Category: Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Navigating Healthcare as a Patient Advocate

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Patient advocacy shows up in so many meaningful ways, and my guest on this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast has been part of my own journey since the very beginning. We first connected back in 2015, when I was just starting to write my blog. She offered guidance, encouragement, and wisdom at a time when I was still finding my footing. I’ve followed her story ever since, and her voice has continued to inspire me and so many others. She tells us the challenges of navigating healthcare as a patient advocate. As a valued member of the DiepCJourney® community, it felt only natural to invite her to share her experience with all of you. I’m delighted to share this interview summary of my chat with Rebecca Hogue, Becky to her friends. She shares her many life transitions from professional work, moving from the U.S. and back to Canada, two breast Continue Reading →

Change is Part of the Journey: Finding Strength After Reconstruction

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Seasons bring change. We see visible signs of these changes and they are expected. The changes are often welcome like the first warm day of spring after a long winter. This time of year, during December, holiday lights and long winter nights bring a sense of coziness and comfort. We adapt. Change is also part of the Journey after reconstruction. How do we plan and cope with these changes? It is easier for some than others. Thoughts of Unknown Changes When one begins planning their reconstruction surgery many wonder what they will look like after a surgeon carefully takes a scalpel to skin. DIEP flap breast reconstruction involves incisions at both the breasts and the abdomen. Just thinking about that process can be overwhelming. Will there be pain associated with the incisions? Where will the incisions be and how will one take care of them, whether themselves or with the Continue Reading →

Pause Before You Post: Navigating Emotions After Breast Surgery

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We’ve all felt it. It is that surge of emotion after breast surgery when expectations clash with reality, when pain, disappointment, or confusion bubble to the surface. In those moments, social media can feel like a lifeline, a place to vent, connect, or seek validation. But before you hit “post,” take a breath and pause. Your story is sacred, and your healing deserves space. Sharing raw emotions online might feel cathartic, but it can also invite misunderstanding, judgment, or regret. This post is a gentle reminder: your voice matters, and so does the timing of how you use it. Why Timing Matters When you Post When you’re fresh out of surgery, feeling physically tender, emotionally raw, it’s natural to want to reach out. You might feel betrayed by your body, disappointed by results, or overwhelmed by the recovery process. These feelings are valid. But posting in the heat of those Continue Reading →

Empowering Voices: My Experience as a Patient Advocate at the Binaytara Northwest Women’s Cancer Conference

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On September 27, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Binaytara Northwest Women’s Cancer Conference in Portland as a patient advocate, accompanied by my dear friend and fellow advocate, Nikki McCoy. This experience was not just an opportunity to connect with medical professionals; it was a chance to amplify the lived experiences of patients navigating the complexities of cancer diagnoses, treatment, and survivorship. As I reflect on our day at the conference, I am filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose in my advocacy journey. The Power of Presence: Representing Patients Walking into the conference venue that morning, I was acutely aware of the significance of my role. Patient advocates hold a unique position: we are the bridge between patients and providers, amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. Nikki and I were determined to represent not just ourselves, but the countless people and families affected by Continue Reading →

Unplugging and Reconnecting Before Your Breast Reconstruction

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I recently enjoyed a brief but very relaxing vacation with my husband. We visited the Olympic Peninsula in the beautiful state of Washington. Two of our favorite stops were Rialto Beach and the Hoh Rainforest. What we did not know was the lack of internet connectivity in various places on the route. Knowing this was part of our trip, we rolled with it and laughed saying we were “off the grid” hoping we took the correct turns and freeways to reach our destination. This reminded me that unplugging and reconnecting before your breast reconstruction can be a valuable exercise for you. My Thoughts Turned to those Considering Breast Reconstruction There was very little conversation while we were at Rialto Beach. It was an overcast day with thick fog rolling in. We arrived close to high tide in the afternoon. The waves were cresting high and crashing down on the beach. Continue Reading →

Insights from the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium: Facing the Dragon

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A young man took the podium at the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium. He shared a slide entitled, “Facing the Dragon.” His presentation was on the role of the caregiver for loved ones who have breast cancer and DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The young man was our oldest son, Richard Coutee. He is also a brother, husband, and dad. It is an honor to present insights from his talk. Facing the Dragon “This threat is something we will be facing as a family.” Rich Coutee Richard is a follower of the stoic philosophers. He presented a slide showing Marcus Aurelius. The metaphor of facing the dragon was to show the threat we faced as a family when we heard that I had breast cancer the first time. Rich was a first-year college student at the time of my first diagnosis. He could have made the choice not to come home. However, he Continue Reading →

An Invitation to the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium

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This is your invitation to the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium, a valuable gathering for medical professionals, patients, and advocates aiming to advance knowledge and discussions surrounding breast surgery, breast cancer research, breast reconstruction, and patient care. Whether you’re exploring your options or supporting someone on this path, this event is designed to provide clarity, support, and empowerment to make the decision that’s right for you. Details To Prepare for the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium Seating is limited!! Be sure to register to attend on site by clicking on our Eventbrite page. Can’t Join in Person at the Symposium? Join Us Online by Signing up for the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium here. Before you sign up: we invite you to make a heartfelt donation to help us continue hosting these meaningful events. Simply click the donation image to support our mission-every gift makes a difference. Online Registration Link and QR Code: Webinar Link to Register See you Continue Reading →

Celebrate Volunteers Working for the Breast Cancer Community

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April is  Volunteer Appreciation Month. As the Founder/Director of DiepCFoundation I dedicate this blog to celebrate volunteers working for the breast cancer community. These are the people who through their unwavering spirit of volunteering make a huge difference in the work and mission of the Foundation. Global Volunteers Spreading Awareness Having established the Foundation in 2016 I reflect on a wide network of people across the world who are spreading awareness about all options for breast reconstruction for those facing mastectomies. Corporate giving and corporate social responsibility come in various forms. Benevity is a global platform managing corporate giving. My work with the companies that use Benevity has reached global volunteers and donors. I make yearly presentations at our local Microsoft campus. The individuals who attend these meetings have shared their time and talent volunteering to bring awareness to the services and support we provide. Volunteers at AT&T did a Continue Reading →

Waiting, Wondering, Pivoting and Patience

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I listen to the community that is DiepCJourney every day unless my wonderful volunteers and admins are helping me. I could produce many anxiety-related words to describe what it is like to go through breast cancer and breast reconstruction. Waiting, wondering, pivoting and patience are four of those words. There are many more because this is an emotional roller coaster. Hang on tight and let’s talk about what each word is. Waiting You have just been newly diagnosed. You are sitting in front of a genetic counselor who reveals to you that you are at high risk of getting breast cancer due to a genetic mutation. Let’s push the rewind button. Before you found out about either of these scenarios , you were waiting for the results. It consumes your life emotionally, physically, and otherwise. You have heard it before; breast cancer does not discriminate. Young, old, single, in a Continue Reading →

The Warmth of the Traveling Pashmina

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The warmth of the traveling pashmina is not a title I thought I would be creating for a blog post. This is what I love about writing. You can take the smallest gestures of kindness and share those most meaningful stories from them. This story spans both time and space. You must read this to the end. It promises to warm your heart. The Gift of the Pashmina The days leading up to my double mastectomy were filled with emotion, planning, preparing, and letting go. This was my second breast cancer diagnosis. I was no stranger to the shock of multiple doctor’s appointments, coordinating care between my health care team, and the understanding that my body was about to undergo an assault of surgical treatments and recovery I wish I did not have to think about. The biggest of those changes was losing my breasts. My first diagnosis involved lumpectomy. Continue Reading →