PODCAST · health
Rewritten Me
by 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 reconst
Episodes
-
Body Image After Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction
Mastectomy and breast reconstruction can change more than how your body looks. And it can be complex. How can you prepare for changes to sensation, function, identity and the way you feel in your body? Luan is joined by body-image researcher Dr Helena Lewis-Smith to explore the emotional…
more -
Breast Reconstruction: Medicare, Medical Billing and the Public System
If you’re having breast surgery or reconstruction through Australia’s public health system, what are you entitled to as a public patient, and what should you know before agreeing to use your private health insurance? Luan is joined by Dr Margaret Faux, one of Australia’s leading experts on…
more -
Scar Care After Breast Reconstruction
Scars after breast surgery can bring up fear and a lot of questions. What should they feel like? When can we touch them? And how do you know what’s normal? Luan speaks with Shannon Chandler, a remedial massage therapist with more than 18 years specialising in post-operative recovery, about scar...
-
Rewritten Rewind: Foods That Can Help You Heal After Surgery
What can you eat to help support healing after breast reconstruction surgery? Originally recorded in 2023, this episode returns as a Rewritten Rewind as part of the Before and After Breast Reconstruction mini-series. Luan talks with nutritionist Associate Professor Teresa Mitchell-Paterson about...
-
Exercise Before & After Mastectomy & Breast Reconstruction
What movement can you do to prepare for breast cancer surgery, and what may help once you leave hospital? Luan speaks with Anna-Louise Bradley, senior exercise physiologist, about exercise before and after mastectomy and breast reconstruction. In this episode we talk about: •what an exercise...
-
Can’t Have DIEP? PAP Flap Breast Reconstruction Explained
DIEP flap breast reconstruction is often the own-tissue option people hear most about. But what happens when it isn’t suitable for you? Associate Professor Bish Soliman, who specialises in reconstructive plastic surgery, explains PAP flap reconstruction and where it may fit among the options...
-
How Do You Prepare for Breast Reconstruction Without a Surgery Date? | Elle Part 2
Elle is waiting for a date for her risk-reducing mastectomy and PAP flap reconstruction through the public health system. Without knowing when surgery will happen, preparing means keeping work, family support, her home and recovery plans on standby. In Part 2 of her story, Elle shares the…
more -
Before Breast Reconstruction: How Elle Decided on a PAP Flap | Part 1
After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2020, followed by a single mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction, Elle thought her next surgery would be a revision. Then updated genetic testing revealed a CHEK2 pathogenic variant and changed the decision in front of her. In Part 1, Elle shares how she…
more -
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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 is How it's done Why it may be appropriate for a patient When it can be done…
more -
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...
-
Bloom43: a new era in breast surgery prep & prehab
What if there was something you could proactively do before breast surgery to help reduce the risk of complications and support healing? Something that’s drug-free and simple to do at home with minimal effort. Bloom43 is a wearable device designed to gently warm the skin, which patients can place...
-
TNBC, BRCA, DIEP - WTF?!
From shock diagnosis to choosing a reconstruction surgeon. Bec didn’t think for one minute that the lump in her breast was cancer. After the shock of being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, she was stunned when genetic testing revealed a mutation (as she has no family history of…
more -
Feedback, complaints & compliments
Are you concerned about your FRACS Surgeon’s behaviour? Here’s how you can give purposeful feedback to help future patients. Historically, it was accepted that some surgeons had great surgical skills but poor bedside manners. However, research now shows a direct link between poor communication…
more -
FREE the prosthetic nipple!
Discover a pioneering post-mastectomy nipple option that you might not know about! If you've lost your nipple(s) as part of breast cancer surgery and are looking for non-surgical options, this episode is for you. Niki Crillo from Procosmediq is a pioneer in Australia, a medical tattooist and...
-
My version of reconstruction changed my life
Allison Gordon Parry wanted a DIEP flap reconstruction following her mastectomy. After she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, her priorities changed - “time is short, I’ve got other things to do!”. Still, she grieved for the reconstruction she’d wanted. Her body was a daily reminder of...
-
How Netflix helped me recover from surgery
Katy Morrison was left with a single 20DD breast that caused her severe back pain after she was denied reconstruction at the time of her mastectomy because she had incurable breast cancer. Katy advocated for a breast reconstruction*. And in this episode, she shares how her reconstruction and...
-
DIEP dive: the basics of abdominal-based flap reconstruction
DIEP flap reconstruction is called the ‘gold standard’ of reconstruction after mastectomy – but is it the gold standard for everyone? Whether you’re considering DIEP breast reconstruction or have had DIEP breast surgery, this episode is for you. It's for your loved ones too as it'll help them...
