Episode 74: Breast Cancer & What's Right for You: Options, Planning, and Decisions
Release Date: 03/04/2025
Episode 101: Fertility Preservation, Legislative Advocacy, and Patient‑Centered Breast Cancer Care
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode, , Founder and Director of , sits down with , board‑certified breast surgeon with in New Jersey. Dr. Jadeja brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, advocacy, and compassion to her work in this episode of the , 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...
info_outline
Episode 100: Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Acupuncture
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode of the , we sit down with , 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...
info_outline
Episode 99: Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy
DiepCJourney Podcast
Part of my work as of is traveling to medical conferences. In April of this year, at the ARSA Summit, 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 is on the topic of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy at ReVital Cancer Foundation. It will be available on the when published. Alina Hedaya, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Her current focus...
info_outline
Episode 98: Am I Being Told All My Options for Breast Reconstruction?
DiepCJourney Podcast
How can you help today? After listening to this interview with a highly skilled microsurgeon, of , 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 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...
info_outline
Episode 97: Exercise That Supports Healing
DiepCJourney Podcast
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 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...
info_outline
Episode 96: Breast Sensibility: The Mind/Body Connection
DiepCJourney Podcast
On this episode of the 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...
info_outline
Episode 95: Where Passion Meets Surgical Precision
DiepCJourney Podcast
As part of my work at , 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. is a plastic surgeon at the at Magee Women’s Hospital. Topics she covers in our interview include: · How she developed her passion for...
info_outline
Episode 94: A Breast Reconstruction Journey Toward Clarity & Confidence
DiepCJourney Podcast
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 , 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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outlineWhen 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