DiepC Journey Facebook Group Hit 4,000 Members! Facebook members on DiepC Journey, Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy, can be very active in the evenings. This happens when members have some alone time after dinner, work, and putting the children to bed. I hopped on last night. I noticed a lot of activity and questions being asked. Then something incredible happened. I looked at the number of members as I approved some new requests to join. I was a bit shocked to find out the Journey hit 4,000 members.
DiepC Journey Facebook Group and 4,000 Members Around the Globe
I am in awe of this group because it is specific to breast reconstruction after mastectomy. That is our common bond. On World Kindness Day I asked members to check in to tell each other where they were from. This group continues to practice kindness toward each other in unexpected ways. They checked in from all over the United States and from around the world. We all greeted each other from Canada to England, San Antonio, New York, and over to Australia with lots of stops in between.
I looked at countries in the group insights. They include Ireland, South Africa, Pakistan, New Zealand, Mexico and Singapore. The age range spans from 25 years of age to 65+. We serve both men and women. Our common bond is being affected by breast cancer and talking about breast reconstruction.
What Type of Breast Reconstruction do our Members Have?
I opened the group after my own successful DIEP flap breast reconstruction following a double mastectomy. Even though the Facebook group name is DiepC Journey, our members include those who have chosen implant-based reconstruction, DIEP flap, PAP flap, LAT flap, TUG flap, and a combination of implants and autologous surgery. The members ask a multitude of questions that include:
- Where can I find a board certified plastic surgeon?
- What do I need to take to hospital for phase 1?
- How did you handle having children at home during your recovery?
- How do I relieve tummy tightness after my DIEP flap?
- If you traveled for your surgery, how did you follow up with your surgeon if you had questions?
- Am I too old to have DIEP flap?
- Has anyone added an implant for volume with their breast reconstruction?
Have all our 4,000 Members had Breast Cancer?
No, not everyone in this group has had breast cancer. Members seek information about prophylactic mastectomy with implants or using their own tissue. These are patients at high risk of developing breast cancer with gene mutations that include BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, CHEK2, ATM, PALB2, PTEN. Having a prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction greatly decreases the members chance of getting breast cancer. These women and men need this group to discuss their options and experiences through breast reconstruction.
Are There Only Patients in This Group?
Absolutely not! We pride ourselves in welcoming health care professionals who work to make the lives of those of us affected by breast cancer better. We appreciate their guidance and professional expertise. Our Journey members also include:
- Board certified plastic surgeons
- Microsurgeons who perform autologous reconstruction
- Oncoplastic breast surgeons
- Radiologists
- Genetic counselors
- Tattoo artists specializing in restorative tattoos
- Physical therapists
- Nurses
Will You Come Join the 4,000 Global Members of DiepC Journey?
We welcome those who need support. You are not alone in your Journey. This closed Facebook group will lend positive, truthful, first-hand experience to help you through your own personal Journey. To those who have been with us for a few years, a few months, or a few days, we celebrate each of you. I raise my glass of sparkling water, sparkling cider, or champagne, in honor of your kindness, honesty, integrity, and for being one of the 4,000 DiepC Journey members on Facebook!
Your group clearly serves an important and otherwise unmet need. It’s growth speaks volumes to your own commitment, and to the importance of sharing support and information.
Thank you very kindly, Nancy. I felt this calling almost five years ago after having successful DIEP flap. There are options for breast reconstruction. The choice to reconstruct or not and the type of reconstruction chosen is a personal choice. I felt so grateful to have the resources to be able to make an informed decision. The reality is, not everyone does. I appreciate you acknowledging the need for support and information. Great hearing from you. ~ Terri
I’ve been scared off by FB “groups” and the people who “moderate” them. I really liked the idea of FB and groups back in the early days, around 2008 or so. I was diagnosed in 2011 with PTEN mutation and found a few groups. I was severely bullied in them and just decided to continue on my blog. So glad the group works for you! <3
I am truly sorry you felt severely bullied in your FB groups. No one should feel this way in life in general. I understand and applaud you for continuing your blog. I will be honest, FB can be a tenuous place when dealing with health issues. I work hard to maintain dignity, compassion, and evidence-based support on my Facebook group. The tone has to be set at the beginning and nourished in that way as long as you continue the site. I wish you well with your own writing. Thank you for your comment. ~ Terri