Tag: breast cancer

Navigating Healthcare as a Patient Advocate

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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 →

Episode 88: PRMA’s TruSense® in Breast Reconstruction for Sensate Breasts

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I sat down with Dr. Chet Nastala of PRMA Plastic Reconstructive Microsurgical Associates while visiting their practice in San Antonio for BRA Day 2025. We discuss TruSense® and sensate breasts, the PRMA service mark and surgical method they use to reconstruct nerves to improve sensation to the breast. The following is a summary of our discussion that you can listen to on the DiepCJourney® podcast. We have included the entirety of the interview below from episode 88: PRMA’s TruSense® in Breast Reconstruction for Sensate Breasts. Dr. Nastala’s Training and Background Dr. Nastala began his training in the northeast and attended Harvard for his undergraduate degree. He attended Duke for medical school and did his surgical training at the University of Pittsburg. There he completed training combining plastic surgery, general surgery, some surgical oncology, and research. He has been at PRMA plastic surgery for twenty-five years. He is particularly interested 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 →

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 →

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 →

Why This Symposium Matters: The DiepCFoundation’s Mission in Action

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July 19, 2025, I am hosting the DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium. Throughout my own personal journey through breast cancer and breast reconstruction, I learned mine is one of many unique stories of survivors and why this DiepCFoundation Symposium matters. That is why this symposium matters to me. This is DiepCFoundation’s mission in action, providing an immersive experience where survivors, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocates come together to redefine the narrative around decision-making in breast surgery. The DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium reminds us of the power of education and resources  and that every choice made for people affected by breast cancer deserves to be an informed choice having the power to transform lives. Planning Begins with a Call to Action A strong nonprofit foundation reflects the volunteer commitment from the board of directors. I have been attending national and international conferences since we opened our doors in the summer of 2016. It was Continue Reading →

Celebrate Volunteers Working for the Breast Cancer Community

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April is  Volunteer Appreciation Month. As the Founder/Director of DiepCFoundation I dedicate this blog to celebrate volunteers working for the breast cancer community. These are the people who through their unwavering spirit of volunteering make a huge difference in the work and mission of the Foundation. Global Volunteers Spreading Awareness Having established the Foundation in 2016 I reflect on a wide network of people across the world who are spreading awareness about all options for breast reconstruction for those facing mastectomies. Corporate giving and corporate social responsibility come in various forms. Benevity is a global platform managing corporate giving. My work with the companies that use Benevity has reached global volunteers and donors. I make yearly presentations at our local Microsoft campus. The individuals who attend these meetings have shared their time and talent volunteering to bring awareness to the services and support we provide. Volunteers at AT&T did a Continue Reading →

The Warmth of the Traveling Pashmina

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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 →