Author: Terri

I am a patient educator and advocate for choices in breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Statistically, many women are not being informed of their choices due to many factors. Breast reconstruction is a personal choice. Providing information and education about those choices is a patient rite. It is the mission and focus of my work to provide that education and information.

Post Breast Reconstruction Nips that Stick

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Wouldn’t it be nice if prosthetic nipples would stick just like window cling? You simply slap them on and they stay on until you peeled them off.  Newsflash: skin isn’t like glass! Our marvelous, living, breathing skin with natural oils and sweat glands just isn’t like the surface of glass – thank goodness! “Nips that don’t stick” is a common and frustrating problem for many types of prosthetic nipples. Falling off at embarrassing moments or potentially getting lost can understandably be deal breakers for women considering nipple prosthetics after breast cancer surgery. Finding a way to provide secure adhesion for Naturally Impressive nipples sticking securely on the breast was one of our first big challenges. We had developed a nipple that looked fantastically real, but when using Pros-Aide water based adhesive, they only stayed on a few days, at best. Often I’d find them in the bed sheets in the morning Continue Reading →

Honoring My Sweet Friend Valerie Hewson Wright

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Today I honor the passing of a life well-lived. Valerie Hewson Wright lived a life a love and vibrancy through a breast cancer diagnosis and most recently, metastatic breast cancer. I am angry, pissed to be quite honest, and deeply saddened at losing a friend to this insidious disease we have yet to find a cure for.  Val and I never met in person, but I feel so very close to her and why I weep today at her passing. Our Nonprofit Connection When I began thinking about opening my own nonprofit Foundation in 2017, I would call Valerie and ask her questions about the logistics of running an organization to help others. She successfully opened VforVictory Foundation to mail drain holders out to breast cancer and breast reconstruction patients after their surgery. She worked tirelessly for these women and why I leaned on her for her advice. Her famous Continue Reading →

Waiting for a DIEP Flap Surgery Date

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Ruth is one of over 2,400 global members of DiepCJourney Facebook group. I am honored to share her story here. The wait for her DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery has been challenging for Ruth on many levels. She tells us her personal story and what it means waiting for a DIEP flap surgery date. Delayed DIEP Flap: The Wait Begins It was October 2014 when I received my breast cancer diagnosis. I live in a small beautiful, city tucked away in the south east corner of British Columbia. Though I was able to have a mastectomy and chemotherapy locally, unfortunately our hospital does not have the facilities to offer either radiation or reconstructive surgery. It was decided having a mastectomy would be the first course in my treatment. Opting for immediate reconstructive surgery would have meant a delay as well as travelling over 500km to Kelowna or over 800km to Continue Reading →

How Difficult is the Decision to Have DIEP flap Breast Reconstruction?

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A Difficult Decision for Me to Have DIEP flap It is very difficult to make the decision to have DIEP flap breast reconstruction. I had this surgery in 2014 after a second breast cancer diagnosis and losing my breasts after a double mastectomy. I want to share what other women go through to have this amazing yet complex surgery. Who Might Consider Having DIEP flap Surgery? I listen to stories from basically two groups. The first group are women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  It is not always the case, but the hope is I hear these women are given all their options for breast reconstruction. Otherwise, how could they even make an informed decision about their choices to reconstruct their breasts? It is most important all options for breast reconstruction are presented after careful assessment of biopsies, various imaging procedures, that should include a shared decision-making conversation Continue Reading →

The Elusive Nipple Solution After Breast Cancer Surgery

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For many of us going through breast cancer, by the time we get through diagnosis, surgery, treatment and breast reconstruction, we have an eager anticipation of the final step of getting nipples to help us feel whole and complete. It seems like it should be simple, but often it drags on and on without a satisfactory solution.  Surgical nipples flatten, tattoos fade, prosthetics fall off. I was really fortunate. After my unilateral mastectomy in 2007, while I was still in the breast reconstruction process, my innovative husband was inspired by my plastic surgeon to develop a silicone nipple-areola for me. What a gift! It makes me feel so joyful to look in the mirror after showering or while dressing and see the symmetry of two nipples. It eases some of the sting of what breast cancer has taken from me as a woman.    My Husband & I had no Continue Reading →

