Her Cancer Our Story

Today’s episode is one that really sits with you. We’re talking with Candace who was in the middle of her second pregnancy and early postpartum life when she noticed something didn’t feel right in her body. What followed was a series of appointments, scans, and eventually a diagnosis of Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. This is a story about motherhood, intuition, grief, and advocacy. But also abo...

In the first episode of our bi-weekly summer series, we provide some updates on some of the exciting things we're doing this summer so far. We discuss Kaela's recent bloodwork results and how that's impacting her treatment. Later in the episode Kaela shares a little bit about her struggles dealing with a summer full of fun and family time, while also wanting time to slow down enough to savor every...

This week, we share some incredible news: Kaela's latest PET/CT scan showed significant regression of disease, and we're taking time to celebrate this hard-earned victory together. In this episode, we talk openly about the emotions that surrounded scan day, from the anxiety and anticipation leading up to the appointment, to the overwhelming relief and gratitude we felt when the results finally cam...

This week, it's just me (Mike). While we usually share this journey together, this episode is a little different. I'm opening up about where I am emotionally, right now: the fears, uncertainty, and exhaustion. This is far from a polished episode. It's simply an honest snapshot of where my heart and mind are right now. If you've ever found yourself trying to stay strong while carrying more than you...

It's been a long week, and we know you're all excited to hear more from Claire! Before we get back to part 2 with Claire, Kaela and Mike provide some updates on recent (less than favorable) bloodwork results and a discussion with our oldest son about Kaela's breast cancer. In part two of our conversation with Claire, we move beyond introductions and into the deeper realities of living with metasta...

In this episode, we welcome our first MBC guest (and new friend) to the podcast - the incredible Claire. Claire is a fellow stage 4 metastatic breast cancer survivor, podcaster, and an awesome advocate with several projects in the works, and someone who brings a refreshing “take it or leave it” authenticity to every conversation. Over the first half of this 90-minute conversation, Claire shares he...

This week, we share some exciting news as Kaela received the results of her brain scan confirming there is no metastasis in the brain. We talk about the relief that comes with hearing those words, while also reflecting on the emotional weight that scans and appointments continue to carry and how “scanxiety” becomes an ongoing part of life after a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Then, in a fitt...

In this episode, we take on a question that feels a little like defining a relationship: what do we actually call metastatic breast cancer? Is it a chronic illness? A terminal disease? Both? We unpack the pros and cons of each label, how those words shape understanding for ourselves and for others, and why neither one fully captures the reality of living with MBC. From the way these terms impact h...

In this episode, we reflect on our final takeaways from the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference: sharing what stayed with us, what challenged us, and what it meant to be surrounded by others navigating similar paths. We also talk about a recent interview we participated in for an academic research study focused on the experience of younger, married individuals facing a...

In this episode, we record straight from our hotel room to share our initial, in-the-moment reactions after the first two days at the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference. From navigating traffic and barely making it to the opening session, to stepping into a space filled with others who truly understand this journey, it’s been an emotional and powerful experience. We ta...

In this episode, we take a step back and reflect on a quiet, but busy week. We don't much of an update in kind of a no news is good news fashion, as everything appears to be going well. We share highlights from our Easter weekend, including a meaningful trip back to Slippery Rock, where we had the chance to revisit our alma mater and spend some intentional time together. From there, the conversati...

This week’s episode comes with a bit of a “podcaster initiation” story — after losing last week’s recording to some truly questionable audio, we’re back for round two and hoping this one sticks. We kick things off with a much more encouraging update from Kaela. Her latest test results are showing real progress, and she’s not experiencing any side effects that would interfere with staying on her cu...

This week, we’re talking about something that’s been growing in Kaela’s heart—advocacy. As she navigates life with stage IV breast cancer, she shares why using her voice has become so important, what being an advocate truly means to her, and how she hopes to make a difference for others walking a similar path. We don’t have it all figured out, but this episode is an honest look at the beginning of...

In this segment, Mike sits down with Kaela's longest known friend from her childhood - Lisa. Take a few minutes to get to know one of Our Story's fiercest supporters and learn how a cancer diagnosis may impact those beyond our immediate support rings. Support Kaela and her family: https://justshowup.itemorder.com/shop/home/

This week, we start with a really encouraging update. At Kaela’s latest oncology appointment, her doctor confirmed something we’ve been hoping for — she can already feel the tumors shrinking and was genuinely proud of Kaela’s progress this early in treatment. It’s a moment that gave us a lot of hope, and we’re holding onto and celebrating that! After a few heavier episodes, we decided to switch th...

“I’m not the same person I was before I was diagnosed.” It’s something Kaela has said in previous episodes, and in this conversation we spend time unpacking what that really means. We talk about the ways cancer has changed her—how her perspective, priorities, and outlook on life have shifted since the diagnosis. But we also explore something just as important: the parts of her that haven’t changed...

How much do you really know about your family’s health history—and could that knowledge change your future? In this episode, we talk about Kaela’s family history and the genetic testing she underwent after her diagnosis. What started as a medical step quickly became a deeper conversation about what family history can reveal—and why understanding it matters. We discuss how genetics can influence ca...

In Episode 5, Mike and Kaela open with a mix of funny — and not-so-funny — stories from past appointments. Because sometimes laughter is the only way through the hard days. Then we turn to one of the most difficult parts of this journey: parenting two young boys through a stage 4 metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. We talk about the immediate fear that hits as parents — the quiet panic about how t...

Episode 4 brings some much-needed good news. We talk about finding a new oncologist who feels like a true partner in this fight, the relief of a benign MRI biopsy result, and the practice of celebrating every small victory in the midst of stage 4 breast cancer. We also share about a weekend away with friends that reminded us that cancer may be part of our story, but it is not the whole story. As K...

This episode is one we wish we didn’t have to record. After weeks of scans, appointments, and uncertainty, we received the diagnosis: stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. In this conversation, we take you into that room with us—the moment we heard the words, the questions that followed, and the weight that settled in. We share what the following weeks have really looked like: the fear, the tears, the...

This week, we’re picking up right where we left off. After receiving a confirmed breast cancer diagnosis, the rollercoaster doesn’t slow down — it speeds up. In this episode, we talk about the flood of emotions that follow, the endless appointments and scans, and the mental exhaustion that comes with all the unknowns. We also get real about the added stress of insurance frustrations and trying to...

Everything changed with a lump. In this episode, we rewind to the very beginning of our cancer journey - before diagnoses, before treatment, before the word metastatic entered our lives. We talk through the moment Kaela found the lump, the early appointments we hoped would be "nothing", the scans that raised more questions and fear than answers. This is a conversation about uncertainty, fear, hope...