I first encountered DiepC Journey ~ Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy Facebook group when researching my options for prophylactic measures due to carrying a BRCA1 gene mutation. I instantly connected with the vibe of the group. What a wealth of information!
If you know the founder of DiepC Foundation and the accompanying Facebook group, Terri Coutee, you will know just how welcoming, no-nonsense, and warm she is in all her advice and education pieces. She works to give each member a personalized experience when interacting with her foundation and page and she has helped countless woman and men dealing with breast cancer or breast cancer risk. Terri and I clicked, we’re both in the Pacific Northwest, shared a mutual friend, and both chose the same reconstruction—DIEP flap (using tissue from the belly.) We even made a video together.
My Breast Cancer Journey to a Twist
But! Here’s where the twist comes in. I am one of the small percentage of women who get cancer after mastectomy. A sneaky little growth showed up in the axillary tail (basically in my armpit) and in some nearby lymph nodes. What a gut punch. Despite a terrible and unexpected 3a diagnosis, I did feel grateful to at least have an established care team and was already somewhat immersed in the cancer world as a “previvor.”
Terri and DiepC were now a new sense of encouragement and hope. I was experiencing what so many other women (and men) have, just in a different order. Guess I had my dessert first.
So, when I saw that an auction item as beautiful as Becky Erdman’s quilted wall hanging would benefit DiepC’s mission, I knew I had to bid. It was clear Becky pored emotion into the piece and has a true artist’s eye. And the fact that she donated to the Foundation was very touching as well.
The Breast Cancer Quilt Was Now Mine
I was so happy to have won! I didn’t know what I would do with such a beautiful piece of art yet, I just knew I was drawn to it. When it arrived, it was even more gorgeous than I expected.
I was contemplating whether I would like to keep it for myself, give it to my mother, or give it to my mother-in-law who is living with liver cancer. I kept trying to decide where this beautiful hanging belonged.
One day at chemotherapy infusion, I found the last best chair in the house—one with a view of the trees. As I was headed to the bathroom before treatment started, I heard a woman come in. “Darn it! I wanted the view,” she said. My first thought was, “Ha! My clipboard is saving my spot, lady, so don’t even try it.”
This Breast Cancer Quilt Needed a Home
As my infusion went on, I was thinking I should have offered my seat. It’s so hard to be in there, the smells, the tastes, the waiting. And now, during covid, not even a support person is allowed. Sometimes it doesn’t feel good to read or scroll through your phone. Sometimes, all there is to do is gaze—preferably out a window with a view. But as I looked around that day, I began to notice some of the art on the relatively sparse walls of my infusion clinic.
It hit me! I knew where the quilted wall hanging and framed blog from Terri should live. It should be where many can enjoy! Becky had scrawled on the back, “In appreciation of those who fight breast cancer.” I told my husband my idea and showed him the message, and he pointed out, “For the nurses, too, they help fight it every day.” That’s it, the perfect place—it was decided.
The Quilt Honors Those Affected and Those Who Serve
I brought the art on my first Taxol treatment (so happy to be done AC), and presented to the nurses and staff, who were just delighted. It really was a mood-booster to all involved. Everyone kept commenting on how beautiful it was.
And I am glad to see it over the next 11 weeks as I get through my chemotherapy. I could get lost in the almost stained-glass appearance, the swirls of pastel blues, bright turquoises, vibrant pinks and purples, as well as the symbology of the butterfly and ribbon.
But what’s best, is knowing that patients and nurses will enjoy for years to come.
A personal note about the quilt and this story…
I did not know where this quilt landed until Nikki sent me this blog she guest wrote. It brought tears to my eyes. Her heart and love are in this infusion room for many to experience. I want to thank her personally for her strong advocate voice and for writing this blog. ~ Terri Coutee
