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.

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

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

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 metastatic breast cancer while raising young children and building a life in the middle of uncertainty. We talk about navigating a new marriage after diagnosis, parenting through fear and hard conversations, and the complicated balance of trying to live fully while also thinking about the future.

We also reflect on what it means to leave a legacy through advocacy. From podcast episodes to blog posts, we discuss how sharing our stories has become more than awareness work - it’s also a way for our children to someday hear our voices, understand our strength, and know just how deeply they were loved through all of this.

This episode is honest, emotional, and full of the kind of conversations that remind us why telling these stories matters.

perkybits | Claire's Boobie Journey

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Episodes are now available in video format on YouTube: Nothing Scares Me Anymore: Claire's MBC Story - Part 2

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 her story from her initial early-stage breast cancer diagnosis through her metastatic recurrence years after finishing treatment. Along the way, we talk about the complicated emotions that come with survivorship, marriage and cancer, and the language we use around cancer (including our ongoing struggle to find a better word than “journey”), and what it means to live openly and honestly with MBC. As Clarie says "Everything Happens for a Reason", you'll get to hear how an unfair situation is being turned into an opportunity to help so many others.

This conversation is raw, funny, emotional, and deeply real, and we’re so grateful Claire was willing to share her experience with us. This is just part 1 of an amazing discussion. Part 2 will be out next week!

This episode is also available in a fun video format on YouTube. Now you can see the faces behind the podcast! Take It or Leave It: Claire's MBC Story - Part 1 - YouTube

After listening to this episode, don't wait to learn more about Claire through her blog and podcast:

perkybits | Claire's Boobie Journey

Perkybits: Riding the Waves of Life | Podcast on RSS.com

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 fitting Mother’s Day episode, we welcome our very first guest to the podcast: Kaela’s mom, Judy. As a breast cancer survivor herself, Judy joins us to share her perspective on watching her daughter navigate cancer while carrying her own experiences with the disease. Together, we have an honest conversation about motherhood, survivorship, fear, resilience, and the unique bond that forms when cancer impacts multiple generations of a family.

The conversation was so good and there was so much to cover, you can expect Judy to make another appearance in a future episode.

This episode is filled with relief, vulnerability, gratitude, and a lot of love.

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, we explore what’s at stake in the language we use.

Because sometimes, like any complicated relationship… it’s not so easy to define.

We wrap up with an exciting announcement about our friend, Becky, who is gearing up to run the Missoula Marathon at the end of June. Becky is fundraising for MBCure, and as we all know by now, metastatic breast cancer research is grossly underfunded. So, let's help Becky crush her fundraising goal!

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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 some of those thoughts here.

On the medical front, we celebrate some encouraging news: Kaela’s latest blood work and oncology appointment brought positive updates, and we talk about what that means for where things stand right now. We close the episode with something a little more personal and even a bit exciting - Kaela’s decision to get her first tattoo, pending her doctor’s approval, and what that choice represents in this chapter.

This episode is a mix of reflection, gratitude, and looking ahead, grounded in the reality of this journey, but holding onto the moments of light along the way.