DiepCJourney Podcast

What happens when breast reconstruction doesn't go as planned, or when needs change years after treatment? In this insightful episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, Terri Coutee sits down with Dr. Katie Weichman and Dr. Vishal Thanik of Altris Reconstructive Wellness to explore the important and often misunderstood world of secondary breast reconstruction. Together, they discuss how surgical and non-surgical approaches, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a survivorship-focused mindset can help individuals move beyond simply recovering from breast cancer to truly thriving after treatment.

With more than a decade of experience each in reconstructive microsurgery, Dr. Weichman and Dr. Thanik share their philosophy of patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of listening, understanding, and shared decision-making throughout the reconstruction journey. Their approach extends beyond surgical outcomes, focusing on restoring confidence, wholeness, and quality of life for those navigating complex reconstruction decisions.

This conversation highlights the power of compassionate care, individualized treatment planning, and the evolving role of survivorship in breast reconstruction. Whether you are exploring revision options, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of reconstruction after breast cancer, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement from two experts dedicated to helping patients live well beyond their diagnosis.

Guests:

• Katie Weichman, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Altris Reconstructive Wellness
• Vishal Thanik, Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgeon, Altris Reconstructive Wellness

Key Topics:

• Secondary breast reconstruction
• Surgical and non-surgical treatment options
• Multidisciplinary survivorship care
• Shared decision-making
• Patient-centered and compassionate care
• Living beyond a breast cancer diagnosis

Follow Dr. Weichman and Dr. Thanik:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/altrisnyc/

https://www.instagram.com/outsidetheloupes/

Facebook:

Altris Reconstructive Wellness

YouTube:

Outside the Loupes

In this episode of the DiepCJourney® Podcast, Terri Coutee returns from a month‑long break during Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a guest whose work sits at the heart of post‑mastectomy healing and aesthetic restoration. Terri is joined by SeAnn Cook of Beauty Edit Tattoo, a licensed medical tattoo artist and member of the Alliance of Medical Tattooing network. As a traveling medical tattoo artist, SeeAnn brings deep expertise, compassion, and technical insight to the world of areola and scar tattooing.

This conversation is built around real questions from the breast reconstruction community; questions about color selection, sizing, fading, pain, timing, nipple‑sparing outcomes, radiation effects, keloids, scarring patterns, and how to find a qualified medical tattoo artist. SeeAnn addresses each one with clarity and honesty, helping listeners understand what's possible, what to expect, and how individualized the tattooing process truly is.

Topics include:

• How medical tattoo artists determine color, size, and shape for areola tattoos

• Differences between medical‑grade tattooing and traditional tattoo shops

• What to know about fading, touch‑ups, and long‑term durability

• Tattooing after DIEP, nipple reconstruction, or nipple removal

• Whether tattooing is possible with horizontal scars, upside‑down V scars, or keloids

• Tattooing for those who had nipple‑sparing mastectomies but experienced discoloration

• Pain expectations, needle fears, and whether the process is single‑session or multi‑step

• How to find an experienced medical tattoo artist

• Using pre‑mastectomy photos to guide aesthetic decisions

• Tattooing after radiation therapy

• Pricing considerations and insurance reimbursement

• Whether transplanted tissue can be "colored in" to match surrounding skin

Check out other information we discuss on the podcast and follow these accounts.

Beauty Edit Tattoo Instagram:

Titty Tat Club: Temporary Tattoo Stickers

Ink Boutique Instagram

What role does breast neurotization play in restoring sensation after breast reconstruction, and how are advances in microsurgical nerve repair helping surgeons approach this important aspect of patient care?

In Episode 105 of the DiepCJourney® podcast, I am joined by Dr. Joseph Serletti, Chief of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, to discuss his experience using Nerve Tape®, a suture-free solution for connecting nerves during microsurgical procedures.

Dr. Serletti is a pioneer in free flap autologous breast reconstruction, using a patient's own tissue to reconstruct the breast, and is internationally recognized for his work in reconstructive microsurgery, including breast, head and neck, and extremity reconstruction.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Challenges with traditional suture and conduit nerve repair techniques
• Dr. Serletti's experience using Nerve Tape® for nerve repair
• How using Nerve Tape® has changed aspects of his surgical practice The potential impact on operating-room time and efficiency
• What Dr. Serletti would tell surgeons considering Nerve Tape®
• Why restoring sensation after breast reconstruction matters
• The importance of restoring protective sensation and the potential for returning erogenous sensation
• The role sensory restoration may play in the future of breast reconstruction
• Sensation may not be one of the first topics patients think to ask about during a breast reconstruction consultation, but it is an important part of the conversation. The return of protective sensation can be an important patient safety consideration, while neurotization may also provide the opportunity for patients to regain other forms of sensation in the reconstructed breast.
• This episode provides patients, caregivers, and medical professionals an opportunity to learn more about breast neurotization, advances in nerve repair, and why sensation deserves a place in conversations about breast reconstruction.
• Published data on the efficacy of Nerve Tape® can be found through BioCircuit Technologies at biocircuit.com.
• Listen, learn, and share Episode 105 with someone who may benefit from understanding more about breast neurotization and restoring sensation after breast reconstruction.

In this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, Terri sits down with Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction for an important and compassionate conversation about risk‑reducing mastectomy, genetic mutations, and the reconstructive options available to those navigating increased breast cancer risk.

Dr. Craigie brings years of microsurgical expertise and a deeply patient‑centered approach to help listeners understand when and why risk‑reducing surgery may be considered, what the process looks like, and how women can make informed decisions that support long‑term survivorship.

Episode Highlights • What BRCA Genetic Mutations Mean for Risk

Dr. Craigie explains what the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations are, how they increase lifetime breast cancer risk, and why individuals who test positive may choose to explore risk‑reducing mastectomy with reconstruction as a proactive option.

• When There's No BRCA Mutation but Family Risk Is High

Not everyone with elevated breast cancer risk carries a BRCA mutation. Dr. Craigie discusses how strong family history can still warrant enhanced surveillance or consideration of prophylactic surgery, depending on individual circumstances.

• Recommended Screening Before Surgery

For those considering risk‑reducing mastectomy, Dr. Craigie outlines the surveillance tools typically recommended beforehand, including mammography, MRI, and clinical breast exams, to ensure comprehensive monitoring during the decision‑making process.

• Other Genetic Mutations That Increase Risk

Beyond BRCA, Dr. Craigie touches on additional genetic mutations associated with higher breast cancer risk and how they factor into decisions about prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction.

• Steps to Begin the Risk‑Reducing Surgery Journey

Dr. Craigie walks listeners through the consultation process, including what to expect, how to prepare, and the importance of meeting with a reconstructive surgeon early to understand all available options.

• Common Fears and Concerns About DIEP Flap Reconstruction

From recovery time to surgical complexity, Dr. Craigie shares the most frequent concerns patients bring to their consults when exploring prophylactic DIEP flap or other reconstruction methods and how these fears can be addressed with education and support.

• How Much Risk Is Reduced After Prophylactic Surgery

Dr. Craigie explains the percentage of breast cancer risk reduction achieved through prophylactic mastectomy and why this option can be life‑changing for individuals with significantly elevated risk.

Why This Conversation Matters

Risk‑reducing mastectomy is a deeply personal decision. This episode offers clarity, compassion, and credible information for anyone navigating genetic risk, family history, or the emotional weight of preventive surgery. Dr. Craigie's insights help empower listeners to make choices aligned with their values, health needs, and long‑term survivorship goals.

Listen, Learn, and Share

If you or someone you love is exploring genetic testing, elevated breast cancer risk, or reconstruction options, this episode is a powerful resource. Share it with your community because at DiepCFoundation we belive education can help saves lives.

Connect with Dr. Cragie and his practice.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natural.breast.reconstruction/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturalbreastreconstruction

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-center-for-natural-breast-reconstruction/posts/?feedView=all

In this episode of the DiepCJourney®podcast, we welcome Dr. Ann Chuang, a fellowship‑trained, board‑certified breast surgeon with the Premier Surgical Network in Glen Rock and Westwood, New Jersey. Dr. Chuang specializes in oncoplastic breast surgery, skin‑sparing and nipple‑sparing mastectomies, and hidden‑scar approaches. She joins us to bring clarity to a topic that affects countless breast cancer patients: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

We revisit the landmark Women's Health Initiative of 1991, explore how research has evolved, and discuss what patients and clinicians need to understand today about menopausal hormone therapy after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Key Topics Covered

• Why Women Use HRT We explore the symptoms and quality‑of‑life concerns that lead many women to consider hormone therapy during and after breast cancer treatment.

• Who Can Safely Take HRT and Who Should Not Dr. Chuang outlines patient profiles, risk factors, and the nuanced decision‑making involved in determining whether HRT is appropriate.

• Understanding Delivery Methods A clear breakdown of terms like systemic, topical, oral, and transdermal and how each interacts with the body.

• How Physicians Counsel Patients on HRT Dr. Chuang shares how she approaches conversations with patients who ask whether HRT is safe for them, and what questions patients should bring to their healthcare team.

• Variability in Physician Messaging We discuss how guidance may differ between gynecologic oncologists, primary care physicians, and breast surgeons and how patients can navigate conflicting information.

Why This Conversation Matters

As research evolves, so does our understanding of hormone therapy for breast cancer patients. This episode offers grounded, evidence‑based insight to help listeners feel informed, empowered, and supported in their decision‑making.

Watch the video version on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbxDsgpHtMQ&t=67s

Connect with Dr. Ann Chuang

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorchuang/

Facebook: Premier Surgical Network

In this episode of the DiepCJourney® Podcast, Terri Coutee, Founder and Director of DiepCFoundation, speaks with Frances, a young member of the DiepCFoundation community who reached out with a powerful purpose: to help others understand the importance of self‑advocacy after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Frances shares how she navigated her diagnosis of DCIS, the emotional impact it had, and what she believes is missing for patients who receive this news. As she explains in the interview, "I look forward to sharing and helping someone else just like the women before me have helped me."

Her story highlights the determination it takes to seek the right care. Frances describes interviewing multiple surgeons, asking hard questions, and ultimately finding the one who aligned with her needs, values, and long‑term goals. She also walks through her treatment plan, surgery experience, and the support that helped reshape her perspective along the way.

Listeners will hear her thoughtful advice for newly diagnosed patients — especially young women — and her reflections on survivorship now that her surgery is complete.

Frances' journey is a reminder that informed decisions, trusted guidance, and personal advocacy can change the course of care.

🔗 Watch the Video Version:

Available soon on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel.

💬 Topics Covered:

• Understanding a DCIS diagnosis
• Emotional impact and early decision‑making
• What patients need but often don't receive
• How support networks influence choices
• Interviewing surgeons and finding the right fit
• Treatment plan, surgery, and recovery
• Advice for newly diagnosed young women
• Life in survivorship

Where to find Frances:

https://www.facebook.com/frances.melendezanguera/

Instagram: Frances Anguera

In this episode, Terri Coutee, Founder and Director of DiepCFoundation, sits down with Dr. Priya Jadeja, board‑certified breast surgeon with Premier Surgical Network in New Jersey. Dr. Jadeja brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, advocacy, and compassion to her work in this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, and she shares why fertility preservation must be part of comprehensive cancer care for young patients.

Episode Highlights

• Dr. Jadeja's path to breast surgery She reflects on what drew her to the field and how joining Premier Surgical Network has strengthened her ability to deliver high‑quality, patient‑centered care.
• Why fertility preservation matters With more young women facing breast cancer diagnoses, Dr. Jadeja explains how fertility considerations became a defining part of her practice and why this issue is gaining national attention.
• A patient story that sparked change Dr. Jadeja discusses the moment a 32‑year‑old patient declined chemotherapy because fertility preservation was financially out of reach and a turning point that ignited her advocacy.
• Partnering with Assemblywoman Brittnee Timberlake Hear the behind‑the‑scenes journey of the New Jersey Fertility Preservation Law, including traveling to Trenton with her patient to support the bill. Dr. Jadeja shares what this experience meant to her personally and professionally.
• Fertility preservation as essential cancer care As a female breast surgeon caring for young women with highly treatable disease, Dr. Jadeja outlines why fertility must be integrated into treatment planning; not treated as an optional conversation.
• Legislation shaping the future of patient‑centered care With New York becoming the first state to mandate private insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems, Dr. Jadeja discusses what this signals about the evolving landscape of supportive cancer care.
• Advice for advocates and clinicians Dr. Jadeja offers guidance for anyone - surgeons, patients, caregivers, or advocates, who want to create legislative change and amplify patient voices.

Where to Find Dr. Jadeja

Follow Dr. Priya Jadeja on Instagram for accessible, educational content on breast cancer surgery, fertility preservation, and patient advocacy.

Listen & Watch

You can listen to DiepCJourney® Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and watch full episodes on the DiepCFoundation YouTube Channel when published.

In this episode of the DiepCJourney® Podcast, we sit down with Tina Tsan, a dual‑licensed acupuncturist and Certified Lymphedema Wound Care Therapist whose integrative approach is reshaping how patients understand and care for their lymphatic health. As noted in the interview outline, Tina brings "a high level of expertise in the field of non‑operative and post‑operative edema control," blending Eastern medicine with modern lymphatic therapy to support patients recovering from surgery and cancer treatment.

Tina shares her professional journey, what drew her to acupuncture, how she entered the world of lymphatic and wound care, and why combining these disciplines allows her to treat patients with a more holistic lens. She breaks down the fundamentals of the lymphatic system, why it becomes so critical after mastectomy and reconstruction, and the early signs of lymphatic dysfunction patients should never ignore.

We also explore one of the most confusing areas for patients: the difference between lipedema and lymphedema. Tina explains how these conditions develop, why they're often misdiagnosed, and why early recognition matters. She also discusses how breast cancer treatments, including mastectomy, lymph node removal, and radiation, can disrupt lymphatic flow and what patients can do proactively to protect their long‑term health.

A major highlight of the conversation is Tina's insight into how acupuncture supports lymphatic drainage, inflammation reduction, scar tissue mobility, pain, tightness, and fatigue. She demystifies what a session feels like, addresses common fears, and explains why acupuncture can be beneficial both before and after surgery.

We close with a powerful discussion on integrative healing, the role of emotional stress, trauma, empowerment, and lifestyle habits in recovery, and Tina shares details about the upcoming Lipedema Summit 2026, a growing movement in patient education and advocacy.

This episode is packed with clarity, compassion, and practical guidance for anyone navigating breast cancer recovery, lymphatic challenges, or integrative healing.

To learn more about her work Tina shares how listeners can connect with her work and continue learning about lymphatic health and integrative care.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-tsan-daom-clt-17842634/

Website: Harmony Lymphatics

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmony_lymphatics/

Part of my work as Founder/Director of DiepCFoundation is traveling to medical conferences. In April of this year, at the ARSA Summit, Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Alliance 2026, I met Alina and Carolyn who both work in cancer rehabilitation. Their booth at the conference intrigued me and we started a robust conversation on the value of their work especially as it relates to breast cancer and breast reconstruction surgery.

This episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast is on the topic of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy at ReVital Cancer Foundation. It will be available on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel when published.

Alina Hedaya, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Her current focus is bringing rehabilitation to the forefront of cancer care. Alina is actively involved in training clinicians all around the nation so that cancer rehabilitation services are available for people right in their own communities. She serves on the board of the International Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation.

Carolyn Kalpas, PT, MSPT, is a cancer rehabilitation advocate and Specialist & Director for ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation at NovaCare Rehabilitation. She works as the liaison to healthcare in the oncology world. Carolyn believes that cancer rehab is an amazing part of what can be done for patients in supporting them throughout their cancer care and beyond.

We begin by discussing some of the most common physical challenges for breast cancer patients. Alina describes a few of the challenges.

· Pain

· Fatigue

· Limited shoulder mobility

· Scar tissue issues

· Lymphedema

· Being able to be independent after surgery.

We discussed the different considerations for rehabilitation following breast reconstruction and breast surgery. They emphasized the importance of looking at each patient on an individual basis, assessing their needs, and meeting them where they are in the recovery process. Surgical precautions are taken depending on what type of surgery a patient has.

Alina shares an important statement that summarizes the value of a rehabilitation specialist.

"You have someone by your side understanding what's safe."

We discuss lymphedema awareness, the importance of movement and its benefits in lymphedema treatment, and how they communicate with patient providers to maximize patient outcomes. They both share lifestyle modifications including aerobic activity, strength training for major muscle groups, skin care, getting proper fluid intake, aligning with surgical protocols during recovery, and we mention the value of a food diary to track optimal nutrition for patients.

I want to announce that June is Cancer Rehabilitation Month. As part of our efforts in working with the International Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation this interview is DiepCFoundation's program contribution for the community to learn more.

To learn more about their work follow the following links to find out more.

Website: Selectmedical.com/ReVital

LinkedIn – Carolyn Kalpas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-kalpas-pt-mspt-0bb6a5172/

LinkedIn – Alina Hedaya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-hedaya-pt-dpt-ocs-603856/

Instagram – Kessler Rehab: https://www.instagram.com/kesslerrehabilitationcenter/

Instagram – International Cancer Rehab Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/intcancerrehabfoundation/

How can you help today? After listening to this DiepCJourney® podcast interview with a highly skilled microsurgeon, Dr. Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, share it with someone who is newly diagnosed, has a genetic mutation putting them at high risk, and is facing a mastectomy but wants to reconstruct their breasts.

Since opening DiepCFoundation in 2016, our intent has been to empower patients with information about all breast reconstruction options.

There are three options:

1. Implant-based reconstruction used a medical device surgically placed in the body after a mastectomy to replace the breast tissue that has been removed. A plastic surgeon can do this.
2. Autologous reconstruction. This procedure uses the patient's own tissue to reconstruct the breasts after a mastectomy. This type of reconstruction requires a microsurgeon who has received training beyond standard plastic surgery.
3. Hybrid reconstruction combines autologous tissue and an implant to achieve volume and or projection.

Performing autologous breast reconstruction is a far more complex task. Because of the additional training required, it is a chosen profession beyond standard plastic surgery for those passionate about what I consider an extraordinary task. This task includes tissue transfer and the anastomosis, suturing together tiny blood vessels, to create a warm breast using only the patient's own tissue.

What does this mean for patients? Because there are fewer microsurgeons than general plastic surgeons, access to care becomes an issue.

A patient may go to a well-qualified plastic surgeon and be told implants are their best option because that is what the surgeon is skilled at.

A well-intended, skilled plastic surgeon may also tell patients that a procedure like the DIEP flap is complex and lengthy.

Where does this leave the patient? Patients owe it to themselves to understand all options for reconstruction, but we know they often do not.

How do we change this? Education and outreach.

When a skilled microsurgeon isn't available in a patient's area, it's a very valid reason for them to travel.

To learn more connect with Dr. Kline and his practice on these platforms:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-center-for-natural-breast-reconstruction/?viewAsMember=true

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natural.breast.reconstruction/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturalbreastreconstruction