
S3E18 - What's Involved in Breast Reconstruction Surgery w/ Erika
08/28/24 • 21 min
Erika was gracious enough to return this week and share the often untold story of her breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy. She shares her thoughtful decision-making process, overcoming challenges, and the emotional highs and lows of her journey. This candid conversation offers invaluable insights into the decisions, surgeries, and considerations involved in breast reconstruction, all while highlighting the importance of support, self-awareness, and medical guidance. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and discover the strength and resilience that fuels her recovery. If you know someone on a similar path or seeking support, share this episode with them!
00:00 Introduction to Breast Reconstruction Journey
00:20 Choosing the Right Surgeon
00:46 Deciding on Double Mastectomy and Implants
01:26 Challenges and Delays Due to COVID
02:33 Deep Flap Surgery Explained
04:22 Nipple Reconstruction Options
10:15 Chemotherapy and Radiation Differences
13:03 Triple Negative Breast Cancer
14:17 Deep Flap Surgery Details
18:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Erika was gracious enough to return this week and share the often untold story of her breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy. She shares her thoughtful decision-making process, overcoming challenges, and the emotional highs and lows of her journey. This candid conversation offers invaluable insights into the decisions, surgeries, and considerations involved in breast reconstruction, all while highlighting the importance of support, self-awareness, and medical guidance. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and discover the strength and resilience that fuels her recovery. If you know someone on a similar path or seeking support, share this episode with them!
00:00 Introduction to Breast Reconstruction Journey
00:20 Choosing the Right Surgeon
00:46 Deciding on Double Mastectomy and Implants
01:26 Challenges and Delays Due to COVID
02:33 Deep Flap Surgery Explained
04:22 Nipple Reconstruction Options
10:15 Chemotherapy and Radiation Differences
13:03 Triple Negative Breast Cancer
14:17 Deep Flap Surgery Details
18:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Previous Episode

S3E17 - What's It like Parenting (as an SMC) Through and After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis w/ Erika
In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Erica, a courageous member of the Melanated Single Mothers by Choice community, to discuss her powerful journey through single motherhood, adoption, and a breast cancer diagnosis. Erika opens up about her decision to become a single mom through adoption, the emotional impact of her cancer diagnosis, and the strength it took to fight for her life while raising two young children. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, the support of her loving village, and maintaining an optimistic outlook during tough times. Erika's story is one of resilience and hope—don't miss it!
00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning
00:33 Erica's Journey to Single Motherhood
02:53 Breast Cancer Diagnosis
03:20 Ground Rules for the Conversation
05:45 Navigating the Diagnosis
10:10 Understanding Triple Negative Breast Cancer
11:57 Receiving the Diagnosis and Mobilizing Support
19:42 Undergoing Treatment and Managing Life
25:44 Support System During Treatment
26:26 Parenting Through Treatment
29:18 Coping with Hair Loss
33:45 Life After Treatment
41:30 Advocacy and Self-Care
Next Episode

S3E19 - What to Consider When Seeking Fertility or Prenatal Care in US and Abroad w/ Dr. Natasha
In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Natasha, also known as the Medical Tourism RN. We dive deep into important topics surrounding reproductive health, fertility options, and the growing trend of medical and fertility tourism. From understanding a basic fertility workup to navigating international healthcare systems, we cover a wide variety of topics that are crucial for women, especially those in the Single Mother by Choice (SMC) community. Whether you're considering IVF, looking for cost-effective healthcare options abroad, or just want to understand your reproductive health better, this episode is packed with valuable information. Don't miss out—tune in to empower yourself with knowledge and make informed decisions about your fertility journey!
Reproductive Health: Navigating Wellness For Black Women to Prepare to Go Abroad
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Goals
01:40 Introducing the Guest: Dr. Natasha
02:19 Fertility Conversations and Advocacy
06:10 Understanding Fertility Workups
16:20 International Perspectives on Fertility and Healthcare
25:08 Understanding Your Health Plan
25:22 Preparing for Travel During Pregnancy
25:42 International Coverage and Reimbursement
26:17 Personal Experience with International Coverage
28:25 Researching International Healthcare Options
28:37 Accreditation and Quality of Care
30:26 Key Considerations for Fertility Treatment Abroad
32:24 Financial Feasibility of Medical Tourism
33:27 Local Fertility Laws and Regulations
39:17 Popular Countries for IVF Treatment
41:31 Increasing Trend of Medical Tourism
44:06 Final Thoughts and Resources
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/start-to-finish-motherhood-with-aisha-244393/s3e18-whats-involved-in-breast-reconstruction-surgery-w-erika-72489263"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to s3e18 - what's involved in breast reconstruction surgery w/ erika on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy