OWise: be informed & regain control

DIEP Flap Monitoring Explained: What, Why & How

From surgical signs to patient peace of mind, Dr Joe Dusseldorp breaks down what flap monitoring involves and why it matters for your recovery. For patients who choose flap-based breast reconstruction like DIEP, one of the biggest sources of anxiety is the fear that something could go wrong with the flap after surger and it “fails”. In this episode of Rewritten Me, I speak with leading reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr Joe Dusseldorp about what flap-based reconstruction involves, how the flap is monitored in the hours and days after surgery and what signs surgical teams watch for to support flap health. Dr Joe also shares details of a new trial to test a device called T-Stat, which is designed to support flap monitoring. He’s presenting the findings at the 2025 ASPS Plastic Surgery Congress [https://plasticsurgery.org.au/event/plastic-surgery-congress/] this week. This episode will help you feel more informed during a time when you might feel out of control. And it's a powerful reminder that understanding what flap-based reconstruction is, what’s involved post-op and what recovery really looks like is all part of informed decision-making - a key aspect of self-advocacy. Want more tools and conversations to help you advocate for the surgery and health care that's right for you? Check out my new podcast, Regarding Me [https://pod.link/1791644767], or visit luanlawriewoods.com.au [https://luanlawriewoods.com.au] to learn more. Where you can find Luan: *  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/luanlawriewoods/] *  Website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/] *  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luan-lawrenson-woods-5034403/] Where you can find Dr Joe: * Website [https://www.joedusseldorp.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drjoedusseldorp/] If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia [https://www.bcna.org.au/] has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue [https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support] has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636. The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon [https://plasticsurgery.org.au/information-for-patients/what-does-fracs-mean/] or equally qualified surgeon in your country. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

What’s Next for Rewritten Me? And Why You’ll Love Regarding Me

This isn’t a usual episode - it’s an important update. Rewritten Me has always been about more than reconstruction. It’s about agency, questions, courage - and the quiet (or loud) moments of self-advocacy that shape our healthcare experiences. In this special episode, Luan shares what’s next for Rewritten Me, how self-advocacy has always been at the heart of the podcast, and why she launched Regarding Me to continue the story. If you’ve loved Rewritten Me, you’ll love Regarding Me. It has the same heart just with a wider lens to help you get the healthcare that’s right for you, so you can make choices that fit your life, not just your diagnosis. Because making decisions about breast cancer surgery is hard enough. Getting the right care shouldn’t be. 🎧 Plus: What to expect going forward, and how you can help keep this resource alive. 🔗 Listen to Regarding Me [https://pod.link/1791644767] on your fave podcast platform. 🌐 Learn more or get in touch:www.luanlawriewoods.com.au [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au] 💙 Want to support or help fund future Rewritten Me episodes? I’d love to hear from you—DM me [luan@luanlawriewoods.com.au] or head to the website to get in touch. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

LEAP into lymphoedema: signs & intervention

Breast cancer treatment or surgery can have long-term or late effects that can affect your quality of life - for life. One of those is breast cancer-related lymphoedema, a condition that causes abnormal swelling due to damage to the lymphatic system. Early monitory, detection and intervention can make all the difference! This is a crucial conversation for anyone affected by breast cancer and at risk of lymphoedema. I sit down with Sandy Templeton, Lymphoedema Therapist and Occupational Therapist to talk about: * What lymphoedema is and why it occurs in breast cancer patients * How treatments and surgeries can increase the risk of lymphoedema * Other factors that increase the risk of lymphoedema * Recommended prospective assessment and monitoring * How to recognise the early signs of lymphoedema * Practical advice on preventing and managing lymphoedema * Guidance on medical procedures (bloods, BP cuffs) involving the affected arm(s) * Why lifelong vigilance and self-care are essential for those at risk of lymphoedema Don’t miss out on Sandy’s expert advice on how to stay ahead of lymphoedema and maintain your well-being! Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode provides invaluable insights into monitoring this condition effectively. Links for this episode * Cancer Council lymphoedema resource [https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/managing-cancer-side-effects/lymphoedema/] * Australasian Lymphology Association recommendations for patient education [https://www.lymphoedema.org.au/public/7/files/Position%20Statements/ALA%20Position%20Statement_Early%20Detection%20of%20BCRL.pdf] & prospective monitoring * Information [https://www.anzca.edu.au/patient-information/anaesthesia-information-for-patients-and-carers/have-you-had-axillary-lymph-nodes-removed-during-b] about IV, cannulation or blood pressure cuffs for ‘at risk’ arm(s) * Gillian’s episode [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/breast-reconstruction-podcast/episode/6a28dc07/bras-and-prosthesis-after-surgery-for-breast-cancer] about post-surgery bras   Where you can find Luan: *  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/luanlawriewoods/] *  Website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/] *  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luan-lawrenson-woods-5034403/] If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia [https://www.bcna.org.au/] has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue [https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support] has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636. The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon [https://plasticsurgery.org.au/information-for-patients/what-does-fracs-mean/] or equally qualified surgeon in your country. POST-PRODUCTION ‘SHINE’ BY PADDY @ GOOSING SOUNDS LTD (UK) ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

OWise: be informed & regain control

As cancer treatment becomes more personalised and complex, staying informed to advocate for yourself can feel overwhelming. In today’s digital world, finding trustworthy, evidence-based information is often challenging.   For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'm excited to share my conversation with Dr Anne Bruinvels, who was inspired by a friend's traumatic breast cancer experience to create OWise—a free app providing personalised support for breast cancer patients.   Tune in to discover how this accredited app can help you navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and breast cancer surgeries like mastectomy and reconstruction, inlcuding: * Mapping your treatment path * Recording appointments * Saving photographs * Tracking symptoms, side effects & feelings Take part in BRA-va Art [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/bra-day-brava-art-day]when you exercise and support people who have breast surgery - no fundraising, just fun raising! Links for this episode * Get the app [https://app.owise.net/signup](web version) * OWise on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/owisebreast/] Where you can find Luan: *  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/luanlawriewoods/] *  Website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/] *  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luan-lawrenson-woods-5034403/] If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia [https://www.bcna.org.au/] has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue [https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support] has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636. The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon [https://plasticsurgery.org.au/information-for-patients/what-does-fracs-mean/] or equally qualified surgeon in your country. POST-PRODUCTION ‘SHINE’ BY PADDY @ GOOSING SOUNDS LTD (UK) ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy & DIEP: what, why, when and how

Join me as I sit down with Dr Joe Dusseldorp, Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, to talk in detail about nipple-sparing mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction after breast cancer surgery.   We talk about: * What the procedure is * How it's done * Why it may be appropriate for a patient * When it can be done – immediate or delayed? * What can impact results * If it increases risk of DIEP flap failure * Nipple sensation   And Dr Joe kindly answers questions that our breast cancer community asked me to put to him about nipple-sparing options after a mastectomy! To help you understand this procedure fully, Dr Joe refers to other topics that we've talked about on the podcast in more detail - I’ve linked to previous episodes about those topics, below. Take part in BRA-va Art [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/bra-day-brava-art-day]when you exercise and support people who have breast surgery - no fundraising, just fun raising! Links for this show: * Dr Joe talking DIEP strategies [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/breast-reconstruction-podcast/episode/61484886/whats-strategy-got-to-do-with-diep] * Niki Crillo & nipple prosthetics [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/breast-reconstruction-podcast/episode/a42d4339/free-the-prosthetic-nipple] * Dr Matt & nipple reconstruction [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/breast-reconstruction-podcast/episode/78686ca2/nipple-reconstruction-is-it-worth-it] * Bloom43 device to support healing [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/breast-reconstruction-podcast/episode/8a8011b1/bloom43-a-new-era-in-breast-surgery-prep-and-prehab] Where you can find Dr Joe: * Website [https://www.joedusseldorp.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drjoedusseldorp/] Where you can find Luan: *  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/luanlawriewoods/] *  Website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/] *  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luan-lawrenson-woods-5034403/] If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia [https://www.bcna.org.au/] has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue [https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support] has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636. The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon [https://plasticsurgery.org.au/information-for-patients/what-does-fracs-mean/] or equally qualified surgeon in your country. POST-PRODUCTION ‘SHINE’ BY PADDY @ GOOSING SOUNDS LTD (UK) ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.