Rewritten Me

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: Instagram Website LinkedInWhere you can find Dr Joe:WebsiteInstagramIf 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.

This isn’t a usual episode - it’s an important update.Rewritten Me has always been about more than reconstruction. It’s about agency, questions, courage - and the quiet (or loud) moments of self-advocacy that shape our healthcare experiences.In this special episode, Luan shares what’s next for Rewritten Me, how self-advocacy has always been at the heart of the podcast, and why she launched Regarding Me to continue the story.If you’ve loved Rewritten Me, you’ll love Regarding Me. It has the same heart just with a wider lens to help you get the healthcare that’s right for you, so you can make choices that fit your life, not just your diagnosis.Because making decisions about breast cancer surgery is hard enough. Getting the right care shouldn’t be.🎧 Plus: What to expect going forward, and how you can help keep this resource alive.🔗 Listen to Regarding Me on your fave podcast platform.🌐 Learn more or get in touch:www.luanlawriewoods.com.au💙 Want to support or help fund future Rewritten Me episodes? I’d love to hear from you—DM me or head to the website to get in touch.

Breast cancer treatment or surgery can have long-term or late effects that can affect your quality of life - for life.One of those is breast cancer-related lymphoedema, a condition that causes abnormal swelling due to damage to the lymphatic system.Early monitory, detection and intervention can make all the difference! This is a crucial conversation for anyone affected by breast cancer and at risk of lymphoedema. I sit down with Sandy Templeton, Lymphoedema Therapist and Occupational Therapist to talk about:What lymphoedema is and why it occurs in breast cancer patientsHow treatments and surgeries can increase the risk of lymphoedemaOther factors that increase the risk of lymphoedemaRecommended prospective assessment and monitoringHow to recognise the early signs of lymphoedemaPractical advice on preventing and managing lymphoedemaGuidance on medical procedures (bloods, BP cuffs) involving the affected arm(s)Why lifelong vigilance and self-care are essential for those at risk of lymphoedemaDon’t miss out on Sandy’s expert advice on how to stay ahead of lymphoedema and maintain your well-being!Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode provides invaluable insights into monitoring this condition effectively.Links for this episodeCancer Council lymphoedema resourceAustralasian Lymphology Association recommendations for patient education & prospective monitoring Information about IV, cannulation or blood pressure cuffs for ‘at risk’ arm(s) Gillian’s episode about post-surgery bras  Where you can find Luan: Instagram Website LinkedInIf 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.Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)

As cancer treatment becomes more personalised and complex, staying informed to advocate for yourself can feel overwhelming. In today’s digital world, finding trustworthy, evidence-based information is often challenging. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'm excited to share my conversation with Dr Anne Bruinvels, who was inspired by a friend's traumatic breast cancer experience to create OWise—a free app providing personalised support for breast cancer patients. Tune in to discover how this accredited app can help you navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and breast cancer surgeries like mastectomy and reconstruction, inlcuding:Mapping your treatment pathRecording appointmentsSaving photographsTracking symptoms, side effects & feelingsTake part in BRA-va Art when you exercise and support people who have breast surgery - no fundraising, just fun raising!Links for this episodeGet the app (web version)OWise on InstagramWhere you can find Luan: Instagram Website LinkedInIf 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.Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Join me as I sit down with Dr Joe Dusseldorp, Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, to talk in detail about nipple-sparing mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. We talk about:What the procedure isHow it's doneWhy it may be appropriate for a patientWhen it can be done – immediate or delayed?What can impact resultsIf it increases risk of DIEP flap failureNipple sensation And Dr Joe kindly answers questions that our breast cancer community asked me to put to him about nipple-sparing options after a mastectomy!To help you understand this procedure fully, Dr Joe refers to other topics that we've talked about on the podcast in more detail - I’ve linked to previous episodes about those topics, below.Take part in BRA-va Art when you exercise and support people who have breast surgery - no fundraising, just fun raising!Links for this show:Dr Joe talking DIEP strategiesNiki Crillo & nipple prostheticsDr Matt & nipple reconstructionBloom43 device to support healingWhere you can find Dr Joe:WebsiteInstagramWhere you can find Luan: Instagram Website LinkedInIf 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.Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)

One of the most frequently asked questions from people who’ve had their nipple removed as part of their mastectomy is: “is nipple reconstruction worth it?” As with all decisions around reconstruction after breast cancer surgery, this one is highly personal. I speak with Dr Matt Starr, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, to explore this topic further and talk about some of the myths about nipple reconstruction after a skin-sparing mastectomy to help you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you. We talk about:Types of nipple reconstructionWhen it can be doneDoes it need to be done in hospital?What affects nipple projection?Risks of ‘failure’Medicare funding Dr Matt also answers questions that our community wanted me to ask him!Take part in BRA-va Art when you exercise and support people who have breast surgery - no fundraising, just fun raising!Links for this show:Dr Matt’s websiteDr Matt’s InstagramWhere you can find Luan: Instagram Website LinkedInIf 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.Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)

From shock diagnosis to choosing a reconstruction surgeon. Bec didn’t think for one minute that the lump in her breast was cancer. After the shock of being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, she was stunned when genetic testing revealed a mutation (as she has no family history of breast cancer). That kicked off an intense treatment plan. But the hardest part for Bec was choosing a reconstruction surgeon.Hear how Bec overcame the challenges of one shock after the next and found a plastic surgeon that was right for her. And how her breast surgeon’s insistence on genetic testing not only saved her life, but also potentially saved her sister’s life. Take part in BRA-va Art when you exercise and support people who have breast surgery - no fundraising, just fun raising!Links for this show:Triple Negative Breast Cancer for Australian and New Zealand SistersSTAGE 4,Triple Negative Breast Cancer for Australian & New Zealand SistersWhere you can find Luan: Instagram Website LinkedInIf 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.Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)Link to bRA-va artLink ot ANZ TNBC group

Are you concerned about your FRACS Surgeon’s behaviour? Here’s how you can give purposeful feedback to help future patients. Historically, it was accepted that some surgeons had great surgical skills but poor bedside manners. However, research now shows a direct link between poor communication and patient complications. Luan talks to A/Prof Rhea Liang, General and Breast Surgeon, about the RACS (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) and its Operate with Respect project, focusing on patient outcomes and rights. Through RACS, you can provide feedback about a surgeon - whether it's a concern, complaint, or compliment. This anonymous process offers a framework for timely, non-judgmental feedback to surgeons, addressing concerns, encouraging reflection and positive change. Dr Rhea discusses how studies indicate that this type of feedback is effective in managing behaviour, which crucial for patient outcomes and quality care. And don’t forget compliments – be sure to feed those back too!This is part two of Luan's interview with Dr Rhea - check out episode 4 for their talk about MDTs and patient-centred care.Links for this episode:Dr Rhea Liang on X (Twitter)RACS feedback & complaintsWhere you can find Luan: Instagram Website LinkedInIf 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.Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)