Medical Comorbidities in Breast Reconstruction

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Medical Comorbidities in Breast Reconstruction I discuss medical comorbidities and how they relate to healing and outcomes in breast reconstruction with ASPS board certified plastic reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Daniel Liu from Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Chicago. I would like to begin by giving you a definition of what medical comorbidities are from the interview with Dr. Liu. Definition of Medical Comorbidities Medical comorbidities are usually chronic health problems, often pre-existing, a person might have before the diagnosis of breast cancer. Dr. Liu points out for patients who have breast cancer, coming into the diagnosis does not always mean a patient will be without any other health issues, or comorbidities. When patients come to their plastic surgeon seeking medical advice for breast reconstruction Dr. Liu points out what is necessary during the patient consult in the video. Here is what he tells us. Review the patient’s medical history. Evaluate Continue Reading →

Breast Reconstruction Recovery and ERAS Protocol

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Breast Reconstruction Recovery and ERAS Protocol When I attend medical conferences, I take the opportunity to interview plastic surgeons about topics related to breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction recovery and ERAS protocol is a topic I want readers to know about. Why? I feel it is an important part of a shared decision-making conversation with your plastic surgeon at the time of your consult. You simply ask, “Do you use the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocol in breast reconstruction?” Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo from PRMA in San Antonio was the plastic reconstructive microsurgeon who performed my DIEP flap surgery. Although ERAS was not in place at the time of my breast reconstruction, I am excited to let others know PRMA and others are using this protocol now. The interview unfolds as we make comparisons between my recovery without ERAS and what Dr. C and his practicing partners now use to improve Continue Reading →

Five of My Favorite Gift Ideas from a Patient Advocate

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There are a variety of celebrations across the globe as the year ends. Holidays, giving, tangible gifts! We love to wrap packages in pretty bows and paper to give to family and friends. I want to talk about the intangible gifts of the holidays. The gifts that are in our hearts. Gifts not always easy to find or give. Perhaps this is my reflection on the gifts I have received from so many this past year. What are my five favorite gift ideas from a patient advocate? The Gift of Compassion Whether you have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer or are considering breast reconstruction after mastectomy, the gift of compassion is priceless. The most well-meaning friends and family can say comments we don’t always appreciate. The truth is, friends and family do not always know what to say. What can you do? Hold a hand if you are with Continue Reading →

Managing Breast Reconstruction and Breast Surgery During the Holidays

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Many of us are preparing our homes and making travel plans in December. It is a gathering time for friends and family for many of us. However, there are those who will be managing breast reconstruction and breast surgery during the holidays. I had my DIEP flap breast reconstruction in early December and was one of those patients. Here are my tips on managing breast reconstruction and breast surgery during the holidays. Breast Cancer does not take a Holiday I do not think anyone intentionally plans to have any type of breast reconstruction and breast surgery, especially this time of year. I certainly did not. Breast cancer does not take a holiday, nor does it take anyone’s plans into consideration. In fact, it disrupts the lives of those diagnosed and going through treatments and surgery during this time of year. Recently diagnosed breast cancer patients have doctors’ appointments, pre-surgical tests, and Continue Reading →

How to Care for the Caregiver During Your Breast Reconstruction

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How did you care for your own caregiver during your breast reconstruction? Sound a bit strange when everyone is supposed to be caring for you? Whether you choose to have autologous (using your own tissue) or implant-based breast reconstruction, you will need caregivers to help with the following at the very least. Taking you to hospital and staying in communication with the surgical team until you are back in your room to recover. Driving you home, fixing meals, driving, and performing general household responsibilities. Patients voice concerns about their own caregivers for their breast reconstruction surgery. I want to share some tips from my own DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery. I will also share suggestions discussed on The Journey Facebook group. These gals have some helpful hints based on their own experience. Should a Caregiver Remain at the Hospital All Day for Your DIEP Flap? Spending long hours waiting in Continue Reading →