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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
info_outlineHow 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 Hawaii Aesthetics and Robotic 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:
LinkedIn: Daniel Murariu
Instagram: The Aloha Plastic Surgeon
Facebook: Dr. Daniel Murariu
Dr. Deptula: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.petey/