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 hope and identity to how they influence conversations with family, friends, and the medical community...
May 05, 2026•49 min•Season 1Ep. 14
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 cancer diagnosis. It gave us a chance to reflect on our own journey in a different way, and we share...
Apr 28, 2026•51 min•Season 1Ep. 13
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 talk about the sessions we’ve attended so far, what’s stood out, and what it feels like to be surround...
Apr 21, 2026•21 min•Season 1Ep. 12
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 conversation turns more vulnerable. We open up about how a simple, well-meaning phrase: “it’ll get easier” can...
Apr 14, 2026•38 min•Season 1Ep. 11
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 current treatment — something we’re incredibly grateful for. From there, we get into the emotional sid...
Apr 07, 2026•44 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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 that journey. If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to share it. Advocacy starts wi...
Mar 31, 2026•41 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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/
Mar 27, 2026•17 min
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 things up. Kaela takes over hosting duties and puts Mike in the hot seat with a “get to know me” game ...
Mar 24, 2026•48 min•Season 1Ep. 8
“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. The core values, the personality, and the person she still is deep down. Cancer may alter parts of...
Mar 17, 2026•56 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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 cancer risk, what we learned through testing, and why knowing your family’s medical history can empowe...
Mar 10, 2026•53 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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 this will shape our kids’ world. We share how our mindset shifted after hearing “stage 4,” the weight...
Mar 03, 2026•53 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 Kaela says in this episode, “ I’m much more than just the lady with cancer.” Stepping away for a few ...
Feb 24, 2026•48 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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 unexpected peace, the support from loved ones, and the strength we’re discovering we didn’t know we...
Feb 11, 2026•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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 advocate for yourself in a system that doesn’t always make it easy. We end this episode in a place m...
Feb 11, 2026•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 2
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, and the quiet moments in between - when life keeps moving forward even as we felt like time stoppe...
Feb 11, 2026•45 min•Season 1Ep. 1
