DiepCJourney Podcast

Terri Coutee

Breast Reconstruction options after mastectomy, healthy lifestyle factors after breast cancer, survivorship, shared decision-making, and supporting SDG3.

  1. Jul 30

    Episode 101: Fertility Preservation, Legislative Advocacy, and Patient‑Centered Breast Cancer Care

    In this episode, Terri Coutee, Founder and Director of DiepCFoundation, sits down with Dr. Priya Jadeja, board‑certified breast surgeon with Premier Surgical Network in New Jersey. Dr. Jadeja brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, advocacy, and compassion to her work in this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, and she shares why fertility preservation must be part of comprehensive cancer care for young patients. Episode Highlights Dr. Jadeja's path to breast surgery She reflects on what drew her to the field and how joining Premier Surgical Network has strengthened her ability to deliver high‑quality, patient‑centered care. Why fertility preservation matters With more young women facing breast cancer diagnoses, Dr. Jadeja explains how fertility considerations became a defining part of her practice and why this issue is gaining national attention. A patient story that sparked change Dr. Jadeja discusses the moment a 32‑year‑old patient declined chemotherapy because fertility preservation was financially out of reach and a turning point that ignited her advocacy. Partnering with Assemblywoman Brittnee Timberlake Hear the behind‑the‑scenes journey of the New Jersey Fertility Preservation Law, including traveling to Trenton with her patient to support the bill. Dr. Jadeja shares what this experience meant to her personally and professionally. Fertility preservation as essential cancer care As a female breast surgeon caring for young women with highly treatable disease, Dr. Jadeja outlines why fertility must be integrated into treatment planning; not treated as an optional conversation. Legislation shaping the future of patient‑centered care With New York becoming the first state to mandate private insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems, Dr. Jadeja discusses what this signals about the evolving landscape of supportive cancer care. Advice for advocates and clinicians Dr. Jadeja offers guidance for anyone - surgeons, patients, caregivers, or advocates, who want to create legislative change and amplify patient voices. Where to Find Dr. Jadeja Follow Dr. Priya Jadeja on Instagram for accessible, educational content on breast cancer surgery, fertility preservation, and patient advocacy. Listen & Watch You can listen to DiepCJourney® Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and watch full episodes on the DiepCFoundation YouTube Channel when published.

    Episode 101: Fertility Preservation, Legislative Advocacy, and Patient‑Centered Breast Cancer Care

  2. Jun 17

    Episode 100: Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Acupuncture

    In this episode of the DiepCJourney® Podcast, we sit down with Tina Tsan, a dual‑licensed acupuncturist and Certified Lymphedema Wound Care Therapist whose integrative approach is reshaping how patients understand and care for their lymphatic health. As noted in the interview outline, Tina brings "a high level of expertise in the field of non‑operative and post‑operative edema control," blending Eastern medicine with modern lymphatic therapy to support patients recovering from surgery and cancer treatment. Tina shares her professional journey, what drew her to acupuncture, how she entered the world of lymphatic and wound care, and why combining these disciplines allows her to treat patients with a more holistic lens. She breaks down the fundamentals of the lymphatic system, why it becomes so critical after mastectomy and reconstruction, and the early signs of lymphatic dysfunction patients should never ignore. We also explore one of the most confusing areas for patients: the difference between lipedema and lymphedema. Tina explains how these conditions develop, why they're often misdiagnosed, and why early recognition matters. She also discusses how breast cancer treatments, including mastectomy, lymph node removal, and radiation, can disrupt lymphatic flow and what patients can do proactively to protect their long‑term health. A major highlight of the conversation is Tina's insight into how acupuncture supports lymphatic drainage, inflammation reduction, scar tissue mobility, pain, tightness, and fatigue. She demystifies what a session feels like, addresses common fears, and explains why acupuncture can be beneficial both before and after surgery. We close with a powerful discussion on integrative healing, the role of emotional stress, trauma, empowerment, and lifestyle habits in recovery, and Tina shares details about the upcoming Lipedema Summit 2026, a growing movement in patient education and advocacy. This episode is packed with clarity, compassion, and practical guidance for anyone navigating breast cancer recovery, lymphatic challenges, or integrative healing. To learn more about her work Tina shares how listeners can connect with her work and continue learning about lymphatic health and integrative care. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-tsan-daom-clt-17842634/ Website: Harmony Lymphatics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmony_lymphatics/

    Episode 100: Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Acupuncture

  3. May 28

    Episode 99: Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy

    Part of my work as Founder/Director of DiepCFoundation is traveling to medical conferences. In April of this year, at the ARSA Summit, Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Alliance 2026, I met Alina and Carolyn who both work in cancer rehabilitation. Their booth at the conference intrigued me and we started a robust conversation on the value of their work especially as it relates to breast cancer and breast reconstruction surgery. This episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast is on the topic of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy at ReVital Cancer Foundation. It will be available on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel when published. Alina Hedaya, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Her current focus is bringing rehabilitation to the forefront of cancer care. Alina is actively involved in training clinicians all around the nation so that cancer rehabilitation services are available for people right in their own communities. She serves on the board of the International Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation. Carolyn Kalpas, PT, MSPT, is a cancer rehabilitation advocate and Specialist & Director for ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation at NovaCare Rehabilitation. She works as the liaison to healthcare in the oncology world. Carolyn believes that cancer rehab is an amazing part of what can be done for patients in supporting them throughout their cancer care and beyond. We begin by discussing some of the most common physical challenges for breast cancer patients. Alina describes a few of the challenges. ·       Pain ·       Fatigue ·       Limited shoulder mobility ·       Scar tissue issues ·       Lymphedema ·       Being able to be independent after surgery. We discussed the different considerations for rehabilitation following breast reconstruction and breast surgery. They emphasized the importance of looking at each patient on an individual basis, assessing their needs, and meeting them where they are in the recovery process. Surgical precautions are taken depending on what type of surgery a patient has. Alina shares an important statement that summarizes the value of a rehabilitation specialist. "You have someone by your side understanding what's safe." We discuss lymphedema awareness, the importance of movement and its benefits in lymphedema treatment, and how they communicate with patient providers to maximize patient outcomes. They both share lifestyle modifications including aerobic activity, strength training for major muscle groups, skin care, getting proper fluid intake, aligning with surgical protocols during recovery, and we mention the value of a food diary to track optimal nutrition for patients. I want to announce that June is Cancer Rehabilitation Month. As part of our efforts in working with the International Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation this interview is DiepCFoundation's program contribution for the community to learn more. To learn more about their work follow the following links to find out more. Website: Selectmedical.com/ReVital LinkedIn – Carolyn Kalpas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-kalpas-pt-mspt-0bb6a5172/ LinkedIn – Alina Hedaya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-hedaya-pt-dpt-ocs-603856/ Instagram – Kessler Rehab: https://www.instagram.com/kesslerrehabilitationcenter/ Instagram – International Cancer Rehab Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/intcancerrehabfoundation/

    Episode 99: Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy

  4. May 12

    Episode 98: Am I Being Told All My Options for Breast Reconstruction?

    How can you help today? After listening to this DiepCJourney® podcast interview with a highly skilled microsurgeon, Dr. Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, share it with someone who is newly diagnosed, has a genetic mutation putting them at high risk, and is facing a mastectomy but wants to reconstruct their breasts.  Since opening DiepCFoundation in 2016, our intent has been to empower patients with information about all breast reconstruction options. There are three options: Implant-based reconstruction used a medical device surgically placed in the body after a mastectomy to replace the breast tissue that has been removed. A plastic surgeon can do this. Autologous reconstruction. This procedure uses the patient's own tissue to reconstruct the breasts after a mastectomy. This type of reconstruction requires a microsurgeon who has received training beyond standard plastic surgery.  Hybrid reconstruction combines autologous tissue and an implant to achieve volume and or projection. Performing autologous breast reconstruction is a far more complex task. Because of the additional training required, it is a chosen profession beyond standard plastic surgery for those passionate about what I consider an extraordinary task. This task includes tissue transfer and the anastomosis, suturing together tiny blood vessels, to create a warm breast using only the patient's own tissue. What does this mean for patients? Because there are fewer microsurgeons than general plastic surgeons, access to care becomes an issue. A patient may go to a well-qualified plastic surgeon and be told implants are their best option because that is what the surgeon is skilled at. A well-intended, skilled plastic surgeon may also tell patients that a procedure like the DIEP flap is complex and lengthy. Where does this leave the patient? Patients owe it to themselves to understand all options for reconstruction, but we know they often do not. How do we change this? Education and outreach. When a skilled microsurgeon isn't available in a patient's area, it's a very valid reason for them to travel. To learn more connect with Dr. Kline and his practice on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-center-for-natural-breast-reconstruction/?viewAsMember=true Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natural.breast.reconstruction/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturalbreastreconstruction

    Episode 98: Am I Being Told All My Options for Breast Reconstruction?

  5. Apr 8

    Episode 97: Exercise That Supports Healing

    We know from evidence-based studies that exercise improves patient recovery before and after breast cancer treatment and surgery. It improves quality of life and strengthens physical function. In this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast we explore the benefits with Chris Fitzmaurice, a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the University of Miami Health System. He is passionate about helping people achieve their health goals through evidence-based exercise programs and personalized guidance. He is a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET); and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Health Coach. I reached out to Chris to talk to him specifically about breast cancer prehab, exercise for those currently in breast cancer treatment, but also to speak to him about getting back to exercise after breast surgery, whether from breast cancer or breast reconstruction. Chris and I discuss how important it is for anyone to incorporate exercise into their life. We have a common connection and friend, Dr. Jay Harness. Don't miss Chris's interview on the Cancer Fitness YouTube channel on "Exercise as a Molecular Medicine." Chris has a robust presence on LinkedIn and Instagram with interactive videos and graphics explaining the benefits of exercise and demonstrating exercise you can do at home. Connect with Chris Fitzmaurice on the platform: LinkedIn: Christopher Fitzmaurice, MS CEP, CSCS, CET Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exercisebeatdiseases/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.fitzmaurice.58

    Episode 97: Exercise That Supports Healing

  6. Mar 25

    Episode 96: Breast Sensibility: The Mind/Body Connection

    On this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast my guest is Dr. Stefania Tuinder, a notable global expert in breast sensation for those undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Originally from Italy, she is now located in Maastricht in the south of the Netherlands and works at an academic hospital. Her main work there is microsurgery, not only breasts but for sure breasts is where she does the majority of her work. Dr. Tuinder does only autologous breast reconstruction using all kinds of flaps. She has an active research interest in breast sensibility. The word sensibility is often referred to as sensation in the U.S. As Dr. Tuinder tells us, function is as important as aesthetics, and one cannot exist without the other. In addition to her work in the Netherlands, she works one week each month at the European Institute of Oncology doing breast reconstruction building a microsurgery team and center there. Dr. Tuinder walks us through the information on her Breast Reconstruction and Sensibility webpage and all it has to offer. She welcomes your feedback and wants to hear from you. The link to contact her is: https://www.breastsensibility.com/contact One statement from her webpage states: "After amputation or reconstruction, the nerve connections between the breast and brain change." This is a valuable episode for patients, clinicians, medical students, and trainees, as well as caregivers for those going through breast surgery. Be sure to check out the video episode on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel to watch the presentation. As we wrapped up, Dr. Tuinder left us with a message that resonated deeply: "All of you are beautiful. All of you don't need to be perfect, but to feel well with yourself and that would be enough. Don't let someone else decide for you. Decide by yourself what is really important to feel good. Because when you feel good you are beautiful." Connect with Dr. Tuinder on the following platforms: LinkedIn: Stefania (Plastic Surgeon) Tuinder LinkedIn: Breast Sensibility Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefania_tuinder/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breast.sensibility/ Facebook: Breast Sensibility

    Episode 96: Breast Sensibility: The Mind/Body Connection

  7. Mar 11

    Episode 95: Where Passion Meets Surgical Precision

    As part of my work at DiepCFoundation, I am able to meet in person, well-known board-certified surgeons across the world. My guest is one such surgeon I know. I have been anxious to interview her. Two words I find myself choosing to describe her are: Adaptable and compassionate. Each time I see her at a conference, the conversation is so easy and comfortable. I can't think it would be any different with her patients. Dr. Andrea Moreira is a plastic surgeon at the University of Pittsburg and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Magee Women's Hospital. Topics she covers in our interview include: ·       How she developed her passion for plastic surgery. ·       The services she provides at Magee Women's Hospital. ·       Dr. Moreira's interest in robotic-assisted DIEP flap. ·       The importance of providing a shared decision-making conversation about sensate breasts with her patients. Connect with Dr. Moreira on the following platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrea_moreiramd/

    Episode 95: Where Passion Meets Surgical Precision

  8. Feb 25

    Episode 94: A Breast Reconstruction Journey Toward Clarity & Confidence

    Deciding which breast reconstruction path to take is rarely simple. Whether facing an active breast cancer diagnosis, navigating a high‑risk genetic mutation, or having a strong family history of cancer, the process demands research, planning, trust, and a strong circle of support. In this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, we sit down with Marcy Goodman who is a wife, mother, and dedicated professional. She opens up about the many layers of her decision to pursue autologous (using her own tissue) breast reconstruction. Marcy shares how she evaluated her options, found the right surgical team, and ultimately traveled from Washington State to PRMA in Texas to receive the care she felt aligned with her needs and values. She walks us through the logistics that so many patients quietly shoulder: arranging time away from work, securing childcare, and finding a safe, restorative place to heal like Rose's House in San Antonio, which became her sanctuary during recovery. With honesty and warmth, Marcy reflects on the physical and emotional journey that shaped her choice, offering insights, tips, and encouragement for anyone navigating their own reconstruction decisions. Her story is a reminder that while the path can be overwhelming, no one has to walk it alone. Connect with Marcy on the following platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcygoodman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcy-goodman-b2471a87/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcy.goodman.3

    Episode 94: A Breast Reconstruction Journey Toward Clarity & Confidence
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9 Ratings

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Breast Reconstruction options after mastectomy, healthy lifestyle factors after breast cancer, survivorship, shared decision-making, and supporting SDG3.

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