DiepCJourney Podcast

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...

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 b...

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 h...

We know from evidence-based studies that exercise improves patient recovery before and after breast cancer treatment and surgery. It improves quality of life and strengthens physical function. In this episode of the  DiepCJourney® podcast we explore the benefits with Chris Fitzmaurice, a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the University of Miami Health System. He is passionate about helping people...

On this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast my guest is Dr. Stefania Tuinder, a notable global expert in breast sensation for those undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Originally from Italy, she is now located in Maastricht in the south of the Netherlands and works at an academic hospital. Her main work there is microsurgery, not only breasts but for sure breasts is where she does th...

As part of my work at  DiepCFoundation , I am able to meet in person, well-known board-certified surgeons across the world. My guest is one such surgeon I know. I have been anxious to interview her. Two words I find myself choosing to describe her are: Adaptable and compassionate. Each time I see her at a conference, the conversation is so easy and comfortable. I can't think it would be any differ...

Deciding which breast reconstruction path to take is rarely simple. Whether facing an active breast cancer diagnosis, navigating a high‑risk genetic mutation, or having a strong family history of cancer, the process demands research, planning, trust, and a strong circle of support. In this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast , we sit down with Marcy Goodman who is a wife, mother, and dedicated pr...

Patient advocacy shows up in so many meaningful ways, and my guest on this episode of the  DiepCJourney® podcast has been part of my own journey since the very beginning. We first connected back in 2015, when I was just starting to write my blog. She offered guidance, encouragement, and wisdom at a time when I was still finding my footing. I've followed her story ever since, and her voice has cont...

Facing a genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of breast cancer means making decisions that truly feel life‑defining. Today's guest on the DiepCJourney® podcas t, Emily Koellner, knows this experience intimately. With a strong family history of cancer, a mutation inherited from her father's side, and the unwavering support of her two sisters and loved ones, Emily navigated her cho...

Hi listeners. It's that time of year when we all take a few of those precious moments between the holidays and starting the New Year to look back, plan ahead, and savor those moments before heading back to work. This is the final  DiepCJourney® podcast of 2025 and I decided to go solo for the first time since beginning this podcast during the pandemic in January of 2021. Let's take a look back at...

We are diving into a conversation that's close to my heart and vital to the breast cancer community. On this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast are going to talk about the term, shared decision-making as it pertains to healthcare and take a deeper dive into its use in breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction with a returning guest Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo . Dr. C is the CEO of PRMA Plastic S...

What does it mean to truly heal after breast cancer? In this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast , we sit down with Dr. Silvia Kurtovic of Tucson Plastic Surgery to explore a holistic approach to breast reconstruction—one that goes beyond surgical technique to embrace emotional well-being, shared decision-making, and compassionate care. From honoring each patient's story to integrating wellness i...

This DiepCJourney® podcast  interview was conducted at the PRMA Plastic Surgery practice in San Antonio during Breast Reconstruction Awareness week. Dr. Chet Nastala discusses PRMA's TruSense® and sensation to the breasts. With extensive background training and twenty-five years of experience with the team of surgeons at PRMA , Dr. Nastala is particularly interested in the sensation of the breast,...

In the world of podcasting, you meet folks you feel like you've known for a while because of your connections, and you've only seen them through the lens of your laptop camera. This is the case for my guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast , Marcylle Combs host of the podcast 50% with Marcylle Combs ! Marcylle Combs, MS, RN is an Entrepreneur, Leadership Expert, Speaker , Author, and P...

In this powerful DiepCJourney® podcast episode, Dr. Anne Peled and Dr. Ziv Peled , renowned experts in breast reconstruction and pain management join forces to explore the groundbreaking potential of Journavx , a new non-opioid oral pain medication designed to address acute post-surgical pain. With a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes and reducing reliance on opioids, this is the firs...

This DiepCJourney® podcast   is for patients considering their options for breast reconstruction surgery as well as residence, trainees, and practicing surgeons. Our topic is robotic DIEP flap breast reconstruction. This interview will contain information you may have questions or comments about. Please let us know in the comment section of the podcast after listening and we will do our best to an...

We are discussing a topic today that is very important in the breast cancer community, breast sensation. It is important for me as Founder and Director of DiepCFoundation to learn about and understand the latest innovations to improve patient outcomes and quality of life after a breast cancer diagnosis and surgery. This will be available to watch on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel. This DiepCJ...

For patients exploring their options for breast reconstruction and learning they must travel, the very thought of a long car trip or airline travel can seem like an overwhelming task. It is important at DiepCFoundation then that we provide those practices who support patients who will be traveling for their breast reconstruction surgery. On this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast , I talk to Dr....

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...

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 ev...

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...

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 R...

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 (πλ ᾰ στ ῐ κός it means to shape or mold. Scars are a significant consideration in plastic surge...

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 passion...

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 p...