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
• LinkedIn

Where you can find Dr Joe:

• Website
• Instagram

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.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 patients
• How treatments and surgeries can increase the risk of lymphoedema
• Other factors that increase the risk of lymphoedema
• Recommended prospective assessment and monitoring
• How to recognise the early signs of lymphoedema
• Practical advice on preventing and managing lymphoedema
• Guidance on medical procedures (bloods, BP cuffs) involving the affected arm(s)
• Why lifelong vigilance and self-care are essential for those at risk of lymphoedema

Don’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 episode

• Cancer Council lymphoedema resource
• Australasian 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
• LinkedIn

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.

Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.