DiepCJourney Podcast

Dr. Ron Israeli of New York Breast Reconstruction and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (NYBRA.com) and Dr. George DeNoto, Director of General Surgery and Hernia Institute, St. Francis, Hospital, East Hills New York, discuss the technique they have developed together for abdominal wall reconstruction.

They have worked together to improve this technique for breast cancer patients who have had breast reconstruction using the abdominal tissue and have presented with hernias after the surgery.

Episode 4 of the DiepCJourney podcast speaks to an educator, microsurgeon, and Director for MedStar Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Academic Chair for the Department of Plastic Surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center, Dr. David H. Song. 

Dr. Song holds the BC3 Conference (Breast Cancer Coordinated Care) in Washington, D. C. every other year. We discuss the medical professionals that can comprise the team and why each is an integral factor for those diagnosed with breast cancer or at high risk of getting breast cancer. 

Access and disparities in care can limit the ability to fully coordinate care so Dr. Song and I tackle this topic in our conversation with breast cancer and reconstructive resourcesfor breast cancer patients.

In this episode of the DiepCJourney Podcast we interview two microsurgeons who perform microsurgery that can result in sensation to the breast for those affected by breast cancer.

Dr. Anne Peled, based in San Francisco, is a surgeon, an educator, a researcher, a mother, an athlete, and a breast cancer survivor. Dr. Ziv Peled, married to Ann, is a Board-Certified plastic surgeon trained to perform the full spectrum of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgical procedures and is located in San Francisco.

Together they are an innovative and formidable team of experts in restoring sensation to the breast. We discuss the process of restoring sensation for both implant-based and autologous (using your own tissue) like I did for My DIEPflap reconstruction, insurance coverage, and hope for innovations and education now and in the future.

Dr. Tim Matatov, MD, a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction and microsurgery at Southwest Breasts and Aesthetics in Phoenix, AZ,  takes us on a "DIEP-dive" of the blood vessels used in breast reconstruction on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.

Blood flow and finding optimal veins and arteries in both the breast and donor site flap/tissue determines the outcome of any type of breast reconstruction but particularly autologous reconstruction using the patient's own tissue. This tissue, referred to as the flap or donor site, can include areas of the body like the inner thighs, back of the buttocks, but the most common donor site is the abdominal area called DIEP flap, deep inferior epigastric perforators. It is often referred to as the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction. We begin with assessment of the blood vessels at a consult. Dr. Matatov explains the various branches of blood vessels harvested for autologous reconstruction and completes the conversation by describing how the tissue is transferred along with the blood vessels to the breast area.

This episode, the first, is dedicated to Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. After a second breast cancer diagnosis in 2014, he performed my DIEP flap breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy earlier that same year. He not only was the microsurgeon I chose, he has become a mentor to me, the voice in the corner, always cheering me on.

I did a complete change in careers in early 2015 after my surgery and began writing the blog DiepCJourney: Reconstructing a Purposeful Life. 

One year later, after his encouragement, I opened a nonprofit foundation, DiepCFoundation.org, to support those affected by breast cancer sharing education and resources through their own Journey.  

His work ethic and desire to educate about breast cancer and breast reconstruction have been a compass and guiding light for me through my own advocacy. Constantly encouraging me to stay the course, find the communities that need this education, and unwavering willingness to help, have forged our commitment to continue this work. 

We take a walk down memory lane and finish with a powerful ending discussing the Breast Advocate App, an app he developed for those affected by breast cancer.

Enjoy the Journey, the chat, and the man on a mission to educate and an expert in breast cancer reconstruction and shared decision-making. 

Welcome to the introduction of the DiepCJourney podcast. We hope you'll join us for exciting new episodes coming soon to learn more about all options for breast reconstruction and breast surgery when affected by breast cancer and facing a mastectomy! For more information please visit our website https://diepcjourney.com/