DiepCJourney Podcast

Two-time breast cancer survivor, Terri Coutee, will share first hand knowledge of her personal Journey through successful breast reconstruction. She chose DIEP flap but will talk about all options for surgery for those affected by breast cancer and facing a mastectomy. She will talk to surgeons, patients, and other health care workers to help the listener navigate their own personal Journey to make their best informed decsion.

Episode 78: Managing Scars Through Surgical Techniques at PRMA 04/30/2025

Episode 78: Managing Scars Through Surgical Techniques at PRMA We are going to discuss the topic of scars and cover several topics related to scars on this edition of the . It is understood, anyone who has surgery will have scars of some kind. There is a mechanism to how scars heal. In plastic surgery, if you think of the Greek word, plastikós (πλᾰστῐκός it means to shape or mold. Scars are a significant consideration in plastic surgery then. I invited an expert in the field to share his expertise on the topic. My guest is joined in San Antonio, Texas in 2021. Dr. Gassman completed his plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California, and a general surgery residency, as Chief of Surgical Resident Education, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood Illinois. Following his residency, Dr. Gassman completed his fellowship in breast and reconstructive microsurgery, with a specialty in facial reanimation at UTSW Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Gassman and his team practice the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction, meaning each patient undergoing autologous breast reconstruction will have two board-certified microsurgeons in the OR at the time of their reconstruction. They are part of the network collaborating with other microsurgeons in the IFAR network to improve patient safety, care, and outcomes. Dr. Gassman discusses the importance of scars and the considerations for plastic surgeons regarding scars for their patients. He tells us, “These are marks that a patient is going to carry with them for their lives.” He tells us about techniques used at his practice and considerations like: · Scar placement · Scar healing · Different types of scars and skin types · Scar management after surgery · Scar revisions at phase 2 · Emotional impact of scars We reference a DiepCJourney podcast in our discussion you can listen to here: Connect with Dr. Gassman on the following platforms: Instagram: Instagram: PRMA Facebook: YouTube: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/36365300

Episode 77: Nipple Reconstruction at PRMA 04/16/2025

Episode 77: Nipple Reconstruction at PRMA Do most people who have nipple reconstruction have breast reconstruction? Not necessarily. Do you think about nipple reconstruction if you’ve had breast cancer and are in a consultation for breast reconstruction? We are going to answer these questions and others on this episode of the . My guest is of in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Carpenter is passionate about utilizing her extensive expertise and experience to help transform lives through reconstructive plastic surgery. I want to point out that PRMA uses the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction, meaning there are two board-certified microsurgeons with the patient in the OR at the time of autologous breast reconstruction surgery. PRMA is part of the network of surgeons. We discuss these topics: · At what phase of the reconstructive process does nipple reconstruction happen? · Methods of nipple reconstruction. · Recovery and dressings used after surgery. · 3-D Medical tattooing of the NAC (nipple areola complex) for those who do not have nipple reconstruction. This is what Dr. Carpenter tells us as she summarizes her thoughts at the end of the podcast. “Nipple recon is something people don’t think about. They hear their diagnosis. They are thinking about breasts. They are not necessarily thinking about the nipples or the thought that their nipples might be removed isn’t something that even crosses their mind, even though it might be on my mind or their breast surgeon’s mind. I think that people should be encouraged to ask more questions. Especially if they are a candidate for preserving their nipples or not preserving their nipples. Questions are always great! I love questions, it means you’re thinking about it! You’re trying to get as much data as you want or as you need in order to make your decision.” I am grateful for her time and expertise to help prepare our listeners for their consulation for breast reconstruction surgery and to know what questions to ask about nipple reconstruction. Connect with Dr. Carpenter on the following platforms: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/36188240

Episode 76: Robotic Surgery and DIEP Flap in Hawaii 04/02/2025

Episode 76: Robotic Surgery and DIEP Flap in Hawaii How 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 . Be sure to watch our conversation on the when it is published, and you can sit with us and watch our conversation. I first met at the 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 , 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 , 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 . He collaborates with his team member, . 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 meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. 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: Instagram: Dr. Murariu: Dr. Deptula: LinkedIn: Dr. Murariu: Facebook: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/35977590

Episode 75: Diastasis Recti and Why to Repair it During DIEP Flap 03/24/2025

Episode 74: Breast Cancer & What's Right for You: Options, Planning, and Decisions 03/04/2025

Ep. 73: Breast Reconstruction Surgery at Southwest Breast & Aesthetics 02/12/2025

Episode 72: Stacked Flap in Breast Reconstruction for Radiated Skin and to Achieve Volume 01/29/2025

Episode 72: Stacked Flap in Breast Reconstruction for Radiated Skin and to Achieve Volume Listeners of the are familiar with the DIEP flap breast reconstruction procedure where the abdominal skin, tissue, and underlying blood vessels are used to replace the breast tissue lost due to mastectomy after being affected by breast cancer. On this episode we are going to discuss the “” in breast reconstruction. I’m speaking with of in Phoenix, AZ. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is specifically trained in microsurgery. It is the specialty of microsurgery that is required to perform a stacked flap procedure. Dr. Matatov and his team perform these and why I reached out to him for this interview. Dr. Matatov tells us the original definition of a stacked flap is that you put one flap on top of the other and place those two flaps into a surgical site, in this instance, the breast area to recreate a breast after mastectomy. It has evolved to a flap from the abdomen, a bipedicle flap with two blood vessels that are connected to the entire abdomen and taken as one piece. He points out that at his practice it is used for skin resurfacing in the radiated patient where a lot of the damaged tissue would have to be removed. This type of flap provides enough skin to repair the area damaged and needing repair from radiation. Another purpose for a stacked flap is in the setting of a single mastectomy; when a patient chooses to remove only one breast and keep the other and there is not enough tissue from a single flap from the back, thigh, or abdomen. In this instance, the stacked flap provides the volume needed to achieve symmetry with the existing breast. Dr. Matatov goes on to tell us where on the body theses blood and tissue sources are from as well as what the recovery looks like for patients. Be sure to check out Dr. Matatov's podcast on Blood Vessels in Breast Reconstruction here: Connect with Dr. Matatov and his practice on these platforms: Instagram: Facebook: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/35073010

Episode 71: Rori Zura of Foobs and Fitness: Exercise and Breast Cancer 01/15/2025

Episode 70: The Gift of Patient Advocate Wisdom 12/11/2024

Episode 69: A Decade of Collaboration: Celebrating a Mentor 11/30/2024

Episode 68: Pathways to Care Due to Secondary Issues from Breast Cancer Treatment 11/14/2024

Episode 67: The Role of Social Media in the Breast Cancer Community 10/24/2024

Episode 67: The Role of Social Media in the Breast Cancer Community What is it about social media that draws the breast cancer community together? We are going to explore this question with my guest, , consultant breast cancer surgeon and medical educator on social media under the name, @DrTashaG. We will look at the benefits, downfalls, information, and disinformation provided by various social media platforms on this episode of the . How can you find the right community that supports both your emotional and educational needs when each person is unique and there are distinct types of breast cancer? Why is it important for physicians to interact and be active on social media? Is it necessary for them to be on social media? I have the distinct honor of being listed as an author on a published paper with her that we will discuss in our conversation. The paper is open access and is entitled, I acknowledge our fellow colleagues and authors on the paper: · , author, and patient advocate · , dual-trained breast cancer and plastic surgeon. · of the UK, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon and host of the series. Patients who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer often absorb a small percentage of the information they are flooded with at their first consultation. Dr. Tasha tells us how she gently navigates patients through this journey by providing resources to explore while at home and making decisions about next steps. Dr. Tasha tells us social media can provide a complementary resource for patients to feel connected to a like-minded community to share similar experiences. But there can be limitations and challenges finding the right community. We focus on exploring communities that provide evidence-based information, so patients get the right information and tamp down the misinformation that is found on social media. Where is the future of information for the breast cancer community? We explore the value and impact of AI and how we feel it is our responsibility as curators of content to guide the breast cancer community in the use and value of AI in finding information. Dr. Tasha social media accounts: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/33599942

