It's great to be back at the microphone after a summer break from podcasting and focusing our efforts on the inaugural DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium. We have a crisp, clean new look to our podcast cover with a few important changes!

Thanks so much for joining us and remember this will also be available on the DiepCFoundation educational channel under our podcast and video tabs.

We are going to be talking about surgical technology that is used to connect nerves, a suture-less device for nerve repair. At a medical conference I attended I passed by the BioCircuit table in the exhibit hall. After an invitation from the team at then vendor table I sat down to give it a go. You can actually watch that experience on the DiepCFoundation educational channel under the shorts. To search for it, type in the words, BioCircuit Nerve Tape®. Check the links below to watch the video.

I was amazed at how easy it was for me to use it and also how strong it is.

In surgical procedures, nerves are cut during the surgical process. The nerve tape we discuss is used across various specialties. At the Foundation on the DiepCJourney® podcast, we focus on all types of breast reconstruction for those undergoing mastectomy who are affected by breast cancer. In this interview we will be focusing on that specialty of surgery in this discussion.

We will be discussing the use of the Nerve Tape® in reconstructive surgery using implants with our guest surgeon.

The feeling of numbness across the breast area is a topic often discussed and is of concern in the community we serve at DiepCFoundation. It is a consideration in both erogenous sensation but also as a protective mechanism to prevent burns and injury to the breasts.

My guest is Dr. Lisa Hunsicker. She has been practicing medicine since 1995, and she opened Revalla Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics as her solo practice in Littleton Colorado in 2001. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas at Houston before moving on to her General Surgery training at the University of Colorado/Denver.

Dr. Lisa Hunsicker is a strong advocate for women's health issues and enjoys giving back to underserved communities. In addition to volunteering at health fairs, such as Tri for the Cure and at other local events, she has traveled many times to countries like El Salvador and Peru to perform reconstructive surgery on children and adults.

To view my experience using the Nerve Tape® click here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QedVwJfubfE

Connect with Dr. Hunsicker on the following platforms:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisahunsicker/

Connect with BioCircuit Technologies on the following platforms:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/biocircuit-technologies/

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

There are many acronyms, terms, and procedures patients hear either in consultation with their plastic surgeon or online through various social media groups and platforms. Our guest on this edition of the DiepCJourney podcast is a board-certified microsurgeon who will help us sort out three of those terms today. The delay procedure, SIEA, and TDAP in breast reconstruction surgery.

We appreciate everyone who is utilizing the DiepCFoundation resources. Be sure to click here for the video interview with my guest at the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel.

I am joined by Dr. James Craigie, who specializes and is trained in microsurgery. The primary focus at his practice at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction in Mt. Pleasant, SC, is performing complex breast reconstruction procedures which we will discuss in this interview. I want to highlight that Dr. Craigie works with a team of microsurgeons practicing the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction surgery. To learn more about the benefits of the co-surgeon model check out a previous episode of the DiepCJourney podcast by clicking here.

At the Foundation, our focus is to provide accurate information to our listeners and why I ask Dr. Craigie to join us to discuss specific procedures in this interview.

The paper I reference in the interview on the value of the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction can be found and read by clicking here.

Connect with Dr. Craigie and his practice on the following platforms.

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

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

LinkedIn: The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

This is a follow up of my interview with Margaret Tueller Proffitt who I spoke to after her phase one DIEP flap surgery at PRMA in San Antonio in January of 2024.

I invited her back to the DiepCJourney podcast to share details of the completion of her breast reconstruction after phase two. She traveled back to San Antonio seven months after phase one for her phase two surgery. We talk about the following:

· Communication and discussion with Dr. Whipple about your phase via a ZOOM call.

· What did she pack for phase 2.

· Who she traveled with for this phase of her surgery.

· The details of what Dr. Whipple did for phase 2.

· Compression garments, medical dressings, and showering.

· Pain medication, bruising, and change in clothing size after fat grafting.

· Flying home after surgery.

Margaret is a strong advocate and voice for the BRCA and breast reconstruction community. She is a mother, wife, loves to read, travel, has pets and she is a rock star on our Foundation YouTube channel with over a thousand views of video interview of phase one surgery.

She is living life, enjoying activities, travel, and family celebrations. I love success stories so I asked Margaret what she wanted to share with those listening to the interview who might be considering DIEP flap surgery.

"This was a short period of hard. Go forth with confidence. I love the body I have now."

Connect with Margaret on the following platforms:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-proffitt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margaret.t.proffitt

This interview on the DiepCJourney podcast is with three nationally known medical tattoo artist. It will also be available on the DiepCFoundation educational YouTube channel for viewing.

Our conversation today is on medical tattooing with three of the leading medical tattoo artists in the United States.

I begin with the President and founder of AMT, The Alliance of Medical Tattooing, Ms. Nicole Rizzuto, a licensed tattoo artist and I speak to her about her vision and why she created AMT.

Next is Christina Siegel who is a registered nurse and licensed tattoo artist and is the vice-president of AMT.

Last and certainly not least, is the medical tattoo artist in our beautiful city of Seattle, WA., Mr. Eric Eye. Eric and I are both advisory board members of AMT.

As a two-time cancer survivor who had successful DIEP flap breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy, I wanted "body art," a story, a strong reminder of who I am, what I do, and a symbolic message to celebrate my own personal Journey through breast cancer. When I describe this as body art, it is much more that that because I went to a medical tattoo artist.

I chose Eric Eye because of his artistic background, credentials and someone who works with breast cancer patients. Going to a tattoo artist is an emotional process that is transformative, having a profound impact on breast cancer survivors.

In a recent cross-sectional study, the researchers examined the relationship between medical tattooing as a complementary cosmetic intervention and body-image distress and mental health outcomes among breast cancer survivors following surgery.

The findings show medical tattooing may be a valuable tool in improving body-image distress and mental health for those who wish to pursue it. The study also states more research is needed.

We discuss the services medical tattoo artists provide, safe practices and what patients should be asking for, the planning and shared decision-making conversations with your medical tattoo artist, and how each of them finds balance in this work of passionate care for breast cancer patients.

Please view their work on their websites and social media channels, especially Instagram.

Connect with these medical tattoo artists on the following platforms:

Nicole Rizzuto:

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

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

Christina Siegel

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

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

Eric Eye:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064024771215

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

Alliance of Medical Tattooing: https://www.instagram.com/alliance_medical_tattooing/

We are going to discuss the topic of scars and cover several topics related to scars on this edition of the DiepCJourney podcast. It is understood, anyone who has surgery will have scars of some kind. There is a mechanism to how scars heal. In plastic surgery, if you think of the Greek word, plastikós (πλᾰστῐκός it means to shape or mold. Scars are a significant consideration in plastic surgery then. I invited an expert in the field to share his expertise on the topic.

My guest is Dr. Andrew Gassman joined PRMA in San Antonio, Texas in 2021.

Dr. Gassman completed his plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California, and a general surgery residency, as Chief of Surgical Resident Education, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood Illinois. Following his residency, Dr. Gassman completed his fellowship in breast and reconstructive microsurgery, with a specialty in facial reanimation at UTSW Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Gassman and his team practice the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction, meaning each patient undergoing autologous breast reconstruction will have two board-certified microsurgeons in the OR at the time of their reconstruction. They are part of the IFAR (Institute for Advanced Reconstruction) network collaborating with other microsurgeons in the IFAR network to improve patient safety, care, and outcomes.

Dr. Gassman discusses the importance of scars and the considerations for plastic surgeons regarding scars for their patients. He tells us,

"These are marks that a patient is going to carry with them for their lives."

He tells us about techniques used at his practice and considerations like:

· Scar placement

· Scar healing

· Different types of scars and skin types

· Scar management after surgery

· Scar revisions at phase 2

· Emotional impact of scars

We reference a DiepCJourney podcast in our discussion you can listen to here:

Ep. 60: Credibility in the Noise _ Social Media, Breast Reconstruction, and Your Experience.

Connect with Dr. Gassman on the following platforms:

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

Instagram: PRMA https://www.instagram.com/prmaplasticsurgery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.andrewgassman

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRMAPlasticSurgery

Do most people who have nipple reconstruction have breast reconstruction? Not necessarily. Do you think about nipple reconstruction if you've had breast cancer and are in a consultation for breast reconstruction? We are going to answer these questions and others on this episode of the DiepCJourney Podcast.

My guest is Dr. Courtney Carpenter of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Carpenter is passionate about utilizing her extensive expertise and experience to help transform lives through reconstructive plastic surgery. I want to point out that PRMA uses the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction, meaning there are two board-certified microsurgeons with the patient in the OR at the time of autologous breast reconstruction surgery. PRMA is part of the IFAR (Institute for Advanced Reconstruction) network of surgeons.

We discuss these topics:

· At what phase of the reconstructive process does nipple reconstruction happen?

· Methods of nipple reconstruction.

· Recovery and dressings used after surgery.

· 3-D Medical tattooing of the NAC (nipple areola complex) for those who do not have nipple reconstruction.

This is what Dr. Carpenter tells us as she summarizes her thoughts at the end of the podcast.

"Nipple recon is something people don't think about. They hear their diagnosis. They are thinking about breasts. They are not necessarily thinking about the nipples or the thought that their nipples might be removed isn't something that even crosses their mind, even though it might be on my mind or their breast surgeon's mind.

I think that people should be encouraged to ask more questions. Especially if they are a candidate for preserving their nipples or not preserving their nipples. Questions are always great! I love questions, it means you're thinking about it! You're trying to get as much data as you want or as you need in order to make your decision."

I am grateful for her time and expertise to help prepare our listeners for their consulation for breast reconstruction surgery and to know what questions to ask about nipple reconstruction.

Connect with Dr. Carpenter on the following platforms:

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRMAPlasticSurgery

How much do you know about robotic surgery for DIEP flap breast reconstruction?

What areas in the U.S. are performing these types of robotic surgery for those affected by breast cancer? What if I told you robotic DIEP flaps are being performed in Hawaii?

It is important to share with you surgeons I meet to provide access to care for those affected by breast cancer. Thank you for listening to the podcast to find out who these surgeons are. We are going to discuss robotic surgery and DIEP flap being performed in Hawaii with my guests on this edition of the DiepCJourney podcast. Be sure to watch our conversation on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel when it is published, and you can sit with us and watch our conversation.

I first met Dr. Daniel Murariu at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in San Diego in September of 2024. What impressed me at our first meeting was his interest in the resources breast cancer patients provide. We talked about the resources provided by DiepCJourney Foundation, but we also discussed the many other breast cancer support groups helping patients navigate their decision through treatment, surgery, and recovery.

I was also impressed with the time he spent listening and I thought to myself, if I were a patient of Dr. Murariu, I think I would feel very much a part of my decision process with his thoughtful demeanor. He is a TEDx UC Davis speaker, Rotarian, speaks three languages, has published multiple papers, an impressive resume to be sure!!

Further, Dr. Murariu practices the co-surgeon model at his private practice office in Honolulu, Hawaii at Hawaii Aesthetics and Robotic Plastic Surgery. He collaborates with his team member, Dr. Peter Deptula. We are going to learn more about the work of Dr. Deptula and his training in the interview.

They are both board-certified reconstructive surgeons who perform autologous breast reconstruction, lymphedema surgery, complex abdominal wall reconstruction, and complex microsurgery focusing on head and neck and breast reconstruction.

We wrap up our conversations with an announcement by Dr. Murariu. It is exciting to know that he and Dr. Deptula are organizing the RAMSES 2027 meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. RAMSES stands for The Robotic Assisted & Microsurgical Endoscopic Society, "The group represents the 'early adaptors' of robotic technology in the field of microsurgery." He graciously invites surgeons to visit them to observe their work and learn more about robotics in plastic surgery.

Connect with Dr. Murariu and Dr. Deptula across these platforms:

LinkedIn: Daniel Murariu

Instagram: The Aloha Plastic Surgeon

Facebook: Dr. Daniel Murariu

Dr. Deptula: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.petey/

This interview is another resource provided by DiepCFoundation.org specifically providing access to care for those affected by breast cancer. The slide presentation and interview are available on the Foundation educational channel for our listeners and followers who would like to access it at DiepCFoundation YouTube channel.

We are discussing a topic that is often discussed in my community so I reached out to my guest to share her expertise on the repair of diastasis and recognizing what a hernia or bulge might look like after autologous breast reconstruction, specifically DIEP flaps.

My guest is Dr. Kelsey McClure who practices with a team of other microsurgeons at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics in Phoenix, AZ. She is a board-certified plastic surgeon and holds certification with The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

She is an active member of:

• The American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM)
• The American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)
• Mountain West Society of Plastic Surgeons (MWSPS) AND the
• Arizona Society of Plastic Surgeons

She has authored several research publications. Dr. McClure believes that shared decision- making is necessary to tailor a comprehensive aesthetic and reconstructive plan.

We reference a PRS Global Open paper published by Dr. Arvind Gowda who has been a guest on a previous episode of the DiepCJourney podcast. The paper can be accessed through this open-source Journal here:

Approach to DIEP Flap Pedicle Dissection via a Midline Fascial Incision

Connect with Dr. Kelsey and her team across these platforms:

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

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

When you have cancer you become a patient, and advocate, a student, and yes, I said student. It's like taking one of those classes at university that you must take to learn the topic, but you don't really want to take it. Have you ever met someone in the breast cancer community, and you think to yourself, "Damn! They really did a good job of navigating this whole process."

They view their life before cancer. They view their life during diagnosis, after treatment, after surgery, and what that should look like to them. Then they got on with it. I met one of those people and we chat on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.

We met through a mutual friend who is a trained microsurgeon. Dr. Anita Mohan introduced me to the inspirational Samantha Vale. They have known each other for quite some time; before Anita was a microsurgeon and before Sam had breast cancer. They danced, celebrated, and traveled together. Their friendship continues today and I'm lucky to know them both.

The story of her multiple occurrences, surgeries, and the lessons she learned along the way will inspire the listener to put your own story into a new light and perspective. Sam is a single mom with two young children who continues to navigate her personal Journey and choice not to reconstruct after a double mastectomy.

Listen to Sam's story and how dance and music continue to nourish her creative strengths. She is a published author, and her book link can be found at the bottom of these notes.

Connect with Samantha across these platforms:

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

https://www.instagram.com/samanthavaledance/

Samantha's book on Amazon: The Lady with no Hair

As promised, season five presents our listeners with interviews from experts and shares with you all your options for breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy. In this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast the expert we interview is Dr. Arvind Gowda who collaborates with a team of surgeons at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics in Phoenix, Arizona.

One of our goals on the podcast is to provide access to care, no matter who you choose for your breast surgery. When you dial down to autologous reconstruction, using the patients own tissue, it becomes important to research the background, skill, and collaborative team effort of the microsurgeon you choose. Patients frequently must travel to find a microsurgeon, so it is our honor to provide this interview with Dr. Gowda for your consideration.

Dr. Arvind Gowda tells us about his interest, training, and fellowship in microsurgery for the listeners. He shares with us the names of his colleagues at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics. Dr. Gowda describes the importance of the co-surgeon model and how he and his team work together to optimize patient outcomes and improve the experience for the patient and the surgeon.

Dr. Gowda talks about the role of PAs (Physician Assistants) both in and out of the operating room at his practice. PAs play an integral role in the OR but also in clinic and for patient follow up. The ability to reach out to the PA when the surgeon is with a patient in the OR helps facilitate communication for patients.

Dr. speaks of the importance of patients assessing their goals to have a truly shared decision-making conversation with them regarding their choice in breast reconstruction and breast surgery.

Dr. Gowda shares his morning routine as well as one of his favorite workouts plans to maintain his health and stay strong for his patients.

Connect with Dr. Gowda through his practice on these platforms:

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

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