Tag: Breast Reconstruction

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 →

Traveling to the Center For Natural Breast Reconstruction

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For patients exploring their options for breast reconstruction and learning they must travel, the very thought of a long car trip or airline travel can seem like an overwhelming task. It is important at DiepCFoundation then that we provide those practices who support patients who will be traveling for their breast reconstruction surgery. On this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, I talk to Dr. Richard Kline and his team to learn how they support patients who travel to their practice at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Please go over to the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel and look for this episode soon! If you have questions after you listen to the interview whether you listen to the podcast or watch the video, let us know and we’ll try to answer them. The Team Approach in Breast Reconstruction Dr. Kline collaborates with a team in the operating 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 →

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 →

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 →