Episode 66: Wildfire Community: The Power of Story Telling in Breast Cancer 09/25/2024

Episode 65: Breast Reconstruction at Tucson Plastic Surgery 09/12/2024

Episode 64: Microsurgery and Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction 08/28/2024

Episode 64: Microsurgery and Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction When you think about breast reconstruction do you only think about breast implants? If so, it is because many people are still choosing this option for reconstructing their breast after mastectomy. However, there are options. Using your own tissue is an option and the tissue, along with a blood source, can come from various parts of the body. Fat grafting to shape and form the breast is also an option many ask about but not all know about. This is our topic on this episode of the . My guest, , is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing in Hopewell, New Jersey at the . He is part of the network of surgeons across the U.S. Dr. Wimmers has unique training in microsurgery and immunology. Although he operates on the entire body, his special interests are breast reconstruction, abdominal wall reconstruction, and peripheral nerve repair. His pathway to his current practice as a microsurgeon developed over time. Dr. Wimmers shares his personal journey with us from beginning as an emergency room physician to a surgeon. Once he had exposure to the scope of plastic surgery, restoring form and function to the human body affected by trauma and disease he never looked back. Dr. Wimmers shares the value of his surgical practice being part of the IFAR network. He points out that they are grouping up with other like-minded microsurgeons across the U.S. to tackle problems and issues patients face when they have been told there is no hope or fix. Combined resources and talent within the are providing greater access to care for patients. We continue our discussion with an explanation of the types of breast reconstruction available. Dr. Wimmers utilizes the tummy tissue most often to perform DIEP flap breast reconstruction. However, he points out not all patients have the excess tissue in their own body in the right places to do autologous reconstruction, meaning using the patients own tissue. He does get inquiries about fat grafting only. Patients are interested in it for a variety of reasons. It might be that they have already had a tummy tuck. It may be that their fat distribution is in other places other than the abdomen. Most of his patients requesting fat grafting only tend to be on the smaller side and prefer a smaller size breast. He explains the fat grafting only procedure in detail in our interview. Dr. Wimmers tells us fat grafting only is a series of procedures done over time. Fat grafting is a very technique driven procedure. Be sure to watch our interview on the Connect with Dr. Eric Wimmers: Facebook: Connect with The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction: Facebook: Instagram: X/Twitter: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/32771067

Episode 63: Sensation and Sensibility in Breast Reconstruction 08/14/2024

Episode 62: Flap Neurotization in Autologous Breast Reconstruction - A Systematic Review 08/01/2024

Episode 61: Microsurgery, Lymphedema, Neurotized Breasts, and Robotics 07/17/2024

Episode 60: Credibility in the Noise - Social Media, Breast Reconstruction, and Your Experience 07/03/2024

Episode 60: Credibility in the Noise - Social Media, Breast Reconstruction, and Your Experience Consider a young person who has been newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Add to the mix they are facing a mastectomy and exploring options for breast reconstruction. Let’s say they are someone who has grown up in the world of social media. The question arises, where do they connect and get their credible information? Breast reconstruction is a complex decisional process. Do they use a platform like TikTok based in thirty second increments or a more community-based platform like Meta/Facebook where patients can engage in more of a discussion about what they are facing after a horrible diagnosis? What are other platforms being utilized? It is our topic of discussion on this episode of the with my guest, , a board-certified microsurgeon who sees this population of women in his practice each day. He collaborates with a team of microsurgical specialists at in San Antonio, Texas. Their primary practice focuses on those affected by breast cancer, are facing mastectomy, and are exploring options for breast reconstruction. PRMA practices the co-surgeon model where each patient has two skilled microsurgeons in the OR for their autologous breast reconstruction surgery. We ask our listeners to share the platform they use to find credible information on social media when newly diagnosed and considering breast reconstruction. Please share your comments after listening to the podcast. We do not feel that one platform or channel is more important than another. It is our aim to share our thoughts, but we want to hear from you. We honor your choice in social media selection. Another way of sharing your thoughts with us is by reaching out on either one of our social media accounts. Dr. Gassman Social Media Accounts: Facebook: n Instagram: Terri Coutee Social Media for DiepCFoundation: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/31987092

Episode 59: A Breast Cancer Patient Intent on Finding Access to a DIEP Flap Surgeon 06/19/2024

Episode 59: A Breast Cancer Patient Intent on Finding Access to a DIEP Flap Surgeon Access to medical care for those affected by breast cancer is crucial, and often life transformative. This personal story will give emphasis to the voice of an advocate, a woman of strength, and determined to find the best care available for her during her personal journey from diagnosis to recovery from reconstructive surgery. My guest on this episode of the is Dana Brown, a 54-year-old wife, mother, and educator. She has been married to her best friend and soulmate for 35 years. She was intent on finding a well-qualified microsurgeon to perform her DIEP flap breast reconstruction after enduring multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. It turned out to be a formidable task but one she tackled head on. After researching other practices around the country, she was able to find one in her state. She found to perform her breast reconstruction. Dana's voice waivers when she tells us the words Dr. Kania spoke to her at their initial consult, "I can fix that." Together, they wrote appeals to state insurance to obtain the best possible care for Donna. She is now in recovery from her successful DIEP flap with Dr. Kania. The lesson to be learned is one of perseverance and stopping at nothing until one finds the best surgeon to perform what is for many a life-changing surgery after loss of breasts due to breast cancer. Dana’s story is not unique. There are many who must fight to gain access to care. It can be emotionally and physically exhausting but with Dana’s determination and the combined efforts and support of her family and surgeon, she made it happen. The listener will draw many lessons and tips from my guest. It was a touching interview and I value the honest account of Dana’s experience helping others. Dana’s social media account: Instagram: Dr. Kasia Kania’s social media accounts and information: Instagram: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/31813402

Special Episode 58: Fathers, Mentors, and Microsurgery 06/10/2024

Episode 57: Proximie, Augmented Reality in Surgical Education 06/05/2024

Episode 56: Cancer: Nutrition and Managing Food Anxiety 05/22/2024

Episode 55: Breast Reconstruction Surgery in New Orleans at CRBS 05/08/2024

Episode 55: Breast Reconstruction Surgery in New Orleans at CRBS Have you searched endlessly for days and weeks for a microsurgeon to perform breast reconstruction? Access to care is a real concern for patients who are affected by breast cancer. Finding a plastic surgeon who specializes in tissue reconstruction in the area you live in is not always a service afforded to all patients. Traveling for breast reconstruction is not out of the ordinary. It was something I did myself for my DIEP flap. I want to bring awareness to microsurgical services in various geographic areas and interview surgeons to help patients who are looking for a reconstructive surgeon. I am introducing a new surgeon to our listeners. I hope this helps streamline the time you are taking during an already challenging time in your life. is a double board-certified microsurgeon in plastic and reconstructive surgery and general surgery. She specializes in the most advanced methods of breast reconstruction, complex reconstruction, and microsurgery. Dr. Zafar joined the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery and the St. Charles Surgical Hospital in 2021. She practices in the state of Louisianna but takes patients from across the U.S. and the world. Dr. Zafar shares why she chose the field of plastic and reconstructive breast surgery. She tells us the services provided at CRBS highlighting the value of the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction surgery. Dr. Zafar shares the pathways to find her services both at CRBS and ), part of the ) network of surgeons. Her compassionate comment at the end of the podcast will benefit patients listening. “If patients have any questions, never hesitate. That would be my number one message. Always ask. Always ask us for clarification. It can be a very confusing, intimidating process, but that’s what we’re here for to help figure everything out and help you get the best outcome that we can.” Links to find Dr. Sarosh Zafar: (CBRS) (IFAR) (IFAR) Patient Portal to Schedule an appointment: tel: Social Media Links for Dr. Sarosh Zafar: Facebook: Instagram: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/31183982

