Terri Coutee

We were there to interview him about his work doing breast reconstruction decorative and restorative tattoos. Our discussion centered around decorative and restorative tattoos for breast cancer patients, post breast reconstruction and mastectomy. Kirstin points out you can have two types of tattoos post mastectomy: • Restorative tattoos for a nipple and areola to be replaced if they were removed due to breast cancer. Kirstin addresses Eric noting, she feels he is more in charge as a fine art professional for those seeking restorative tattoos when a nipple/areola is lost due to breast cancer.

My professional life took on a different role after a second breast cancer diagnosis, double mastectomy, and successful DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The Doctors on my Team Oncologists, radiologists, primary care, breast surgeons, and plastic surgeons were part of my health care team from diagnosis to completion of surgery after breast cancer and a double mastectomy. These doctors approached me with curiosity, wonder, and gratitude for being part of our combined mission to educate more patients about the process of breast reconstruction. Their commitment to answer questions and share what they know with the breast cancer and breast reconstruction community has never wavered.

DiepCJourney blog began as a cathartic writing exercise, detailing my Journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer twice and the choice to undergo DIEPflap breast reconstruction. I am grateful to celebrate the four-year anniversary of DiepCJourney, the blog that launched a Foundation to educate others about all their options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. We decided to set a date to officially open the first DiepCJourney blog, March 17, 2015. The figure of the circle represents a continuum, life after breast cancer, life after breast reconstruction.

I am honored to share another one of our Personal Stories featuring Laura’s Journey through breast reconstruction. On Tuesday October 2, I met Dr. Steven Pisano, plastic surgeon. Once I was sure, Dr. Pisano’s office coordinated with Dr. Fischer’s office and in October, I had a bi-lateral (double) mastectomy with abdominal tissue transplant reconstruction. For the recovery after my big surgery, my friends created a care calendar and took 4 hour shifts so Hollis could work during the day.