Patient / Caregiver Communication Expectations | Episode 22

Patient / Caregiver Communication Expectations | Episode 22

Summer brought us a chance to slow down and make memories with family over the Fourth of July on the shores of Lake Erie, but life with metastatic breast cancer never stays on pause for long. This week, we share a few updates from the past couple of weeks before diving into the latest challenge: persistently elevated liver numbers and the questions they're raising about Kaela's current treatment. We talk openly about the uncertainty that comes with waiting for answers, how treatment decisions are made, and what it's like when the plan you've grown comfortable with suddenly feels less certain. That conversation naturally leads us into something many couples facing cancer can relate to: how, when, and even if every test result should be communicated. We share our different expectations, why those differences exist, and how we're continuing to navigate them together. As always, this episode is an honest look at life beyond the diagnosis: the moments of joy, the setbacks, and the conversations that help us face both. You can find us wherever you get your podcasts. Please check us out on YouTube as well for a more immersive experience. https://youtu.be/iJliZxpmolw [https://youtu.be/iJliZxpmolw]

Candace's Story | Episode 21

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 about how easily women, especially postpartum women, are told to wait, watch or reassure themselves when their body is actually signaling something much more serious. Candace’s story is deeply personal, but it is also one that so many women will recognize in pieces of their own experiences, especially that quiet moment of “something doesn’t feel right”. Episodes also available on YouTube: Her Cancer Our Story - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@HerCancerOurStory]

Officially Summer | Episode 20

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 moment with the kids. We also throw in a mix of Mike's tattoo story, our evening at the BCA Survivor's dinner, Kaela's plans to attend a wellness summit, and some upcoming legislative news into the discussion as well.

A Scan Worth Celebrating | Episode 19

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 came in. We discuss what these results mean, how we're processing them, and what life looks like moving forward while continuing to navigate metastatic breast cancer. We also revisit Mike's solo episode from last week, where he shared some of the emotions and challenges that caregivers often carry behind the scenes. Kaela reflects on why she wasn't able to listen to it just yet, but shares how proud she is of his vulnerability, and discusses the impact that kind of honesty can have on others walking a similar path. This episode is a celebration of good news, a reminder to appreciate the victories when they come, and a conversation about the hope, love, and resilience that continue to shape Her Cancer, Our Story. Of course, you can watch the full video on YouTube: Her Cancer Our Story - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@HerCancerOurStory]

Just Mike: Living in the Dark Scary Place | Episode 18

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 know how to hold, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone - even if it feels like you are... For an even more raw and unfiltered look at this episode, check out the video on YouTube: Her Cancer Our Story - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@HerCancerOurStory]