Rewritten Me
Luan Lawrenson-Woods
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.
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Top 10 Rewritten Me Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Rewritten Me episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Rewritten Me for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Rewritten Me episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
BRA-va art and Foobs & Fitness
Rewritten Me
10/03/23 • 53 min
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:
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.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why consult both a breast & plastic surgeon?
Rewritten Me
07/26/23 • 69 min
It isn't vain to want your breast/s reconstructed after a mastectomy. Some women choose not to reconstruct because they think it's cosmetic. And some women aren't given the option to reconstruct.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, Dr Kirstin Miteff, talks about consulting both a breast surgeon and a reconstructive plastic surgeon when you research your reconstruction options.
Dr Kirstin also talks about how a referral to a plastic surgeon at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis may reduce the reconstruction timeline for some patients.
Luan and Dr Kirstin also talk about:
- What a reconstructive plastic surgeon does
- The role of plastic surgeons & breast surgeons
- And how they work alongside each other
- What to consider when choosing your reconstruction
- Telehealth consults for regional/rural patients
- What to ask a reconstructive plastic surgeon
- The training path of reconstructive plastic surgeons
- How some women haven't been offered recon
You might also want to:
- Listen to Dr Joe Dusseldorp talk about DIEP 'flap' strategies
- Listen to Dr Bish Soliman talk about other 'flap' options
- Subscribe to be notified when the episode about public & private health drops!
Links for this podcast:
- Aspire Plastic Surgery website
- Aspire Plastic Surgery on Instagram
- Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
Where you can find Luan:
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.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Under & over the muscle implants
Rewritten Me
07/10/23 • 45 min
When it comes to implant-based reconstruction, you might hear the terms UTM and OTM. But what do they mean and why might you choose one over the other?
Luan talks to one of Australia’s leading consultant breast surgeons, Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier, about under and over the muscle implants, including:
- What’s involved for UTM & OTM
- What might dictate your decision
- The benefits of each
- Acellular dermal matrix
- UTM dual plane technique
- OTM two staged approach with expanders
- Exercise after UTM/OTM
- What happens if you have a port?
- What about radiotherapy?
- Potential complications of each
- How these can be addressed (eg rippling)
- Surveillance imaging after UTM/OTM
You might also want to:
- Listen to Dr Kylie Snook talk about mastectomy and expanders
- Subscribe to be notified when the episode about public & private health drops!
Links for this podcast:
Where you can find Luan:
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.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Medicare and private health cover
Rewritten Me
08/08/23 • 56 min
What does Medicare cover for breast reconstruction? What do you need to consider if you choose to be treated privately?
The two different systems in Australia – public and private – can be confusing, and potential financial costs of reconstruction can cause anxiety. It can also be an awkward discussion to have with your team.
In this episode Luan talks to Specialist Breast Surgeon and President of BreastSurgANZ, Dr Melanie Walker, about how to navigate finances.
Luan and Dr Melanie talk about whether Medicare covers:
- All types of reconstruction
- Elective mastectomy
- Revision surgery
- Delayed reconstruction
- Liposuction and fat grafting
- Nipple reconstruction
Luan and Dr Melanie also talk in general about private cover, including:
- What to ask your specialist’s team
- What might not be covered
- What your quote may include
- Negotiating costs
Links for this podcast:
- AMA Guide for patients
- BreastSurgANZ
- Cancer Council resource
Where you can find Luan:
Subscribe to be notified when new Rewritten Me episodes are published.
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.
Note: this podcast talks about what is covered by Medicare. What you have access to and what resources and services are available to you, including waiting times, can differ depending on where you live. And things change. This information was correct at the time of recording (3rd July 2023).
The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Owning your worth
Rewritten Me
05/24/23 • 56 min
What does it mean to be a patient advocate and to ‘own your worth’?
When Terri Coutee received her second diagnosis for breast cancer she was mistakenly diagnosed with incurable metastatic disease. This prompted her to blog about her experience and advocate for others.
Luan and Terri talk about how Terri went on to set up not-for-profit DIEPC Foundation, and create a 24/7 library of educational resources to help those affected by breast cancer make an informed decision about reconstruction after a mastectomy.
Be sure to listen out for the poem Terri melodiously reads that so beautifully sums up the work of patient advocates #WorkIsLoveMadeVisible
Luan and Terri also talk about:
- The role of a patient advocate
- Keeping calm when things go wrong!
- Importance of open dialogue
- How we can all learn from each other
- Responsibilities of patient advocacy
- Improving patient outcomes
- Tips for navigating conferences as an advocate
Links for this pod:
- DIEPC Foundation website
- DIEPC Journey private Facebook group
- DIEPC Instagram
Where you can find Luan:
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.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Alternative 'flap' options
Rewritten Me
04/26/23 • 35 min
What other options are available if you want an ‘own tissue’ reconstruction, but you aren’t a candidate for DIEP flap?
Some women may not have enough tummy tissue for a DIEP. Others may have previously had abdominoplasty, or a DIEP reconstruction that didn’t work out.
