Four years ago, on March 17, 2015, an idea was launched. DiepCJourney blog began as a cathartic writing exercise, detailing my Journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer twice and the choice to undergo DIEPflap breast reconstruction. DiepCJourney soon transformed into a passion, a mission to educate others about my successful experience and what I continue to learn on this amazing Journey. I am grateful to celebrate the four-year anniversary of DiepCJourney, the blog that launched a Foundation to educate others about all their options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
The Celtic symbol and backdrop for DiepCJourney was developed with a dear friend, Meagan. Both of us embrace our rich Irish heritage. We met several times at quaint coffee houses in early January of 2015 discussing the design, meaning, and an appropriate launch date for the blog. The sketch she drew of me was something I had to consider for a few weeks. I wasn’t sure about the reveal of the cleavage until Meagan encouraged me to keep it. I honor her words to this day.
After all, Terri, your image reflects your Journey through breast reconstruction after losing your breasts to breast cancer
We decided to set a date to officially open the first DiepCJourney blog, March 17, 2015. The days began to fly by as we finalized the sketch and design to represent my platform. In the meantime, I was scrambling to find help to understand the intricacies of WordPress. I reached out to another friend. She helped me set up my WordPress site. One of the toughest assignments she gave me was coming up with 50 topics to write about. My first reaction was, “Are you kidding?”
Commitment to Continue DiepCJourney
At the time her suggestion completely confounded me. It took me a short time to realize why she asked me this question. If I was going to become a serious blogger, I needed to write at least once a week, if not more. She was setting me up to commit to writing about a new a topic each week. It was a much-needed push to pre-plan the success of DiepCJourney. When I began to recount my experience from my second diagnosis through my DIEPflap breast reconstruction the titles began filling the page. For those of you who have asked me how to start writing your own story, remember this tip. I was building a road map to commit to the success of the blog, and it will do the same for you.
What’s in the name DiepCJourney?
I had to create a name for the blog, something that would resonate with my readers. I tossed a few ideas around and finally decided on DiepCJourney. Why? The first four letters are obvious. DIEP is the type of breast reconstruction I had, deep inferior epigastric perforator. The C is the first initial of my last name. Journey? There are many opinions on the use of the word Journey, some good, some bad, some downright aggressively offensive.
Why Choose the Word Journey?
Journey to me implies passage; passage from one event in life to the next, whether it is a celebrated event, or one filled with misfortune and heartbreak. It also reflected the backdrop and the blue sea in the portrait tying the entire Celtic theme together. This is a true story. I asked my husband what he thought of the name DiepCJourney. His response was, “You will only get people who are looking for boats.” We have been married for over forty years so I can lovingly look at him with a tilt of my ornery Irish head and twinkle in my eye and say, “Google it now and see what comes up.”
The Celtic Symbol for DiepCJourney
Celtic literature and history are rich with symbolism. The figure of the circle represents a continuum, life after breast cancer, life after breast reconstruction. It also represents a tight circle of friendship, a tribe if you will. The people I meet every day since opening DiepCJourney are part of my tribe, my community, my own support. The community of family, friends, patients, physicians, health care providers are all part of this voyage I have embraced. My stories develop by knowing them and engaging with them. I am so grateful and blessed to know them all.
Thank you to all who continue to walk with me as I continue this Journey and celebrate the four-year anniversary of DiepCJourney.
Thank you for all you’ve done for all of us Terri! You are a blessing. 🙏❤️
How very kind of you Karen. I feel blessed to be able to do this. Thanks so much and hope you are doing well. ~ Terri
Oh for shame I never thought to ask about the celtic symbol before now – and I just love that it’s part of your story 🙂
I thought that might appeal to you Marie! I always appreciate hearing from you. Slainte! 😉 ~ Terri