Category: Personal Stories

Navigating Healthcare as a Patient Advocate

Posted on by

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 →

Microsurgical Conferences: Why and How

Posted on by

I still remember attending my first medical conference after launching DiepCFoundation in the summer of 2016. Since then, I’ve participated in more meetings than I can count, each one reinforcing how essential thoughtful preparation is for meaningful patient advocacy, whether the focus is breast cancer or breast reconstruction. My first event of 2026 will be the annual meeting of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), a gathering that always inspires reflection on why microsurgical conferences matter and how to make the most of them. In this blog, I’m sharing the strategies that have helped me prepare, stay grounded, and find success in these dynamic environments. Strategies Preparing for Microsurgical Conferences Registration for ASRM begins months before the actual conference. There is an early registration price and once that passes the cost increases. As a nonprofit, I remain mindful of our budget since I have to justify expenditure to my Continue Reading →

Kindness, Gratitude, Courage: My Compass for 2026

Posted on by

As I step into 2026, I find myself returning again and again to three simple words. Those words are kindness, gratitude, and courage. They aren’t new concepts. They aren’t complicated. But they have become the compass points guiding how I want to show up in the world, how I want to lead, and how I want to serve the breast cancer community that has shaped my life in ways I never could have imagined. These three words have carried me through seasons of uncertainty, moments of profound connection, and the quiet, steady work of advocacy. They have grounded me when the world felt heavy and lifted me when I needed reminding that hope is not naïve. Hope is necessary. And as I look toward the year ahead, they feel more necessary than ever. Kindness: The Quiet Energy that is Transformative and Contagious Kindness is often underestimated because it’s gentle. It Continue Reading →

Unplugging and Reconnecting Before Your Breast Reconstruction

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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 →

Reflections from the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium: Building Community and Trust

Posted on by

I missed blogging this summer. A full week has passed since the event as I sit at my computer. It is with a full heart that I share with readers my reflections from the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium: building community and trust. Nine Months of Planning for the Symposium Have you ever planned an event, for instance, a wedding, graduation, or family reunion that took nine months? I began planning this in late November of 2024. If you are going to do have an event of this scale, you need that time. While I was at the podium the day of the symposium, I recall looking at our oldest son, Richard, one of the keynote speakers and saying, “Geez son, I carried you for nine months and that’s how long it took to put this event together.” Terri Coutee to Richard Coutee It hit me at that moment and why I Continue Reading →

An Invitation to the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium

Posted on by

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 →

The Warmth of the Traveling Pashmina

Posted on by

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 →

Women’s History Month 2025: Enriching our Communities

Posted on by

I am sitting at my desk today on March 1, 2025, the first day of Women’s History Month 2025, contemplating the events of this past week. The highlight of my week was attending the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Leadership Conference. Empowering women leaders strengthens our communities. The women role models I encountered this week and every day in my nonprofit work deepens my belief in the role of women in our society.   What Constitutes a Woman Leader? Women leaders may or may not be publicly visible. I want to explain the word “leader” in the context of this blog. Women are characteristically care givers who foster friendships, families, and communities. Leading by example and lifestyle is a daily responsibility in personal and professional life for them. They could be someone who raises independent, respectful, strong children and community leaders. My own mother grew up on a farm in Continue Reading →

Dealing With The Overwhelming Feeling of Loss

Posted on by

This week has been challenging for so many and for many reasons. The news in the U.S. has focused so much attention on the massive losses in the Los Angeles area from the wildfires. Loss is part of life. But how do people deal with it? This is not a blog to share what you have lost. You will understand why if you read to the end. How are you dealing with the overwhelming feeling of loss? Losses in my World I have received texts every day this week from friends who have loved ones directly affected by the fires in Los Angeles. There have been no lives lost from those I heard from and for that, I am grateful. It began early Monday morning when a dear friend of mine was coping with the news of the fire in the area where her daughters and young grandchildren live. They Continue Reading →