Episode 88: PRMA's TruSense® in Breast Reconstruction for Sensate Breasts
Release Date: 10/29/2025
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...
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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,...
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DiepCJourney® podcast interview was conducted at the PRMA Plastic Surgery practice in San Antonio during Breast Reconstruction Awareness week. Dr. Chet Nastala discusses PRMA’s TruSense® and sensation to the breasts.
With extensive background training and twenty-five years of experience with the team of surgeons at PRMA, 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 regenerate nerves after they are repaired. Dr. Nastala mentions various modalities of breast cancer treatment that include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and other biological therapies. He also talks about the possibility of nerve preservation and surgical techniques utilizing this method of improving sensation to the breast when oncologically safe.
He differentiates between the PRMA service mark, TruSense® and using a nerve graft. The TruSense® method signifies the surgeons take the patient’s own recipient nerve from the breast and connects it to the donor nerve that is found in the abdominal tissue in a DIEP flap procedure. This procedure is using all the patient’s own tissue and nerves.
A nerve graft is a cadaveric, prepackaged material that can be used for both implant and autologous reconstruction. It is sometimes necessary to use to “bridge the gap” in the nerves when there is not enough available from the patient.
The process of regaining sensation does take time. Dr. Nastala explains what can affect the nerves to regenerate, which include age, radiation, diabetes, and smoking. They collaborate with a team of breast surgeons to try and preserve as much of the nerve in the chest area as is oncologically safe and possible so that they can use the TruSense® method to restore sensation to the breast after mastectomy.
Connect with Dr. Nastala on the following platforms:
Instagram PRMA Account: https://www.instagram.com/prmaplasticsurgery/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chetnastala