Episode 54: Lymphedema Treatment and Surgery from London 04/24/2024

Episode 53: The Value of the Co-Surgeon Model In Breast Reconstruction and Insurance Coverage Concerns 04/10/2024

Episode 53: The Value of the Co-Surgeon Model In Breast Reconstruction and Insurance Coverage Concerns The two-surgeon model in microvascular breast reconstruction and concerns about insurance coverage is a topic we are tackling on the . I have NOT come to understand the complexities of insurance but have gained a great deal of empathy for those in the breast cancer community who deal with these complexities, and that includes patients and surgeons. I was certain I needed to invite a guest I was completely comfortable discussing this topic with. We go back a bit. I have built trust in his principles over time and his focused passion on patient education. You have heard him on the podcast before, but he has gained a great deal of respect in the global community of microvascular breast reconstruction. I honor our listeners by introducing a friend, a patient-advocate champion, and someone I know will help me feel more comfortable tackling the subject matter and discussion of the podcast. is the current president of in San Antonio Texas. He knows a thing of two about microvascular breast reconstruction having performed over twelve thousand various breast reconstruction flap procedures with his at his practice. He is the Founder and Developer of the award-winning , a free breast cancer healthcare app providing the user with all your surgical options, a plethora of evidence-based resources, and a customizable and adaptable patient experience through the wizard, along with a community feature of like-minded users to share information with. I have chosen this topic not to appear to be controversial. It is a topic that can stir emotions, and I have seen it presented in what I can only describe as a dramatic way. That will not be the type of presentation on this podcast today. I am discussing this topic now because of a heightened sense of concern regarding insurance coverage using the two-surgeon model, sometimes referred to as co-surgeon model in DIEP flap and microvascular breast reconstruction. Studies on the Co-Surgeon Model: 1. 2. Links to other topics we discuss in the podcast: DiepCFoundation Video: S-code issue of 2023: ERAS Protocol: Dr. Chrysopoulo Social Media Accounts: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Twitter: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/30757273

Episode 52: A Patient Story: Transitioning from Implants to DIEP Flap 03/27/2024

Episode 52: A Patient Story: Transitioning from Implants to DIEP Flap Whether you have had a breast cancer diagnosis, have a genetic mutation placing you at high risk of getting breast cancer, have had or are facing a mastectomy due to either of these situations you will want to listen to this episode of the . The time has come to share a personal story of a woman I interviewed twice about her decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy and implant reconstruction. This is the continuation of her Journey. She came to a decision to exchange the implants she never quite felt comfortable in and transition to DIEP flap breast reconstruction and use her own tissue this time around. Margaret Tueller Proffitt has a delightful Instagram account and describes herself as a lover of books, learning and travel. She is a Mom to four, wife to one, and friend to all. I am honored to have my friend Margaret on the podcast. On a recent trip to San Antonio to do advocacy work for DiepCFoundation, I visited where I had my own reconstruction. I received a text from Margaret mentioning her desire to transition from implants to DIEP flap. More importantly, she told me she was considering PRMA and wanted to know who I would recommend. Knowing Margaret as I do, I gently guided her to contact . In the weeks following that text, I watched and waited until her surgery date, answering more questions, and guiding her through a very familiar experience to me, traveling for DIEP flap. There are so many similarities to our story. We had the same breast surgeon perform our mastectomy in Tucson where both of us lived at the time and Margaret still does. The similarities grew when I found out who would be the co-surgeon with Dr. Whipple the day of Margaret’s DIEP flap. , the surgeon who performed my DIEP flap, would be working alongside Dr. Whipple that day. PRMA uses the two-surgeon model for all their patients that have autologous breast reconstruction. I am delighted to share Margaret’s story with the listeners. She discusses preparations, traveling to and from her surgery, her support, and caregivers, where she stayed, recovery, and what she is looking for to for phase two surgery. Learn more about resources mentioned and topics related to the podcast: First video with Margaret: . Second video with Margaret: . Connect with those mentioned in the Podcast: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/30572893