-
MDTs and patient-centred care
What does MDT mean? How do they work for patients? Are there breast reconstruction MDTs? As a patient, learning medical acronyms can be like learning a new language! In this episode, Luan talks to A/Prof Rhea Liang ,General and Breast Surgeon, about MDTs (Multidisciplinary Team meetings) and…
more -
Bras & prosthesis after surgery for breast cancer
Find a bra that hugs you! What bras can you wear after surgery for breast cancer? And when can you wear an underwire bra? Finding the right bra fit is crucial for post-surgery recovery and can have a positive impact on a person's confidence and well-being. Bras can also help create symmetry after...
-
Mastectomy & metastatic breast cancer
This is a story of “balls to the wall” self-advocacy, tiptoeing around surgeons' offices and swimming in circles! Trigger warning: this podcast contains discussions about metastatic breast cancer, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. In this episode the wonderful Katy…
more -
What about aesthetic flat closure?
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…
more -
Advocating to 'go flat' after implants
Robyn has the BRCA2 variant and had a risk-reducing mastectomy with implant-based reconstruction in 2019. She experienced side effects that impacted her quality of life and made the decision to have the implants removed and ‘go flat’. When a plastic surgeon told Robyn that she would look...
-
BRA-va art and Foobs & Fitness
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...
-
The good & bad of social media
There's lots of free information about breast cancer and reconstruction on Instagram. But how do you know it’s factually correct? Dr Liz O’Riordan is known as the breast surgeon who has breast cancer. Liz talks about why she uses Instagram to create evidence-based content about breast cancer and...
-
Having a baby after implant reconstruction
Natasha Cauchi was 29 when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. As part of her treatment she had a double mastectomy with implant reconstruction. Three years later Tash and her husband decided to try for a baby. Chemotherapy can affect fertility and Tash was in early menopause.…
more -
Medicare and private health cover
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...
-
Why consult both a breast & plastic surgeon?
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...
-
Under & over the muscle implants
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…
more -
Breast Advocate decision-making app
In Rewritten Me’s first ever ‘extra’ episode, Luan talks to Dr Minas Chrysopoulo who devised the Breast Advocate® app. Breast Advocate® is the world's first shared decision-making app for breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction. It's the app that helped Dr Sandy Minck when she was...
-
Informed risk reduction decision-making
The results from a routine mammogram in 2022 led to a whirlwind of investigative tests for Dr Sandy Minck. Sandy was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and found out she carries the CHEK2 genetic variant. She also had dense breast tissue. This all contributed to an increased risk of...
-
From implants to DIEP flap
It’s important to decide what reconstruction is right for you at the time. However, over time things can change, such as life priorities, work commitments and childcare responsibilities. So too can the results of your reconstruction. Kylie Lynch had multiple surgeries to achieve a bilateral...
-
Owning your worth
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…
more -
Feeling & sensation after breast reconstruction
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...
-
Alternative 'flap' options
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...
-
Types of mastectomy
Did you know there were different kinds of mastectomies? In this pod Luan talks to Specialist Breast Surgeon, Dr Kylie Snook, about what a mastectomy is and why someone might have one. Luan and Dr Kylie talk about: Is all breast tissue removed? Nipple-sparing & skin-sparing mastectomies…
more -
Foods that can help you heal after surgery
What can you eat to help you heal well after reconstruction surgery? In this pod Luan talks to nutritionist, Associate Professor Teresa Mitchell-Paterson, about what food choices you can make to help support your recovery from surgery. Luan and Teresa talk about · Foods that may support wound...
-
What’s strategy got to do with DIEP?
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...
-
BRA Day interview
The 3rd Wednesday in October is Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or BRA Day as it's known! For BRA Day 2022 I sat down with reconstructive plastic surgeon, Dr Joe Dusseldorp (FRACS). Dr Joe specialises in breast reconstruction, particularly ‘own tissue’ reconstruction like DIEP flap...
-
From Unwritten to Rewritten Me
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...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 reconst
HOSTED BY
Luan Lawrenson-Woods
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Rewritten Me have?
Rewritten Me currently has 45 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Rewritten Me about?
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...
How often does Rewritten Me release new episodes?
Rewritten Me has 45 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Rewritten Me?
You can listen to Rewritten Me on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Rewritten Me?
Rewritten Me is created and hosted by Luan Lawrenson-Woods.
URL copied to clipboard!