Kindness, Gratitude, Courage: My Compass for 2026

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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 →

BioCircuit Nerve Tape®: Bridging Curiosity and Clinical Insight

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I was wandering around the exhibit hall floor at Plastic Surgery the Meeting 2025 (PSTM25) and was curious about a particular exhibit. The company representatives were demonstrating the use of Nerve Tape®, a suture free solution for nerve repair. The claim was “connecting nerves faster and more accurately than conventional  methods. I was invited to sit at the demonstration table and try it. As a layperson, I was skeptical about the “faster and more accurately” claim and determined to give them honest feedback. Here’s what happened next. Clinical Insight into BioCircuit Nerve Tape® Speaking to Michelle Jarrad, CEO of BioCircuit Technologies led to a collaboration to educate patients about the product. When the Foundation forges these partnerships, it is patient education focused to align with our mission to support those affected by breast cancer with education to empower and inform. If there are gaps in patient education regarding innovations in 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 →

Reflections from the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium: Building Community and Trust

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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

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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 →

Nipple Reconstruction at PRMA

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Do most people who have nipple reconstruction have breast reconstruction? Not necessarily. Do you think about nipple reconstruction if you’ve had breast cancer and are in a consultation for breast reconstruction? We are going to answer these questions and others on this episode of the DiepCJourney Podcast about nipple reconstruction at PRMA with my guest, Dr. Courtney Carpenter of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas. Meet Dr. Carpenter who Performs Nipple Reconstruction Dr. Carpenter joined PRMA in 2014 after moving her practice and family from Minnesota. She has over eight years’ experience in microsurgery, including head and neck reconstruction, facial trauma, juvenile breast deformities and craniofacial surgery. Dr. Carpenter is passionate about utilizing her extensive expertise and experience to help transform lives through reconstructive plastic surgery. I want to point out that PRMA uses the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction, meaning there are two board-certified microsurgeons with the patient in the Continue Reading →