I am an educator by profession. Although I switched from classroom teaching to becoming a patient advocate after a second breast cancer diagnosis and successful DIEP flap breast reconstruction, I am always energized when I can learn something new. Living through the global pandemic of 2020 has been one adjustment after the other for everyone across the world. It has been downright frustrating for me some days. This week, I felt uplifted. Some new tools and ideas opened up for me. I am grateful a world pandemic can also result in learning together during the coronavirus.
Using Instagram LIVE During the Coronavirus
Instagram has been a busy platform during the past few weeks. Those little circles at the top of your Instagram feed have been highlighted in red more than I have ever noticed. Notifications of IG LIVE have been frequently lighting up my phone. What is up?
I turned to my friend, Dr. Roy Kim, for some quick tutorials. His response, “If I can do it, you can do it, Terri!” He sent a link to my phone. Dr. Kim then scheduled my first ever Instagram Live interview on his account so I could test the waters and host my own. I had my maiden voyage with Dr. Summer Hanson from MD Anderson. She is a quick learner. I enjoyed interviewing her about the benefits of fat grafting. Thank you, Dr. Kim and Dr. Hanson!
I sent out some private messages to other surgeons on my closed Facebook group. I offered to host an Instagram Live and interview them on topics related to breast reconstruction and the coronavirus. My partner in crime and plastic reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo raised his hand. So did oncoplastic surgeon, Dr. Lashan Peiris. All was going well with Dr. Peiris when we lost connection. No problem! He quickly hopped off and got right back on. Instagram spliced the whole thing together quite nicely in a 24-hour story that viewers could watch on my Instagram story. Not a bad week with a couple of British gents! Thank you, Dr. C and Dr. Peiris!
Moving on to ZOOM
The microsurgeons at Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery, Drs. Ergun Kocak and Pankaj Tiwari invited me to record a session for their newest podcast. It was really great fun. Dr. Kocak and I gave Instagram Live a whirl but again, we had some connectivity issues. No problem! He suggested we hop over to ZOOM. He quickly sent me an invite to his ZOOM meeting on my email. Within a few minutes, we were recording an interview about his interest in microsurgery. I learned facts about Dr. Kocak I did not know. I am waiting to edit the video and get it up on my DiepCFoundation YouTube Channel. Thanks Dr. Kocak!
Now I was hungry to host my own ZOOM. I wanted to be the one to send out the invitation to my meeting so I could record an interview. Surgeries began to slowly start being rescheduled for breast reconstruction. They came to a halt during the coronavirus. I knew exactly who to call on. Dr. C! He was ready and willing. Now I am feeling a bit panicked. I needed to learn this fast, like in the next 24 hours fast!
An awesome Journey member came to my rescue. We toyed around with my computer until I realized something. I could not record a ZOOM properly and see the split screen while my computer was attached to my large desktop monitor. The next day, I was up bright and early, make up on (OK maybe in my pajama bottoms) to record my first ever ZOOM meeting. It went off without a hitch. Thanks again Dr. C!
Collaboration and Learning Together During the Coronavirus
Last and certainly not least, I was supposed to be at a conference this week. The HealtheVoices conference was to be held in Dallas. Unfortunately, all conferences have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. In lieu of the conference, they came together in a virtual online community of sessions throughout the day. I popped in during the day to listen. For those who could not attend all day, like me, the sessions will be available to conference attendees to continue learning the power of patient advocacy.
My advice is to not be afraid of failure, a little glitch here or there, or a downright flop. I have always said these are the times I learn the most. The best part, I learned from my friends who are always willing and patient with me. So, thank you all!
And that is my wrap up during the week of learning together in the Coronavirus!
