Episode 84: FEEL Project: Focus on Educating Everyone about Sensation Loss and Pain
Release Date: 09/03/2025
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...
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Episode 83: Traveling to The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
For patients exploring their options for breast reconstruction and learning they must travel, the very thought of a long car trip or airline travel can seem like an overwhelming task. It is important at DiepCFoundation then that we provide those practices who support patients who will be traveling for their breast reconstruction surgery. On this episode of the , I talk to and his team to learn how they support patients who travel to their practice at in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Please go over to the and look for this episode soon! If you have questions after you listen to the interview...
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Episode 82: Nerve Tape® Connecting Nerves in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
It’s great to be back at the microphone after a summer break from podcasting and focusing our efforts on the inaugural . We have a crisp, clean new look to our podcast cover with a few important changes! Thanks so much for joining us and remember this will also be available on the under our podcast and video tabs. We are going to be talking about surgical technology that is used to connect nerves, a suture-less device for nerve repair. At a medical conference I attended I passed by the table in the exhibit hall. After an invitation from the team at then vendor table I sat down to give it a...
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Episode 81: Delay Procedure, SIEA, and TDAP in Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
There are many acronyms, terms, and procedures patients hear either in consultation with their plastic surgeon or online through various social media groups and platforms. Our guest on this edition of the is a board-certified microsurgeon who will help us sort out three of those terms today. The delay procedure, SIEA, and TDAP in breast reconstruction surgery. We appreciate everyone who is utilizing the resources. Be sure to for the video interview with my guest at the channel. I am joined by , who specializes and is trained in microsurgery. The primary focus at his practice at in Mt....
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Episode 80: Completion of DIEP Flap Surgery: Going Forth with Confidence
DiepCJourney Podcast
This is a follow up of who I spoke to after her phase one DIEP flap surgery at in San Antonio in January of 2024. I invited her back to the to share details of the completion of her breast reconstruction after phase two. She traveled back to San Antonio seven months after phase one for her phase two surgery. We talk about the following: · Communication and discussion with about your phase via a ZOOM call. · What did she pack for phase 2. · Who she traveled with for this...
info_outlineWe 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 DiepCFoundation 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 DiepCJourney® podcast 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 Dr. Summer Hanson who specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery. She is an expert in treating a wide range of conditions, offering everything from complex breast reconstruction, trunk reconstruction and extremity reconstruction to skin cancer treatment, revision surgery and lymphedema surgery.
Dr. Hanson takes a holistic approach to care and is committed to offering each patient a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan. She works with her patients to understand their individual goals and concerns, and together they establish a plan designed to improve recovery and deliver long-term success.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Hanson is also devoted to research. We are discussing her involvement and work with the Bionic Breast Project and more specifically the FEEL Project (Focus on Educating Everyone about Sensation Loss and Pain).
The FEEL Project was born from listening deeply to patients share the personal impact of their mastectomy experiences. From loss of sensation and mobility to ongoing pain and other challenges, these stories inspired the creation of professional, evidence-based video content. Through candid conversations with patients, the project aims to educate the public and raise awareness about the often-overlooked physical and emotional effect of mastectomy.
Whether you are a researcher, student, patient, family member, or caregiver your feedback on the video is of great importance.
To be part of this project please reach out on the following forums and links.
Dr. Summer Hanson at the University of Chicago
Connect with the Bionic Breast Project on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionicbreast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575127590603
Connect with the Woman Lab on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearewomanlab