Deciding what reconstruction is right for you can be overwhelming, the medical terminology can be confusing and it can be just plain scary. And lonely. But you're not alone.
My name's Luan. In 2017 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and told I needed a mastectomy. I had no idea about the different types of reconstruction and didn't know anyone who'd had a reconstruction. Hearing about my reconstruction options gave me hope that I could be 'me' again. I'm creating a community that supports and empowers women who want to know more about reconstruction after a mastectomy so that they can feel confident in their choices.
On the Rewritten Me podcast I talk with leading surgeons about all aspects of reconstruction, including the latest techniques that they're developing to help improve women's quality of life after a mastectomy. I also talk with healthcare professionals who can help with practical advice to support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing after reconstruction. And I talk with the wonderful women from our community who generously share their stories to help inspire and raises awareness of life after breast cancer and reconstruction.
Rewritten Me is here to help women make an holistic, informed decision so that they can have a say in how they re-write their story.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Deciding what reconstruction is right for you can be overwhelming, the medical terminology can be confusing and it can be just plain scary. And lonely. But you're not alone.
My name's Luan. In 2017 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and told I needed a mastectomy. I had no idea about the different types of reconstruction and didn't know anyone who'd had a reconstruction. Hearing about my reconstruction options gave me hope that I could be 'me' again. I'm creating a community that supports and empowers women who want to know more about reconstruction after a mastectomy so that they can feel confident in their choices.
On the Rewritten Me podcast I talk with leading surgeons about all aspects of reconstruction, including the latest techniques that they're developing to help improve women's quality of life after a mastectomy. I also talk with healthcare professionals who can help with practical advice to support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing after reconstruction. And I talk with the wonderful women from our community who generously share their stories to help inspire and raises awareness of life after breast cancer and reconstruction.
Rewritten Me is here to help women make an holistic, informed decision so that they can have a say in how they re-write their story.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From surgical signs to patient peace of mind, Dr Joe Dusseldorp breaks down what flap monitoring involves and why it matters for your recovery.
For patients who choose flap-based breast reconstruction like DIEP, one of the biggest sources of anxiety is the fear that something could go wrong with the flap after surger and it “fails”.
In this episode of Rewritten Me, I speak with leading reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr Joe Dusseldorp about what flap-based reconstruction involves, how the flap is monitored in the hours and days after surgery and what signs surgical teams watch for to support flap health.
Dr Joe also shares details of a new trial to test a device called T-Stat, which is designed to support flap monitoring. He’s presenting the findings at the 2025 ASPS Plastic Surgery Congress this week.
This episode will help you feel more informed during a time when you might feel out of control. And it's a powerful reminder that understanding what flap-based reconstruction is, what’s involved post-op and what recovery really looks like is all part of informed decision-making - a key aspect of self-advocacy.
Want more tools and conversations to help you advocate for the surgery and health care that's right for you? Check out my new podcast, Regarding Me, or visit luanlawriewoods.com.au to learn more.
Where you can find Luan:
Where you can find Dr Joe:
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.