Rewritten Me

Allison Gordon Parry wanted a DIEP flap reconstruction following her mastectomy. After she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, her priorities changed - “time is short, I’ve got other things to do!”.

Still, she grieved for the reconstruction she’d wanted. Her body was a daily reminder of what she’d lost – flat on one side and her natural ‘G’ cup breast on the other.

The breast surgery she eventually had changed her life. Allison felt beautiful and ‘whole’ again – wearing pretty bras, and swimming and dancing in Ibiza without feeling self-conscious.

Allison continued to rinse the joy out of life until she sadly passed away in May 2024.

This is the audio from our Live on Instagram, where Allison is known as @fanny_mcphee, for Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day. She also talks about her diagnosis in the UK, return to Australia and how happy she was to not get the reconstruction she wanted.

You can watch the Live here.

Where you can find Luan:

•  Instagram
•  Website
•  LinkedIn

If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katy Morrison was left with a single 20DD breast that caused her severe back pain after she was denied reconstruction at the time of her mastectomy because she had incurable breast cancer.

Katy advocated for a breast reconstruction*. And in this episode, she shares how her reconstruction and reduction surgery immediately relieved her back pain.

Katy’s recovery from breast surgery was tougher than she expected, and she developed a blood infection. She found herself in a physical and mental "hole" barely recognising herself and relying heavily on strong medication.

Acknowledging she needed a different approach, Katy found inspiration in Netflix sports documentaries!

Listen to how the mindset of athletes helped her re-frame her recovery and put together a team to help her get back on track.

And find out if Katy’s swimming in straight lines again (a podcast ‘in joke’ – check out part one of Katy's story 😉).

Katy epitomises self-advocacy and we’re so very grateful that she came back to share her story with us and you, so that we can all be inspired by her “never take ‘no’ for an answer” outlook!

* You can listen to part one of Katy’s story in our earlier episode.

Links for this episode:

• Katy's Instagram

Where you can find Luan:

•  Instagram
•  Website
•  LinkedIn

If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DIEP flap reconstruction is called the ‘gold standard’ of reconstruction after mastectomy – but is it the gold standard for everyone?

Whether you’re considering DIEP breast reconstruction or have had DIEP breast surgery, this episode is for you. It's for your loved ones too as it'll help them understand how they can support you.

In this episode Luan talks with Dr Beryl Tan, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, who specialise in DIEP.

They talk about the basics of DIEP and what it involves, from pre-op preparation for first phase surgery to phase two/refinement surgery. And not just about breasts/s, but about other areas of the body that are affected too such as the tummy, bellybutton and rib area.

Dr Beryl has a history of breast cancer and has had breast reconstruction herself. She uses easy-to-understand analogies to explain the medical and surgical aspects of this reconstruction procedure.

Dr Beryl also shares the 3 important things that patients need in place before having this surgery. Additionally she provides realistic insights into what recovery and healing are like compared to other procedures, such as implants.

Links for this episode:

• Dr Beryl Tan website

Where you can find Luan:

•  Instagram
•  Website
•  LinkedIn

If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue 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 or equally qualified surgeon in your country.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does MDT mean? How do they work for patients? Are there breast reconstruction MDTs?

As a patient, learning medical acronyms can be like learning a new language!

In this episode, Luan talks to A/Prof Rhea Liang ,General and Breast Surgeon, about MDTs (Multidisciplinary Team meetings) and their importance in breast cancer treatment.

An MDT can feel like a mysterious behind-the-scenes meeting where your future is decided without you having a say.

Dr Rhea explains how MDTs bring together various healthcare professionals to create a personalised treatment plan for each patient. Dr Rhea also talks about the potential benefits of having a reconstruction-specific MDT and how patient involvement in MDTs in other countries could provide valuable insights into informed decision-making.

But Dr Rhea talks about more than just MDTs. She explains how doctor training has changed over the years, including incorporating patient discussions about holistic care and recognising the different information needs of patients.

It’s important that patients feel empowered to ask questions and seek clarification about any medical terms or procedures they don't understand when considering their reconstruction options.

We hope this episode helps them to feel confident to do just that!

This is part one of my interview with Dr Rhea - subscribe to hear when part 2 drops.

Links for this episode:

• Dr Rhea Liang on X (Twitter)

Where you can find Luan:

•  Instagram
•  Website
•  LinkedIn

If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue 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 or equally qualified surgeon in your country.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find a bra that hugs you!

What bras can you wear after surgery for breast cancer? And when can you wear an underwire bra?

Finding the right bra fit is crucial for post-surgery recovery and can have a positive impact on a person's confidence and well-being. Bras can also help create symmetry after reconstruction, with options such balance shapers and bralettes.

But what should you look for if you don’t have access to a bra fitter?

In this episode, Luan talks to Gillian, who has a history of breast cancer, from Colleen's Lingerie, a store that offers a chest-inclusive range of bras and prosthesis.

Gillian says that the fit of your bra should feel like a hug. The closeness of your ‘bra hug’ will depend on what surgery you’ve had as there are different needs for various types of surgery.

Listen to Luan and Gillian talk about:

• The importance of bra fitting for post-surgery
• Bra needs for implants and tissue expanders
• Bra needs for autologous or ‘own tissue’ reconstruction
• Choosing the right bra after surgery
• Bras for radiotherapy
• When to start wearing longer-term prostheses
• Creating symmetry with bras
• Transitioning to regular bras
• Wearing underwire bras
• Signs of a bad fitting bra

The opinions expressed in this episode are not a substitute for and do not constitute medical advice. Speak to your surgeon about your post-surgery bra needs.

 Links for this episode:

• Colleen’s Lingerie
• Amoena Retailers
• Fiji Fittings and Donations
• Cancer Council's ‘Breast Prosthesis & Reconstruction’
• Impact of autologous breast reconstruction on bra fit

Where you can find Luan:

•  Instagram
•  Website
•  LinkedIn

If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue 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 or equally qualified surgeon in your country.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a story of “balls to the wall” self-advocacy, tiptoeing around surgeons' offices and swimming in circles!

Trigger warning: this podcast contains discussions about metastatic breast cancer, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners.

In this episode the wonderful Katy Morrison shares with us the shock of her stage four (metastatic) breast cancer diagnosis, and her experience of living with the disease including the challenges she’s faced advocating for herself.

Katy talks about her decision to have a mastectomy after it was initially recommended by her breast surgeon. She tells us how she was refused immediate reconstruction – or removal of her healthy breast – as it was deemed a “waste of resources” because she has incurable breast cancer.

Katy’s single mastectomy resulted in significant asymmetry and severe back pain that negatively impacted her quality of life.

Despite the difficulties she’s encountered, Katy has a positive outlook and emphasises the importance of finding joy and humour in life. And advocating for yourself!

This is part one of Katy’s story, recorded in 2023.

Subscribe to hear the follow-up episode and find out whether Katy had her reconstruction.

Links for this episode:

• Katy's Instagram
• Make 2nds Count (UK)
• Secondary Sisters Instagram (UK)
• McGrath Metastatic Breast Care Nurses

Where you can find Luan:

•  Instagram
•  Website
•  LinkedIn

If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to season 2!

In the first episode of this new season, Luan talks to Specialist Breast Surgeon, Dr Kylie Snook, about aesthetic flat closure. Also known as optimal flat closure or ‘going flat’, it is a reconstruction option that can be considered alongside implant and autologous/‘own tissue’ reconstruction after mastectomy.

Taken from an Instagram Breast Recon 101 Live Q&A session, Luan and Dr Kylie’s discussion provides valuable insights for women considering aesthetic flat closure, including:

• Impact of previous surgeries & treatments
• Effect on chest shape & perspective
• Recovery time compared to breast reconstruction.
• Corrective/revision surgeries
• ‘Dog ears’ & aesthetic outcomes
• Scars & scar placement
• Lymphoedema
• Breast reconstruction after going flat
• Having an open discussion with your surgeon

Send an DM to Luan for a copy of the BCNA research referred to in this episode.

Links for this episode:

Instagram Live video of this episode

Not Putting On a Shirt website

Flat Life Australia Facebook group

Breast SurgANZ website

DM me on Instagram for a link to the BCNA report referenced in this episode.

Where you can find Luan:

•  Instagram
•  Website
•  LinkedIn

Luan Lawrenson-Woods devised the Instagram Breast Recon 101 Live Q&A series and hosted the 2022 series on Pink Hope's Instagram account as a volunteer ambassador.

If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robyn has the BRCA2 variant and had a risk-reducing mastectomy with implant-based reconstruction in 2019. She experienced side effects that impacted her quality of life and made the decision to have the implants removed and ‘go flat’.

When a plastic surgeon told Robyn that she would look “aesthetically unpleasing”, she knew she had to self-advocate.

Robyn's story is one of courage - to challenge and re-think her own initial reconstruction choice and then to stand up for what was right for her and her health.

Luan and Robyn talk about:

• Hereditary cancer risk
• Robyn’s decision to have a mastectomy
• Why she had implants
• Her decision to remove them
• Finding the right surgeon
• Reconstruction framing bias
• The Australian flat community
• 'Flat' research with Flinders University

Resources for this episode:

• Informed consent
• Breast Recon 101 Live Q&A video: aesthetic flat closure with Dr Kylie Snook
• Flat Life Australia Facebook group
• Flinders research
• Not Putting On A Shirt
• Not Just a Linear Closure: Aesthetic Flat Closure after Mastectomy

Where you can find Luan:

•  Instagram
•  Website
•  LinkedIn

If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BRA-va art is a first-of-its-kind global Instagram campaign that uses exercise to promote BRA Day (Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day). Luan launched the campaign in 2022 and Rori Zura picked up the BRA-va art baton when she ran around New York in a pink striped ‘where’s Waldo’ top as she made BRA-va art!

Rori has always been a fitness enthusiast. When she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer during COVID, exercise was a key concern and topic of discussion with her surgeon. They encouraged Rori to keep moving to support her treatment. This advice was surprising to Rori – why didn’t everyone know of the benefits of exercise for cancer patients?

Rori is now a certified Cancer Exercise Specialist and founder of Foobs and Fitness, which encourages people to live a more active lifestyle before, during, and after diagnosis. Rori’s passion is to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone, and with her they don't. She has unwavering enthusiasm, creativity and joyful outlook. And she's an awesome battle buddy!

In this episode Rori shares her story of her treatment and implant reconstruction, and how her diagnosis set her off on a new career path. And she talks about the BRA-va art challenges she’s created so that you can have even more fun taking part this year!

Luan and Rori also talk about tips for making BRA-va art and how you can be help put BRA Day on the map on 18th October.

Listen in and then join them for #BRADay2023!

Links for this episode:

• BRA-va art Instagram
• BRA-va art website
• Foobs & Fitness BRA-va art challenges
• Foobs & Fitness Instagram

Where you can find Luan:

•  Instagram
•  Website
•  LinkedIn

If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's lots of free information about breast cancer and reconstruction on Instagram. But how do you know it’s factually correct?

Dr Liz O’Riordan is known as the breast surgeon who has breast cancer. Liz talks about why she uses Instagram to create evidence-based content about breast cancer and how you can check the accuracy of online information. And she talks about how even she found it difficult to ask her doctor about a information she'd seen on social media.

If you’re a patient, advocate or medical professional who uses social media – or is thinking of using it – this episode for you!

Luan and Liz cover a lot, including:

• Online community
• Doctors using social media
• The CRAP test
• AI & Chat GPT
• Digital literacy
• Equity of representation
• Responsibilities of advocacy

And Liz talks about her new book, ‘Under the Knife: Life Lessons from the Operating Theatre’, and how its publication was community-funded through her Instagram account.

Links for this episode:

Listen to Dr Minas Chrysopoulo talk about the Breast Advocate® app.

Donna Ashworth ‘Loss’ book

PF Tick

Since this recording, Liz has had a second local recurrence. As she goes through treatment, she’s putting her breast cancer vlog on her YouTube Channel, where you can find all her breast cancer videos.

You can also find Liz:

• liz.oriordan.co.uk
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Don’t Ignore The Elephant podcast

Where you can find Luan:

•  Instagram
•  Website
•  LinkedIn

If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.