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Episode 4: Freudenspanne, the Real Reason We Want to Live Longer

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I recorded Episode 4: Freudenspanne, the Real Reason We Want to Live Longer, in February of 2022. But I came to realize how timely this interview is as I prepare to attend the London Breast Meeting 2023. I have been asked to speak on a topic closely related to what my podcast guest, Zack Varkaris and I chat about.   I have been asked to speak on the topic of the impact of lifestyle factors on breast cancer risk and survivorship: nutrition, exercise and beyond. As I listened to this podcast again while on the elliptical today, it truly resonates with me as I prepare to leave for London. So much of what Zack speaks about, finding joy in life, healthy eating, exercise, who we connect with, our lifestyle choices, is pertinent to the importance of embracing these choices in breast cancer survivorship. How I Learned to Embrace the Philosophy of Continue Reading →

“The Patient Voice Has Been Heard!”

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This was a huge week in the world of patient advocacy. Across social media airwaves, we learned that the S-codes for autologous breast reconstruction will be retained. It was a monumental accomplishment achieved because of the efforts of many organizations, surgeons, and breast cancer survivors across the United States. The title of this blog, “The Patient Voice Has Been Heard”, is a quote from someone who is a huge proponent of patient advocacy. I will reveal who the quote is from at the end of this blog. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) held a public hearing on June 1 of this year after a great deal of concern regarding news that S-codes covering autologous breast reconstruction would be sunset on December 31, 2024. The time frame alone struck fear in those planning reconstruction like DIEP flap. The victory hearing this decision was reversed by the voice of many Continue Reading →

Motivation to Exercise During Breast Cancer

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During my first breast cancer diagnosis in 2002 I had two surgeries, eighteen rounds of chemotherapy, and six weeks of daily radiation in a period of nine months. I was treated at MD Anderson, a world class facility known for patient care, and a commitment to cure cancer through their research and work. They provided access to many ancillary programs for breast cancer patients, including but not limited to exercise programs. I was a full hour away from the facility. Once I had my chemotherapy, I headed straight home to rest. I admit I did not have much motivation to exercise then. My blood counts, both red and white, tanked during my chemo treatments that included Adriamycin, the red devil, for one. I landed in hospital with a neutropenic fever for a few days after round three. There were days when walking from the laundry room to the TV room Continue Reading →

Wins and Losses as I Celebrate Eight Years at DiepCFoundation

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Each August that rolls around, I think of the day I received my official letter of designation from the IRS stating I was legit, a government approved 501c3 nonprofit organization. Those eight years have been filled with a variety of emotions, wins and losses as I celebrate eight years at DiepCFoundation. The Losses During my Time as Founder of DiepCFoundation The most profound losses I have experienced are the loss of friends from breast cancer. When I hear the news of friends doing poorly, of the disease taking hold and treatment options running out, it is a slow process of loss. The breast cancer community lost a fierce advocate this year, Jennifer Elliott. She, along with many of my colleagues and patient advocate friends completed project LEAD together in 2017. Our friend, Kirstin Litz, used to refer to Jenn as, “Jenn double N”! It was a beautiful day when Roberta Continue Reading →

We are Not Sleeping: Protect Women’s Health and Access to DIEP Flap

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The publish date of this blog is July 22, 2023. If you look at the 2023 Congressional Calendar, you will find a “white out” section in the month of August. The United States Senate and House will both be on summer recess. I wish to inform all of Congress that we are not sleeping and continue our work to protect women’s health and access to DIEP flap. When faced with breast cancer and loss of breasts, there are several decisions to make. One of the most important decisions is whether to reconstruct your breasts or remain flat. Either way, it is a women’s choice and right to do so after the effects of a breast cancer diagnosis. DIEP flap is the most advanced, and in fact the best medical choice for reconstruction for many women. It is in danger of not being available to many and we are concerned. Our Continue Reading →

Democratization in Microsurgery: The Proximie System

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Democratization is a noun. The meaning of democratization as it pertains to microsurgery is the action of making training and education available through technology, in this case, microsurgery in breast reconstruction. The chosen field of microsurgery requires hours of training and practice. Observing colleagues perform this sophisticated and complex surgery increases their own skill set with the primary goal being improving patient outcomes in breast reconstruction. My guests are going to discuss their cross-continental experience working live in the operating theater practicing democratization in microsurgery using the Proximie System. An Introduction of the Microsurgeons Using the Proximie System I invited back to the DiepCJourney podcast two internationally known microsurgeons. Dr. Joe Dusseldorp practices in Sydney, Australia and is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of surgeons. He has a keen interest in microsurgery and did his training overseas to achieve this status. He is also trained to do robotic Continue Reading →

My Book Review of “After Breast Cancer”

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I want to thank the author, Sara Liyanage, and her publishers, Sheldon Press, for sending Sara’s book, After Breast Cancer, so that I may read and review it. The name itself appeals to me. Survivorship after breast cancer is not only important but can mean many things to those of us who have gone through it. I am honored to share my book review of After Breast Cancer. From Cover to Cover a Quick Summary When I taught students how to “get to know” a book these are things that I would tell them. In every sense of the word, after I took my own advice and went through these steps myself, I was ready to dig into Sara’s book. How After Breast Cancer Speaks to so Many Did you feel as though you were free falling after finishing all your treatments? Were there days when you weren’t sure what Continue Reading →

Introducing BulbPendant for Drain Management During Breast Surgery

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The perfect solution for the management of Jackson Pratt bulb drains. From the HandandHand Medical website Successful recovery depends on the ability to heal without worry. But as physicians, patients and caregivers know, bulb drains are incredibly stressful. After surgery, the bulbs are loose, and patients do not know what to do with them. Drains can also become dislodged, requiring another procedure to replace them. BulbPendant for drain management during breast reconstruction not only solves these problems it relieves patients of the stress of dealing with bulb drains. Eliminating learning curves is a huge advantage. They (BP) are simple, so intuitive, it’s self-explanatory fitting 99% of all patients. The patient simply bows their head, keeping their elbows down at their sides while the neoprene band slides over their shoulders. The drain bulbs insert into the mesh pedant and easily clip into place, 30 seconds and you are done. BP is designed Continue Reading →

Episode 20: Planning Your Breast Reconstruction

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You have been diagnosed with breast cancer or find you are at high risk of getting breast cancer and are facing a mastectomy. Now what? If you choose to reconstruct your breast what does this process look like? Dr. Santosh Kale, MD, MBA is my guest on Episode 20 and planning your Breast Reconstruction, of the DiepCJourney podcast . He is a board-certified Plastic and reconstructive microsurgeon who practices in Gahanna, Ohio at Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery outside of Columbus, Ohio. Along with his team at Midwest Breast he specializes in breast reconstruction (implant and tissue-based), aesthetic breast surgery, body contouring, and lymphedema surgery. Patient Considerations in Planning Their Breast Reconstruction Patients are inundated with information at the beginning of a diagnosis or finding they have a genetic mutation. They see an oncologist, breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, radiologist, and other medical specialists. Where does a patient begin the research and planning for their Continue Reading →

Cancer Survivors Day 2023

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I did not title this blog “National Cancer Survivors Day” for one reason. Cancer is an international disease. How it is treated, the access to care, the stories of cancer survivors are global. We should celebrate every cancer survivor around the world, every day. I am glad there is one day set aside to honor us and bring awareness to what being a cancer survivor is. I salute all of us this year on Cancer Survivors Day 2023. Living “With a History of Cancer” Many are confused by the word ‘survivor’, but I feel this is a well-defined statement. There is a website dedicated to Cancer Survivors Day. This is the statement from their website. According to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, administrator for the celebration, “A ‘survivor’ is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.” National Cancer Continue Reading →