DiepCFoundation.org

The DIEPC Foundation has been a beacon of hope and support for countless breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families. I had the profound privilege of experiencing a truly inspiring moment during one of Microsoft’s GIVE events. A participant expressed a heartfelt desire to meet Terri and gain invaluable knowledge about breast cancer resurrection for their treatment. Witnessing this interaction in person was incredibly moving.

Terri’s unwavering dedication to raising awareness and sharing knowledge about breast cancer is unparalleled. Her commitment to this cause is evident in every action she takes, and I have yet to meet anyone as devoted as she is. I extend my heartfelt wishes for continued success to the DIEPC Foundation and hope it reaches and supports many more individuals in need.

We have loved working with DiepC Foundation, and have gotten to on their podcast! Great experience!

The DiepCFoundation is an incredible resource for anyone navigating breast reconstruction options. Their dedication to providing high-quality, informative content through blogs and videos is truly commendable. The information they share is not only educational but also deeply supportive, helping patients and their loved ones make informed decisions during such a critical time.

What really sets this foundation apart is their vibrant and welcoming Facebook community. It’s a safe space where members can connect, share their stories, and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone. The sense of community and understanding is palpable, and it’s clear that the foundation genuinely cares about each person’s journey.

I highly recommend this foundation to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate support for breast reconstruction. Their commitment to education, community, and care is truly unparalleled. Thank you for all that you do!

When I received my breast cancer diagnosis, I entered a very dark place. The thought of being amputated and losing a part of my identity was incomprehensible. I was inconsolable. My breast surgeon quickly told me about reconstruction options and mentioned DIEP. I didn't know that there was an option to use my own tissue so I was intrigued. Thanks to Terri and DiepC's Facebook page, I received all the information I needed to make the best decision for myself. I went into this very challenging surgery fully prepared for the long recovery and aware of the potential hurdles. I continue to trust in Terri's recommendations and continue to learn from her vlogs. The supportive online community she has built has been a light that has helped me climb out of my dark place. Thank you so much, Terri.

I was diagnosed with DCIS in May 2023. I ran the gauntlet of doctors and health professionals and luckily, surrounded myself with a wonderful medical team. They formulated the plan for my health care. With my breast surgeon's input, I decided on Diep Flap breast reconstruction. I needed more information and advice from women who'd gone down this path and a friend suggested I join an online support group. I found the DiepCFoundation facebook page. I can't fully articulate how much the members of this forum along with my health care professionals, helped calm my fears, answer my questions, and generally give me peace of mind and the tools to move forward with my decision and ultimately my treatment. The vast knowledge that Terri Coutee , the founder of the DiepC Foundation, has gathered from doctors and experts in the field from around the world is a goldmine for women who are in my situation.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer Dec 2021 and wasn’t nearly prepared for all the decisions I was going to make. After some major complications with implants I stumbled upon DiepCfoundation. I wish I had found it sooner! The information, camaraderie, and support I found on the sites, videos and chats have helped guide this last year of my journey. It will continue to be my first resource in moving forward and beyond. I am grateful to have found such a wonderful place.

When you find out you have breast cancer you’re faced with many decisions on what to do. You feel out of control, your mind races, you don’t sleep and you question everything.
DiepC helped me immensely on my journey. I learned from the women who have already been on this journey. I felt understood and supported , I could research other peoples questions and read about their experiences and I asked questions to learn more about my choices.
DiepC has a library of YouTube videos with interviews with surgeons, doctors and other journey members to help explain your choices. I was able to come up with my own plan and felt back in control of my life.
I became a part of a club I never wanted to join, but now we are all stronger together because we are Pink Sisters.
Here’s a post I wrote:

Pink Sister Team!
I've been a member of numerous teams throughout my life, finding strength in the bonds forged with my teammates. Whether it's been a sports team, work colleagues, a moms club, or my own family, we've consistently provided each other with encouragement, leaned on one another in times of need, shed tears together, grown through setbacks, and celebrated victories.
Recently, I became part of a new team - The Pink Sisters. This revelation came when another brave woman fighting breast cancer told me this week, "You've got this, Pink Sister!" It dawned on me at that moment that I am now a member of a community of fighters and survivors dedicated to combating breast cancer.
The color pink symbolizes the courage, hope, and solidarity of women facing breast cancer or supporting the cause. The pink ribbon, universally recognized as the symbol of breast cancer, serves to highlight the cause, raise awareness, and unite women in solidarity.
I have always loved the color pink and now it has a deeper meaning. For me, the sight of pink signifies strength, knowing that millions of women have navigated this journey and emerged victorious.

DiepCFoundation gave me hope. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 I found answers to so many questions I had about the longevity of reconstruction I needed to hear. I was able to find a solution for a breast reconstruction option that was perfect for me.

Diep C foundation has been an invaluable resource for me while preparing for cancer related surgery. The videos and podcasts are so educational and helpful. Terri has spent time with me on the phone and in messages to answer questions. The Facebook group has been a supportive group of women going through the same things. This foundation has been so important to me as I prepare for surgery and I hope I can be of some help after I go through it.

DIEP C Foundation changed my surgical path after being diagnosed with breast cancer. I had bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders placed. I also had radiation which delayed any reconstruction. It was at this time when I found DIEP C Foundation. There is an endless array of information when it comes to breast cancer, reconstruction, and survivorship. It was through Terri's interviews with physicians and specialists that really taught us how to navigate this path. We went from settling for whatever services were available in our rural area to traveling for the best microsurgeons available. What a true blessing!!

The only US non profit that works with patients and plastic surgeons on the best options for breast reconstruction for breast cancer patients.

DIEP C Foundation is very helpful with the information posted, as well as offering as many options and choices as possible.

The DiepC Foundation provides greatly needed support and information for women diagnosed with breast cancer on a wide range of essential topics but especially for women facing decisions regarding breast reconstruction. No matter one's access to resources and information, the time post diagnosis can be incredibly challenging for women on this path. The DiepC Foundation fills a greatly needed role as women face critical decisions and seek the full picture regarding reconstructive surgery options. Founder Terri Coutee's ability to provide women this multitude of information from a patient's perspective is particularly valuable. Additionally, Terri's knowledge of the many tools that can impact quality of life and wellbeing on this path can help make the journey easier, as well. Terri brings a vast amount of knowledge and understanding, the breast cancer patient's experience, and a caring heart to the foundation, helping make it a place of transformational and much needed support to women with breast cancer. Thank you, Terri, for all you do for this community.

I can't say enough for the good work done by Terri Coutee and others associated with DiepCFoundation. Whether it be building community, advocacy, or educating women about their breast reconstruction options, this organization is the benchmark for nonprofits that seek to support women as they face a breast cancer diagnosis.

When first diagnosed with breast cancer I began the search for information on treatment options,expections, and questions to ask. Once I started to understand my treatment plan I began to look for options on reconstruction so that proper decisions could be made prior to my surgery. I knew that I didn’t want implant but not sure what other options might be available. This group was an amazing resource for what was possible and what I needed to ask. From the search for a Dr who did this procedure, what to ask, ERAS protocol, what I needed to prepare physically as well as mentally. Thank you for being there and helping to make an emotionally difficult time a bit easier.

The DiepC Foundation has made a profound impact on my life and many others. Not only does this organization provide education and resources to empower those affected by breast cancer to make informed decisions about breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, but it has created a large community with those people who provide support and connections to others. Founder Terri Coutee provides a wealth of information through a blog, videos, podcasts, a Facebook community, and more.

Through the Foundation, I was able to find all the information I needed to make informed decisions for my own prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction in 2018. This information was invaluable in helping me figure out how to choose a surgeon, what questions to ask, what to expect throughout the process, and provided me with firsthand knowledge of various providers and their track records. Throughout the surgical process the Foundation’s community provided a place to ask questions and commiserate, which was good for my mental well-being. After completing my journey, the Foundation has offered me a place to share my stories and help others through their own journeys.

Terri Coutee at DiepCFoundation has been a tremendous help with professional resources and access for breast cancer survivors and advocates who work with the community. She has a deep passion in her efforts and is constantly working on outreach and connecting the community to proper education and support when so many may feel lost or don't know where to go for reliable information. She has created one of the largest support groups on Facebook for breast cancer survivors/previvors who can share and connect with others around the world. DiepCFoundation is a foundational pillar for the breast cancer community.

The information learned and discussion facilitated by DiepCFoundation was integral to being able to be an active member of my health care journey. over the last 2 years and 3 surgeries I've asked dozens of questions to help me prepare for surgeon consults,
Prepare mentally and physically for surgery . So grateful for this community and information, judgement free support group.

DIEP C Journey is a blessing to so many. It is a place to find education, emotional empathy, and companionship on a journey no one volunteered for. It also provides a platform for women to have a voice! Thank goodness for Terri Coutee and all of the resources she brings together.

I have found Terri and the Diep C foundation extremely knowledgeable and helpful with my friends who did not know about this type of reconstruction surgery. I think it is a more natural way to reconstruct your breasts after cancer and it gives cancer victims an alternative to the standard surgeries.

