Rewritten Me

Luan Lawrenson-Woods
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Health & Fitness

Rewritten Me is Australia’s podcast dedicated to reconstruction after mastectomy, created and hosted by award-winning patient advocate Luan Lawrenson-Woods. Made in Australia and listened to by people around the world, Rewritten Me supports people making decisions about breast reconstruction, understanding their options, and finding practical support before and after surgery. Through conversations with breast and reconstructive surgeons, healthcare professionals, allied health experts and people with lived experience, the podcast explores reconstruction options, recovery, scars, lymphoedema, exercise, emotional wellbeing, body image, cost, access, consent and informed decision-making. Rewritten Me is here to help you ask better questions, understand your options, feel more confident having a say in your care, and decide how you rewrite your story. Luan Lawrenson-Woods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1d ago

    Conquering Breast Cancer: Why We Share Our Stories

    Why do we share our most personal experiences, and what do we hope those stories give somebody else? Four women featured in Conquering Breast Cancer join Luan to talk about why they chose to share theirs. Rewritten Me was always going to come back. The release of this Australian documentary felt like the right time. Luan was honoured to take part after women featured in the film shared how Rewritten Me had helped them make decisions about breast reconstruction. The film brings together research, healthcare expertise and lived experience, much like Rewritten Me. Luan is joined by Dyna Eldaief, Sandra Sturgess, Iman Zakhary and Sarah Powell, whose experiences span early breast cancer, inherited and family risk, and metastatic breast cancer. Thank you to Dyna, Sandra, Iman and Sarah for sharing their stories forward with such generosity, warmth and a sense of joy that comes through so clearly in the film. Conquering Breast Cancer is out now. You can find out where you can watch the film here. 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min

  2. Season 3, Episode 1 Trailer

    Rewritten Me Is Back: Before and After Breast Reconstruction

    Rewritten Me is back! Australia’s podcast dedicated to supporting people having reconstruction after mastectomy returns with a new mini-series looking at the before and after realities of breast reconstruction. Here’s a short sneak peek at what to expect. Follow Rewritten Me wherever you listen to podcasts so you hear first when new episodes drop. CREDITS:Host & producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods is an award-winning women’s health advocate, speaker and host of the Rewritten Me and Regarding Me podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 min
  3. DIEP Flap Monitoring Explained: What, Why & How

    06/24/2025

    DIEP Flap Monitoring Explained: What, Why & How

    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: WebsiteInstagram 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.

    42 min
  4. What’s Next for Rewritten Me? And Why You’ll Love Regarding Me

    06/22/2025

    What’s Next for Rewritten Me? And Why You’ll Love Regarding Me

    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.

    8 min
  5. LEAP into lymphoedema: signs & intervention

    10/24/2024

    LEAP into lymphoedema: signs & intervention

    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 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 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 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.

    1h 10m
  6. OWise: be informed & regain control

    10/07/2024

    OWise: be informed & regain control

    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 & feelings Take part in BRA-va Art when you exercise and support people who have breast surgery - no fundraising, just fun raising! Links for this episode Get the app (web version)OWise on Instagram 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.

    1h 1m
  7. Nipple-sparing mastectomy & DIEP: what, why, when and how

    09/25/2024

    Nipple-sparing mastectomy & DIEP: what, why, when and how

    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 healing Where you can find Dr Joe: WebsiteInstagram 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.

    53 min
  8. Nipple reconstruction: is it worth it?

    09/15/2024

    Nipple reconstruction: is it worth it?

    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 Instagram 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.

    1h 14m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Rewritten Me is Australia’s podcast dedicated to reconstruction after mastectomy, created and hosted by award-winning patient advocate Luan Lawrenson-Woods. Made in Australia and listened to by people around the world, Rewritten Me supports people making decisions about breast reconstruction, understanding their options, and finding practical support before and after surgery. Through conversations with breast and reconstructive surgeons, healthcare professionals, allied health experts and people with lived experience, the podcast explores reconstruction options, recovery, scars, lymphoedema, exercise, emotional wellbeing, body image, cost, access, consent and informed decision-making. Rewritten Me is here to help you ask better questions, understand your options, feel more confident having a say in your care, and decide how you rewrite your story. Luan Lawrenson-Woods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Luan Lawrenson-Woods
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Luan Lawrenson-Woods
  • Show Website
    Rewritten Me

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