Dr Bish Soliman is an internationally trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who specialises in complex microsurgical reconstruction, such as ‘own tissue’ or ‘flap’ reconstructions.
Luan talks to Dr Bish about the alternatives to DIEP, including the LAP flap, which is a relatively new procedure that may be a second-line option for women who’ve had abdominal surgery previously, such as a tummy-tuck or DIEP.
Luan and Dr Bish also talk about:
- What is a ‘flap’?
- Difference between a ‘free’ and pedicle ‘flap’
- LAP/TUG/PAP/GAP/Lat Dorsi flaps
- What’s involved in each
- Benefits & downsides of each
What to know more about DIEP? Check out episode one in the series.
Links for this pod:
- Dr Bish Soliman’s website
- DIEP information sheet
Where you can fin Luan:
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.
Feeling & sensation after breast reconstruction
Rewritten Me
05/08/23 • 42 min
Hear about new techniques being used to try to preserve and restore feeling and sensation in the breast after reconstruction.
“That [extra] 20 minutes is this woman’s entire lifetime of [breast] sensation,” A/Prof Cindy Mak.
Loss of feeling after a mastectomy and reconstruction is a concern for many women.
Luan talks to A/Prof Cindy Mak & Dr Joe Dusseldorp about techniques they’re using to preserve and reconstruct nerves.
They also share the results of these surgeries: listen out for my "wow” jaw-drop when Dr Cindy tells us that they’ve observed that temperature sensation is developing after reconstruction.
And Dr Joe also tells us – hot off the press! – how he’s using the same nerve reconstruction techniques developed for the breast to help optimise the sensation in the tummy area after DIEP flap surgery.
We talk about:
- Breast sensory nerve preservation:
- For DIEP, TUG & implant
- Can it be used for delayed recon?
- ‘Spare part’ nerve grafting
- Breast sensory nerve reconstruction
- Abdominal nerve preservation:
- Sensory and motor (core muscle strength)
- Things to consider about these techniques
- How can patients find out more about them
Links for this pod:
Where you can find Luan:
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.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What’s strategy got to do with DIEP?
Rewritten Me
03/06/23 • 40 min
Talking to your surgeon about what’s meaningful to you and what approaches, or strategies, they can take to help you achieve an optimal reconstruction is all part of shared decision-making.
In the first episode of season one, Luan talks to reconstructive plastic surgeon, Dr Joe Dusseldorp, about the strategies he considers for DIEP flap reconstruction in relation to form and function of the breast/s and abdomen.
Luan and Dr Joe talk about:
Nipple preservation
Desired breast size
Feeling in the breast and the tummy
Preserving core muscle function
Strengthening muscle (after pregnancy)
How CT scans help inform DIEP strategies
There are other strategies for reconstruction that Luan will be talking to other surgeons about in future pods – subscribe for updates!
And check out the pre-launch pods where we talk about other types of reconstruction.
Links for this pod:
Dr Joe Dusseldorp’s website and Instagram page
IG Live about Robotic Assisted DIEP
More about DIEP flap reconstruction
Some information about TRAM
BRA-va Art social media campaign to promote BRA Day
Where you can find Luan:
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 an equally qualified surgeon in your country.
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Unwritten to Rewritten Me
Rewritten Me
12/18/22 • 17 min
In this first episode, I share how devastating it was to be told I needed a mastectomy and how I’ve gone from being the star of the Unwritten Me Sh!tshow to hosting the Rewritten Me podcast.
I talk about my breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and surgeries, as well some of the little talked about side effects of my DIEP reconstruction, like the ‘Ken Doll’ (oh, and my labi@ also gets an honourable mention!).
Listen in to hear how on Rewritten Me I’ll be talking to healthcare professionals along with women from the breast cancer community so that you can learn more about breast reconstruction in Australia. And not just the surgical side of things, but the physical, emotional and practical things too.
Rewritten Me is here to help you choose how you re-write your story.
Links:
Breast Recon 101 Live Q&As on Instagram
Live Chats on Instagram
Pink Hope, the preventative health charity
Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance (note: American site)
Where you can find Luan:
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 Rewritten Me podcast is recorded and produced on the Traditional Lands of the Cammeraygal people of the Guringai tribe of the Eora Nation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What about aesthetic flat closure?
Rewritten Me
03/27/24 • 43 min
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:
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.
Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Rewritten Me have?
Rewritten Me currently has 33 episodes available.
What topics does Rewritten Me cover?
The podcast is about Plastic Surgery, Health & Fitness, Australia, Podcasts and Breast Cancer.
What is the most popular episode on Rewritten Me?
The episode title 'Advocating to 'go flat' after implants' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Rewritten Me?
The average episode length on Rewritten Me is 51 minutes.
How often are episodes of Rewritten Me released?
Episodes of Rewritten Me are typically released every 14 days, 8 hours.
When was the first episode of Rewritten Me?
The first episode of Rewritten Me was released on Dec 18, 2022.
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