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 DiepCJourney® podcast 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 Coach. I reached out to Chris to talk to him specifically about breast cancer prehab, exercise for those currently in breast cancer treatment, but also to speak to him about getting back to exercise after breast surgery, whether from breast cancer or breast reconstruction. Chris and I discuss how important it is for anyone to incorporate exercise into their life. We have a common connection and friend, Dr. Jay Harness. Don't miss Chris's interview on the Cancer Fitness YouTube channel on "Exercise as a Molecular Medicine." Chris has a robust presence on LinkedIn and Instagram with interactive videos and graphics explaining the benefits of exercise and demonstrating exercise you can do at home. Connect with Chris Fitzmaurice on the platform: LinkedIn: Christopher Fitzmaurice, MS CEP, CSCS, CET Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exercisebeatdiseases/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.fitzmaurice.58

On this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast 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 the U.S. As Dr. Tuinder tells us, function is as important as aesthetics, and one cannot exist without the other. In addition to her work in the Netherlands, she works one week each month at the European Institute of Oncology doing breast reconstruction building a microsurgery team and center there. Dr. Tuinder walks us through the information on her Breast Reconstruction and Sensibility webpage and all it has to offer. She welcomes your feedback and wants to hear from you. The link to contact her is: https://www.breastsensibility.com/contact One statement from her webpage states: "After amputation or reconstruction, the nerve connections between the breast and brain change." This is a valuable episode for patients, clinicians, medical students, and trainees, as well as caregivers for those going through breast surgery. Be sure to check out the video episode on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel to watch the presentation. As we wrapped up, Dr. Tuinder left us with a message that resonated deeply: "All of you are beautiful. All of you don't need to be perfect, but to feel well with yourself and that would be enough. Don't let someone else decide for you. Decide by yourself what is really important to feel good. Because when you feel good you are beautiful." Connect with Dr. Tuinder on the following platforms: LinkedIn: Stefania (Plastic Surgeon) Tuinder LinkedIn: Breast Sensibility Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefania_tuinder/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breast.sensibility/ Facebook: Breast Sensibility

As part of my work at DiepCFoundation, 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. Dr. Andrea Moreira is a plastic surgeon at the University of Pittsburg and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Magee Women's Hospital. Topics she covers in our interview include: · How she developed her passion for plastic surgery. · The services she provides at Magee Women's Hospital. · Dr. Moreira's interest in robotic-assisted DIEP flap. · The importance of providing a shared decision-making conversation about sensate breasts with her patients. Connect with Dr. Moreira on the following platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrea_moreiramd/

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 DiepCJourney® podcast, 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 traveled from Washington State to PRMA in Texas to receive the care she felt aligned with her needs and values. She walks us through the logistics that so many patients quietly shoulder: arranging time away from work, securing childcare, and finding a safe, restorative place to heal like Rose's House in San Antonio, which became her sanctuary during recovery. With honesty and warmth, Marcy reflects on the physical and emotional journey that shaped her choice, offering insights, tips, and encouragement for anyone navigating their own reconstruction decisions. Her story is a reminder that while the path can be overwhelming, no one has to walk it alone. Connect with Marcy on the following platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcygoodman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcy-goodman-b2471a87/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcy.goodman.3

Patient advocacy shows up in so many meaningful ways, and my guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast 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 to her friends. She shares her many life transitions from professional work, moving from the U.S. and back to Canada, two breast cancer diagnoses, and the value of being your own best advocate in your healthcare. Navigating two healthcare systems and transferring records was not always an easy task for Becky. She shares what challenges she faced and what she did to optimize her own healthcare in two different countries. She is a published author and is diving into the world of podcasting. I highly recommend you reach out to Becky on the following websites. She is always willing to help when she is not clearing snow and driving a snowplow for her city in Nova Scotia. Websites to find Becky: https://rebeccahogue.com/ https://bcbecky.com/ Find her book on Amazon by Rebecca J. Hogue: Never Knew I Wanted to be a Breast Cancer Survivor Check out more about her podcasts: https://definitelynotfamous.com/ https://bcbecky.com/podcast/ Connect with Becky on the following platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjhogue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhogue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hogue.rebecca/

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 DiepCJourney® podcast, 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, and the path she chose. We begin with a recap of her decision to have reconstructive surgery. Emily shares valuable information with our listeners about surveillance vs. the decision to have prophylactic reconstructive surgery to reduce her risk of getting breast cancer. We recall the two stories Emily wrote for the DiepCJourney® blog about her decision to have a child after her DIEP flap and the planning and discussion she had with Dr. Ledoux, her surgeon at PRMA about this decision. You can read Part 1 here: Patience and Persistence: Pregnancy Post-DIEP Read Part 2 here: Wonder and Happiness: pregnancy Post-DIEP One of the most poignant statements from one of these blog posts from Emily is: "I'm celebrating the proactive decision I made to take my health and future into my own hands." She continues to be a strong advocate in the community and shares a very recent encounter with another patient who reached out to her in a message on social media asking about having a child after DIEP flap. You won't want to miss what she shares. Emily continued her risk reducing surgeries by having a robotic assisted salpingo-oophorectomy at the request of her gynecological oncologist. She tells us about her recovery and how she is doing now. Be sure to listen to the podcast with Emily and her sisters Elaine and Eleanor: Episode 38: Sisters, BRCA 1, Three DIEP flap Stories Connect with Emily on the following platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilymkoellner/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emkoellner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykoellner/

Hi listeners. It's that time of year when we all take a few of those precious moments between the holidays and starting the New Year to look back, plan ahead, and savor those moments before heading back to work. This is the final DiepCJourney® podcast of 2025 and I decided to go solo for the first time since beginning this podcast during the pandemic in January of 2021. Let's take a look back at what we have provided courtesy of my outstanding guests. I always say, a podcast is only as good as its guests, and I am so lucky to have met them via my podcast and many I have met in person. When I had my first podcast with Dr. C in January of 2021, we had been working together in this patient education advocacy space for six years. That number has now rolled over to 11 years working together and he has been a cherished guest on so many topics on the podcast. Since that first podcast in January of 2021, I have interviewed surgeons, both microsurgeons and breasts surgeons from across the world. Thank you to each of you for providing such valuable information to the listeners of the podcast. I set this podcast up originally as a stand-alone platform but now because of changes in social media platforms I am able to share most of the podcast over on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel. You can find them on the channel listed as Podcasts if you'd like to watch them and actually see my guests. It's a fun alternative and really what some followers like over listening to the podcast. With a niche podcast like this, my priority is creating content that truly serves the community—not chasing numbers. In a space as specific as breast reconstruction, I measure success by connection and education rather than statistics. The beauty of a niche podcast is that it reaches exactly who needs it most, so I focus on value over metrics. Last year in January we kicked off the year with my friend Rory Zura of Foobs and Fitness. Understanding and knowing the research behind the benefits of exercise for breast cancer patients is so important and a topic that is asked about often. Thanks Rory! She is a survivor with her own unique story. Patients stories matter to many, not only other patients, but healthcare professionals who can improve their communication and protocols for patients based on patient stories. One of the most listened to podcast of 2025 was from Margaret Tueller Proffit, a young BRCA genetic mutation carrier who started her reconstruction with implants, transitioned to DIEP flap and then graced us with the conclusion of her reconstruction by sharing one of the best quotes I heard from a patient all year, "Go forth with confidence"! Sensation of the breast always gets a lot of listeners. Our interview with Dr. Lisa Hunsicker was popular. We tackled diastasis recti and why to repair it during DIEP with Dr. Kesley McClure of Southwest Breast and Aesthetics and found out what other procedures are performed in Phoenix at their facility with her colleague, Dr. Arvind Gowda. Dr. Craigie shared a very interesting interview with us on the delay procedure, the SIEA, and the TDAP. These alternative methods of using a patients own tissue are very important for patients who don't always find this information easily. Nipple reconstruction with Dr. Carpenter at PRMA came out of an in-person meeting we had at a microsurgery summit I attended. Thanks Dr. Carpenter for your warm smile and willingness to spend time with me to educate our audience. I invite each of you listening to use the search engine to explore all the topics we have talked about with my guest on the link I'll provide at the end of the episode details. Libsyn has been a great podcast platform for us to use so a shout out to them! As part of the resources we provide at DiepCFoundation, this podcast being one of them, we also have the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel I mentioned earlier and the DiepCJourney® blog. I want to leave you with a message from an end of the year blog I wrote just a couple of days ago. Here is the link to read the entire blog. https://diepcjourney.com/kindness-gratitude-courage-my-compass-for-2026/ Here is what I wrote: As I step into 2026, I find myself returning again and again to three simple words. Those words are kindness, gratitude, and courage. They aren't new concepts. They aren't complicated. But they have become the compass points guiding how I want to show up in the world, how I want to lead, and how I want to serve the breast cancer community that has shaped my life in ways I never could have imagined. These three words have carried me through seasons of uncertainty, moments of profound connection, and the quiet, steady work of advocacy. They have grounded me when the world felt heavy and lifted me when I needed reminding that hope is not naïve. Hope is necessary. And as I look toward the year ahead, they feel more necessary than ever. Here's to a year guided by purpose, connection, and the quiet strength that lives within us all. I cannot

We are diving into a conversation that's close to my heart and vital to the breast cancer community. On this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast are going to talk about the term, shared decision-making as it pertains to healthcare and take a deeper dive into its use in breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction with a returning guest Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. Dr. C is the CEO of PRMA Plastic Surgery, Director of Professional Relations & Global Partnerships at ARSA Health, Founder, Toliman Health, and creator of the Breast Advocate® App. You may have heard previous interviews on the topic of shared decision-making with me and my guest. You may also have seen via our LinkedIn accounts that we are both co-leads of the WHIS shared decision-making Expert Group. What does this mean and what is our responsibility in this role? This conversation is for anyone who's ever faced a difficult choice in their cancer journey, and for advocates, clinicians, and loved ones walking beside them. We discuss the importance of patients taking time to self-assess their personal preferences, lifestyle, support they will need to recover, and what life looks like beyond treatment and surgery. Shared decision-making is a productive and powerful process of communication between the patient and their healthcare team. Dr. C shares how they use it at their practice to empower patients and make them feel fully engaged in the decision process for breast reconstruction surgery. Be sure to watch our conversation on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel by clicking on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwHH2yDCV2c&t=12s Connect with Dr Chrysopoulo on the following platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchrysopoulo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrChrysopoulo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchrysopoulo/

What does it mean to truly heal after breast cancer? In this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, we sit down with Dr. Silvia Kurtovic 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 Tucson Plastic Surgery. She works with Dr. Raman Mahabir performing a number of reconstructive procedures in Arizona. They practice the co-surgeon model in DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Dr. Silvia Kurtovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon and one of the few female surgeons in Arizona who is both a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Kurtovic did her plastic & reconstructive surgery residence training at Duke University Medical Center. She received her fellowship training in aesthetic and microsurgery specializing in DIEP flap surgery in Canada. Her personal experience with breast cancer and watching her mother go through it when Dr. Kurtovic was a young woman inspired her to specialize in the care and recovery of those affected by breast cancer and having reconstruction. She shares an intimate look into the retreat she held in Tucson for her patients. You won't want to miss this touching account of Dr. Kurtovic's own journey as a caregiver and how she translates that into her work today with her patients. Connect with Dr Kurtovic on the following platforms: Instagram: tucsonplasticsurgery Facebook: TucsonPlasticSurgery

This 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

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 DiepCJourney® podcast, Marcylle Combs host of the podcast 50% with Marcylle Combs! Marcylle Combs, MS, RN is an Entrepreneur, Leadership Expert, Speaker, 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 multi-million-dollar enterprise with over 1,200 employees and twelve locations across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. After selling her healthcare business, Marcylle did not retire or slow down. She founded three companies, serving as President over MAC Legacy, The Marcylle Combs Company, and MAC Legacy Investments. These companies offer a range of services, including consulting, coaching, training, speaking, and investing in various industries. In her debut book "Never Hire Your Friends", she details real-life scenarios and actionable advice on building thriving business while nurturing meaningful connections. She believes that leadership is not a position, but a choice, and that everyone can be a leader in their own sphere of influence. Marcylle is also a wife, mother of five adult children, and a grandmother to lots of fabulous personalities. She loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, and learning new things. She aspires to grow and lead others until her last breath on this earth. We chat about her breast cancer diagnosis, DIEP flap breast reconstruction, and what advise Marcylle shares for women everywhere when faced with a diagnosis. She is very candid about the challenges she faced with healthcare and shares tips on navigating this often difficult and vulnerable time in women's lives. Connect with Marcylle Combs on the following platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcylle_combs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcyllecombscompany LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcylle-combs-65978425/

In this powerful DiepCJourney® podcast episode, Dr. Anne Peled and Dr. Ziv Peled, renowned experts in breast reconstruction and pain management join forces to explore the groundbreaking potential of Journavx, 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 gain: 🎙️ A deep dive into how Journavx works and why it matters 💡 Insights from Dr. Ziv Peled's experience as a peripheral nerve surgeon 💬 Dr. Anne Peled's perspective on patient-centered care and her personal experience after her recent implant-based breast reconstruction surgery 🔍 Discussion on shifting paradigms in pain management and survivorship Whether you're a patient, provider, or advocate, this episode offers hope, innovation, and practical knowledge for navigating post-operative healing with greater confidence and comfort. Be sure to check out the video episode on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXOO8yotZyc&t=1365s Connect with Dr. Anne Peled on the following platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drannepeled/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-peled-31626284/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drannepeled Connect with Dr. Ziv Peled on the following platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peledsurgery/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziv-m-peled-md/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeledSurgery