...
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Episode 92: Completion of Prophylactic Surgeries
DiepCJourney Podcast
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 t, 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,...
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Episode 91: A Message of Kindness, Gratitude, and Courage
DiepCJourney Podcast
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 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 in...
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Episode 90: Shared Decision-Making in Healthcare: Insights from Dr. C
DiepCJourney Podcast
We are diving into a conversation that’s close to my heart and vital to the breast cancer community. On this episode of the 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. C is the CEO of , Director of Professional Relations & Global Partnerships at , Founder, , and creator of the . 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 that we are...
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Episode 89: A Holistic Approach to Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
What does it mean to truly heal after breast cancer? In this episode of the , we sit down with 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 . She works with performing a number of...
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Episode 88: PRMA's TruSense® in Breast Reconstruction for Sensate Breasts
DiepCJourney Podcast
This interview was conducted at the practice in San Antonio during Breast Reconstruction Awareness week. discusses PRMA’s and sensation to the breasts. With extensive background training and twenty-five years of experience with the , 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...
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Episode 87: The Other 50%: Marcylle Combs on Career, Cancer, And Courage
DiepCJourney Podcast
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 , host of the podcast ! Marcylle Combs, MS, RN is an Entrepreneur, Leadership Expert, , 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...
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Episode 86: Journavx: Expert Insights on New Non-opioid Pain Relief after Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this powerful episode, and , renowned experts in breast reconstruction and pain management join forces to explore the groundbreaking potential of , 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...
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Episode 85: Behind a Robotic DIEP Flap: Patient & Surgeons Unite
DiepCJourney Podcast
This 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 . I am speaking to three guests today that include the patient, Gillian and the two board certified...
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Episode 84: FEEL Project: Focus on Educating Everyone about Sensation Loss and Pain
DiepCJourney Podcast
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 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 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 who specializes in . She is an...
info_outlineIn 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/