Terri & all her resources have helped so many start and get connected with information and doctors after breast cancer. I personally have seen so many women who are incredibly grateful for all the resources and communities they were exposed to. She truly carries the mental load for all those who discover DeipC, which is so important to recovery and return to normal life.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. Thankfully it was caught early and I was able to avoid chemotherapy. I had a lumpectomy in October 2019 followed by 30 rounds of radiation. In 2020 I developed a massive seroma, and then I began to get bloody nipple discharge. After an ultrasound, MRI and a biopsy I was cleared of any recurrence (thank god) but found out the Biozorb marker that was placed in the lumpectomy bed during surgery had not dissolved and has caused the seroma, discharge and lots of scar tissue. It had to come out, but doing so would leave me with a half a deformed breast. It was then that I began pray about my next course of action. I had been in several breast cancer support groups on Facebook and seen many ladies speak about DIEP flap reconstruction and also PRMA in San Antonio Texas. Through the PRMA support group on Facebook I learned about the organization, the DiepCJourney and the foundation itself. Oh my goodness what a blessing and huge source of support and information. I have scrolled through the group and have watched countless videos and podcasts. In the dead of night when sleep can’t find me and my mind goes crazy, I’m able to search the group and find the information I need to educate myself and put my mind at ease. These resources are invaluable to those of us who have been thrown into this journey and just plain scared!!!! The love and support is life changing!!! I pray the DiepCFoundation continues their mission to educate all who seek it and continued success.

DiepCFoundation has been an invaluable part of my journey with breast cancer. I happened upon them while looking through YouTube videos just trying to gather information to help me in my decision making. Everyone's experience with breast cancer is so different; type of cancer, stage, age, then you add on types of treatment plans, types of reconstruction, no reconstruction, availability of providers,..the list goes on and on and the confusion gets really difficult to navigate. DiepC has made wading through all those variables so much easier. The Facebook group is private and is a continual source of support and camaraderie; a place where you are safe to ask any question and never made to feel like it was silly. You can find so much helpful information from the interviews with medical specialists and various service providers as well as practical information like what you do and don't need to take with you to the hospital or what you may need to prepare for at home.

This is an organization with a huge heart! Although I did not have to experience the journey without my husband, so many journey members have had to navigate all this alone due to COVID restrictions at hospitals. Terri Coutee, founder of DiepC, along with many members have offered to connect via phone with individuals to be their "virtual support". I think that speaks volumes.

If you are unfortunate enough to experience breast cancer personally or know of someone who is, please share this valuable group with them.

Sandy McNary

I have leaned on the DIEPCFoundation for many reasons over the past three years. I like to ask questions of the group and of Terri and I am also amazed at the response and the answers I receive when I've asked for help. I even found my phase 2 surgeon through the group. Having breast cancer is a life changing experience and this surgery is so intense and the recovery is uniquely challenging. We really need a resource that will speak to the specific challenges of this recovery. I am deeply grateful for the support of this Foundation and I am grateful for Terri and her team.

The journey of breast reconstruction is one that takes so many different paths. I started researching breast reconstruction about 2 years before actually having surgery. In that time I scoured the internet for information. I felt so much comfort in the DiepCFoundation's personal stories, one-on-one talks with doctors, I watched many YouTube videos and listened to podcast. Terri seemed to ask the right questions of anyone she was interviewing, as if she knew what I was thinking! She is very responsive to direct questions, something that means a lot to someone wanting the answer quickly. I have made friends and feel a part of a bigger community that the DiepCFoundation has brought together. The FaceBook page is a group of such caring people and there is no question that can not be asked. Someone, somewhere has thought or been though the same thing. The DiepCFoundation really did make my life changing experience much less scary because I felt informed, armed with questions for doctors, real expectations, and knowledge on my side. Thank you DiepCFoundation!

After a routine mammogram in October of 2020, I got a call to come back for more tests. We were leaving to scuba dive that week, so I informed the office and they agreed that waiting a week would be fine. The day I went for the 3D mammogram and sonogram, I was in the office a while because the technician was having a difficult time getting a good sonogram . My husband called after 2 hours to see why I hadn't returned and when I told him the sonogram had taken 4 tries, he said "I'm gonna throw up". That was my first clue. After the sonogram, when they told me the Dr. would come and talk to me, I really thought she would tell me to come back in a year, not "We really need to do a biopsy". Between then and the biopsy, I did some research and learned that only 20% of breast biopsies come back with cancer. Again, no need for me to worry. I had always been athletic - I was 58 and had been competitive swimming for the last 14 years, had run a full marathon and several half marathons, and also spent a lot of time in the gym. My mom's sister had breast cancer in her late 60's and one of her daughters had been checked and had a mastectomy as well, but since my mom and no one else had it, cancer was not even on my radar. I was in a Spin Class when in got the call, "Invasive Lobular Carcinoma". I already knew I wanted a Double Mastectomy and told that to the Breast Surgeon that my GYN had referred me to. She agreed and I told her I wanted implants, so she referred me to a Plastic Surgeon. It was only while researching him and his practice that I learned about DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction. I liked the idea of using my own tissue, of having warm breasts, and - I'm not gonna lie - a flatter tummy sounded great. The surgeon I was referred to agreed, and four weeks later, In December of 2020, it was all done in one long surgery. Throughout the time waiting for the surgery, I was in denial, I knew they said I had cancer, but I never really felt it was happening to me. My tumor ended up being 1.7 CM, clear nodes and margins and I was able to avoid radiation and chemo. My "healthy" breast had Atypical Hyperplasia and LCIS, so a double mastectomy was a good decision for me. I had a supportive husband, as well as supportive friends and family. I felt super blessed to have been referred to one of the best centers for DIEP surgery in the country - AND they were in my hometown! For having cancer, I felt like I got through it fairly easily. Because of this, I looked for and found several Facebook groups where I can help others going through the Cancer experience, and I also came across DiepCFoundation on Facebook. I enjoy answering questions and sharing experiences with others who are fighting this battle that no one has asked for. While googling DIEP, I came across and watched several of DiepCFoundation's videos on YouTube, and have read some of their blogs. Even though I found DiepCFoundation after my surgery, I continue learn things that help me help and encourage others going through the breast cancer experience, and I enjoy connecting with others to help them with their journey.

June 23, 2021, the day I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductile Carcinoma, stage 1 intermediate grade. Just hearing the words you have cancer was a scary and shocking day. I was not totally unprepared for those words however. My Grandmother, mother and my sister had all been diagnosed with breast cancer. All of us negative for the BRACA gene though. I found Diep C Journey aka The Journey from a friend. I had already decided that I wanted to proceed with a double mastectomy but had not really thought about the reconstruction aspect of things. I knew I did not want implants. My sister had them with much difficulty in the beginning but even a year later so hard. Finding the Facebook group was a true Godsend for me. Making that initial post saying I’m one of you and I need guidance was hard. But then Terri Coutee responded and posted some video blogs and the “Journey” truly began. I have learned so much from my Diep C pink sisters. I think I learned 95% about my reconstruction choice from the group and posted video blogs with so much info than I did from the Surgeons to be honest. I can’t say enough great things about Terri and The Journey. As a result I had my DMX with immediate Diep flap surgery on Sept 13, 2021. I was mentally prepared and that says everything about this group. I have been fortunate to not need chemo or radiation but this group still embraced me and the morning loss of my breasts. Thank You Terri for everything you do. You’re amazing.

I was diagnosed with DCIS in the left breast in March of 2021. Just when life felt like it was getting back on track after the big COVID shut down, this bomb was dropped on me. No one in my immediate family had been diagnosed before, and most of the older women were not so great on getting mammograms regularly. And here I get diagnosed, the year I hit the big 5-0, got my last kid getting married and about to be a true empty nester with my hubby. Being from a science focused background, I craved the knowledge, the data, as much as possible. I wanted to know the good, the bad, and the ugly to face this head on. What were my options? When could I get to an oncologist? How many biopsies, mammograms, and MRI's would it take to get the full understanding of what I was facing? The oncology breast surgeon I was referred to was very adamant that a lumpectomy would be the right choice for me along with 12 weeks of radiation after. I was not so sure. With a history of heart disease in my family, and my own battle with high blood pressure, I was worried about radiation on the left side near my heart. Despite the statistics quoted and advancements in technology, I started leaning toward a mastectomy, remove the offending cancer and be done with it, move on. As I started researching this and talking with other women in my family, I found out that my Cousin's wife had a preventative mastectomy since she is a gene carrier with a high rate of breast cancer in her family line. She recommended I look into DIEP Flap procedures and recommended the Diep C Foundation Facebook page, which helped get information to women like me who were searching for a path, a decision. I joined the page in April, one month post diagnosis, and I felt that the information I now had at hand was 10-fold what I had been provided by my surgeon. I had read all the materials the doctor had given me, and yes, DIEP was mentioned as a reconstructive procedure. But when my surgeon recommended a plastic surgeon, that's when I found out the huge differences on material given versus information shared from this awesome Facebook group. When I saw that plastic surgeon, I was prepared. I knew all the surgery options for reconstruction and knew I did NOT want implants. In our consultation, I was advised that I did not have enough tissue for DIEP, maybe enough for SGAP, but would most likely get best results from implants. In short, this doctor was not a Microsurgeon and was not capable of performing DIEP, only SGAP and implants. I left that appointment and immediately started making calls to the 2 big DIEP outfits referenced on DIEP C Foundation, I also took time out to search the Facebook group for my home state of Oklahoma. It was there that I found Dr. Masters and Dr. Habash, with good feedback from patients, who were partnered with Integris out of Oklahoma City. An hour later, I had 2 other appointments set to meet with other doctors (both microsurgeons), one virtual and one in person in Oklahoma City. After meeting Dr. Habash in OKC, and an initial consultation, I knew DIEP would be the route I would take and Habash would be my doctor. I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction in early June, only 2 months post diagnosis. I chose a bilateral to assure the lowest stats for breast cancer, and upon pathology results, Atypical lobular cells were found in the healthy right breast, confirming this was the right choice for me. Recovery from surgery was not easy, but I had a good understanding of what to expect, when to worry and knew that I could count on the Facebook group to answer any questions I might have. I read through the posts often, commented and messaged other women who were at my same post-op stage. We supported each other when we felt no one else could understand what we were going through. Despite those tough first weeks post-op, I turned a corner. I could do more, felt better, was weaning off meds and felt like myself again, except with new "girls". I returned to my full time job at 10 weeks post op, even though by the end of a full day I was wiped out. My journey is still ongoing, as I am 6 months post-op and going to all my annual appointments and surgical follow-ups. I will be a "one and done" reconstruction. I have had 3D tattoos, which look great from 4' or more and am very happy with my results. I sought out Physical Therapy on my own with a certified Lymphatic massage therapist which helped me regain range of motion, something I would have not known without my Facebook support group. I have continued to encourage Women in my circle (family, coworkers, friends) to get annual mammograms, and to always seek a second opinion when faced with cancer. No one doctor has ALL the answers. Seek out resources and survivors! Just recently, I gathered all my "tools" that I used post surgery, including a lift recliner, and gave them to a co-worker who is about to undergo DIEP due to a recent diagnosis. That is why I am sharing my journey, to help others in this battle, to know you are not alone, to provide support, or just a shoulder to cry on and listen. Praying for all those still continuing the battle...and the Facebook Group DIEP C Foundation that continues to battle with them.

Lynn A. -survivor

Finding this group has been the best resource I’ve found since my cancer diagnosis in the summer of 2021. Not only is it such a comfort to know that I’m not alone in my journey, but many times I get answers to questions that I didn’t even know I had. Everyone is so encouraging and supportive, and I’m just forever grateful to be a part of this amazing community.

I discovered DIEPCJourney quite by accident from another forum that I was reading. Since I was entertaining having a breast reconstruction I decided to join to get information, learn about DIEP breast reconstruction from the ladies gone before me in having a DIEP breast reconstruction as well being able to watch informational videos or listen to Podcasts. This information is valuable to anyone who wants information about the DIEP procedure. The support from the group is great. The ladies share their experiences as well share in support of each other, no matter where they live in this world. I highly recommend this nonprofit for anybody….who had breast cancer and seeking a breast reconstruction surgery. DIEP is the gold standard for breast reconstruction surgery. So glad I found this nonprofit, DIEPCJourney

I have known Terri, the founder of DiepCFoundation for many years. Her passion and commitment to providing knowledge and support for women researching their options for reconstruction after breast cancer surgery is excellent.

DiepCFoundation offers a wealth of education and support. In a sea of online and social media resources, DiepC rises to the top — clearly run with integrity and up-to-date education — through blogs, videos, and more. Because it’s such a trusted and comprehensive resource, I’ve become a more-informed patient and self-advocate through my breast cancer and reconstruction journeys. I couldn’t have done it without them.

DiepCFoundation is such a wonderful organization and it helps so many people. I have seen first-hand the results of the education provided by DiepCFoundation and one thing that stands out to me is the multifaceted approach the org takes to reach people. From the facebook page, to helpful and informative blogs, the very active instagram and twitter, and now the podcast - what great communication skills and support! With a constant flow of expert advice, this is an evidence-based, balanced, and very positive nonprofit.

I strongly believe that knowledge is power, and after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I immediately began searching for information. I needed not only to learn about breast cancer, but to also seek out my options. Even years after my diagnosis, DiepCFoundation continues to be a wealth of information for me. It keeps me well-informed with evidence based articles, videos, and the latest in breast cancer surgery/management, as well as the added confidence from the support of many highly regarded medical professionals in the breast cancer community.