Episode 51: The Many Facets of Microsurgery 03/13/2024

Episode 51: The Many Facets of Microsurgery Have ever been you curious about the networking, conversations, and education that happens among colleagues at medical conferences? Or are there topics you see online but are not aware of the stories behind the social media posts from these conferences? I invite a returning guest to give you a behind the scenes look at one such conference, the annual conference of . We chose a few highlights and topics from the conference to share our experience so you can learn more about these rich learning events. Here to share the highpoints and a few of our favorite topics is one of the presenters at the conference himself, . He is the current president of in San Antonio, Texas who works with a that perform primarily tissue-based breast reconstruction for those affected by breast cancer. He is a welcome returning guest to the . In addition to his microsurgical prowess, he is . Dr. Chrysopoulo founded and is the creator of Toliman’s flagship award winning app, , the first shared decision-making app for breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction. He begins by highlighting the diversity of global skill represented at the conference sharing the moving moment when the “Best Case/Best Save” presentations were made. This is the most attended session at the meeting. It is a packed room. This year’s winner was an especially inspiring case of a young Ukrainian woman whose lower face was reconstructed due to a horrific shrapnel injury and repaired by Dr. Adam Maciejewski of Poland. We touch on the keynote address from CEO and Founder of the Proximie Surgical Learning Platform System, Nadine Hachach-Haram. Dr. C points out the mission of the Proximie system is to expand surgical education and improve patient access to surgical expertise. We revisit other topics like breast sensation, shared decision-making, and patient advocacy. Links to these topics can be found below. Dr. C congratulates the ASRM team for putting together another impressive conference from global leaders in microsurgery. We are happy to share our experience. Learn more about resources mentioned and topics related to the Podcast: Connect with those mentioned in the Podcast: /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/30350453

Episode 51: Lymphedema Treatment and Surgery for Breast Cancer Patients 03/01/2024

Episode 51: Lymphedema Treatment and Surgery for Breast Cancer Patients This episode of the t is well-timed to publish on March 1, 2024, the first day of lymphedema awareness month. We hope you will share this in your community for breast cancer patients affected by lymphedema to provide them with the resources needed to treat this condition and let them know there are specialists in surgical treatment options as well. My guest is one such specialist. is Chief of Plastic Surgery and faculty surgeon at and works as a microsurgeon with , , in San Antonio. It is important for listeners to understand the function and importance of the lymphatic system. Dr. Fries begins by explaining this and what can happen during breast surgery of any kind. He describes how the pumping mechanism that is the lymphatic system is compromised with patients who present with lymphedema. Anything that damages or interrupts the lymph circulation can cause lymphedema as in axillary dissection and breast cancer surgery. Radiation adversely affects the muscle of the lymphatic system and can also cause lymphedema. Dr. Fries tells us some of the symptoms at the beginning are heaviness and swelling from the accumulation of fluid. This is the time to start intervening with treatments to prevent progression. Lymphedema is incurable and progressive. He shares with us that compression, massage, and pumps are affective in managing the progression of lymphedema and the burden of fluid that can accumulate. He points out the importance of patients taking a holistic approach to the management of lymphedema including maintaining a healthy weight. there is a real correlation between obesity and severity of lymphedema. We continue our discussion with surgical options both in the office and in the surgical theater. Dr. Fries and I touch on issues with insurance coverage, and he proudly shares that one of his own patients was an advocate working for insurance coverage for the treatment of lymphedema. Links we discussed in the podcast: PRMA lymphedema measurement chart: YouTube video of the Podcast with Dr. Fries: Dr. Fries Social Media Accounts: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Twitter (X): /episode/index/show/diepcjourney/id/30195813

Episode 50: A Young Nurse and Her DIEP Flap Story 02/14/2024

DiepCJourney Podcast

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