Episode 18: An Interview w/ My Reconstructive Breast Surgeon, Dr. David Cabiling

In this episode, my interview with my own reconstructive breast surgeon, Dr. David Cabiling graciously explains what autologous surgery is, in particular, the DIEP Flap surgery, which is what I had in December of 2022.  He explains the difference between autologous surgeries and surgeries that involve implants, recovery time, nipple-sparing, different options for patients, and how autologous surgeries can serve as restorative procedures, which helps tremendously with body image and confidence after a breast cancer diagnosis. I know that my surgery saved my life,  physically, mentally, and emotionally.<br/>Dr. Cabiling is part of an incredible team of professional surgeons and support staff at Center For Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is widely regarded as an expert in his field, and he has been published in numerous medical journals and textbooks. Dr. Cabiling has been rated as a Top Performer in Patient Satisfaction among physicians in the nation over the last 2 years.Questions Addressed:<br/>Can you share with our audience what autologous surgery is for breast reconstruction? What is DIEP Flap surgery?Some of my audience would like you to talk about what patients can expect for recovery time, nipple-sparing, numbness of breasts, and the decision to take out lymph nodes.What factors should breast cancer patients take into consideration when choosing between implants and autologous surgery after they have had a mastectomy? What questions should patients ask a reconstructive plastic surgeon? Many women have not been offered surgeries like DIEP Flap, mainly because it isn’t available in their area. What efforts are being addressed to ensure ALL women have the option without “breaking the bank”, especially if they have to go out of their area to obtain the surgery?Many patients come to the Center and other hospitals for explant surgery followed by autologous surgery to reconstruct. What tends to be the issue with their implants and why do they choose to revisit their reconstruction options? Many women, including myself, had no idea what lymphedema is and how it can affect our lives when we have lymph nodes removed. What advice do you have for women as far as prevention and if they find themselves with lymphedema at some point?What is your philosophy about Shared Decision Making? What is your biggest piece of advice for patients who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer? <br/>Resources:Center For Restorative Breast SurgeryCenter For Restorative Breast Surgery on Instagram Center For Restorative Breast Surgery on Facebook <br/><br/><br/>Where to find Jamie:<br/>Instagram <br/><br/>Do you know someone with a great story that they can share on a future episode ? Send me an email at testthosebreasts@gmail.com<br/><br/>Thanks for listening! <br/>I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!<br/><br/>I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified health care providers, therefore does not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers . <br/>