Social Media is a way for others to connect in communities to discuss like-minded topics. I began the private Facebook group, DiepCJourney: Breast Reconstruction after mastectomy, in May of 2015. The purpose of the group is to inform those who are facing or have had a mastectomy about all their breast reconstruction options and choices. This includes the surgical option for no reconstruction, aesthetic flat closure. We are a global community. We want DiepCJourney Facebook group to be your safe place to land.
DiepCJourney Facebook Discusses all Options
The chest wall is the scaffold of the surgeon. The decision to reconstruct after a mastectomy is supported whether you choose implants, use your own tissue (autologous reconstruction), a combination of both, a lumpectomy, or no reconstruction, referred to as aesthetic flat closure. This requires decision making. On DiepCJourney and at the Founding organization, DiepCFoundation, we promote the idea of shared decision-making. To find out if your surgeon is practicing shared decision-making click on the link here. You can read a blog I co-authored with my reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. Dr. C is a surgeon who actively engages in shared decision-making with his patients.
Women and men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or have tested positive for a gene mutation have a great deal to consider when researching options for breast reconstruction surgery. This forum will share personal choices and experiences, answer questions, and call upon experts in the field to guide you through the process. You will get advice from those of us who have been through this. We call upon professionals in the field of breast cancer and breast reconstruction when needed to answer questions.
DiepCJourney Welcomes HealthCare Professionals as Members
DiepCJourney sets itself apart from other private groups. We are honored to feature a number of health care professionals who are also members of the group. These include, genetic counselors, plastic surgeons, microsurgeons specializing in autologous breast reconstruction, breast surgeons, oncoplastic breast surgeons, tattoo artists, a dietician, a yoga instructor who is a breast cancer survivor, radiologist, and physical therapists. They are there to lend support, not promote their practice. They listen and collaborate with all members for the best possible care for Journey members.
Joining DiepCJourney and Resources We Provide
We want to keep our group safe. Any new members are asked to answer two simple questions. We also ask you to check a box agreeing to the group rules. This site does not allow personal unclothed photos for the following reasons:
- To abide by Facebook guidelines.
- We personally feel photos of post-surgical wounds, newly reconstructed breasts, undesirable results, should be shared with their surgical team for the best assessment of care.
- We all have varying body habitus. Keeping expectations in check can be skewed when comparing photos of someone with a completely different experience and body form.
DiepCFoundation, supports these women, men, and healthcare providers by offering a number of resources. Stories from individuals who share their personal experience, evidence-based research, and one on one discussion with surgeons can be found on the following resource venues across social media:
- The DiepCJourney blog
- DiepCFoundation public Facebook page
- DiepCFoundation Pinterest page
- DiepC Foundation Instagram page
- DiepC Foundation educational YouTube channel
- DiepCJourney Podcast
A Link and Invitation to Join DiepCJourney Facebook Group
I want the DiepCJourney private Facebook group to be your safe place to come and connect with those in our community who understand. We are here to help guide you through your decision process, offering all options available for breast reconstruction for those affected by breast cancer.
I hope this will make the walk through your own personal decision an easier Journey. Terri Coutee, a two-time breast cancer survivor who had successful DIEP flap breast reconstruction, is the founder and moderator of this group.
Here is the link to join the Facebook group:
DiepCJourney: Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy
The information we provide in the private Facebook group is not a substitute for or should be construed as medical advice. It is imperative that you discuss your final options and decisions for reconstruction with your health care provider.