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 surrounded by a community walking a similar path. There’s a mix of heaviness and comfort: processing the reality of it all while also feeling deeply connected and less alone. (But also feeling like the new kid in school)

We originally planned to record a full recap after the conference wrapped, but between getting home late Sunday and jumping right back into the chaos of work and bedtime routines, we decided to share this initial reflection now to stay on schedule. Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where we’ll dive into our full experience and everything we’re still processing.

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 carry unexpected weight. What starts as a common reassurance about parenting young kids leads us into a deeper, more emotional discussion about fear, uncertainty, and how hard it can be not to project into the future. We talk honestly about what it means to stay present while navigating the unknown, and how easy it is to realize the things we once took for granted.

We close the episode by looking ahead to the upcoming Living Beyond Breast Cancer conference. We share what drew us to attend, highlight a few sessions we’re especially interested in, and talk about what we hope to gain from being in a space with others who truly understand life with metastatic breast cancer.

This episode is a mix of reflection, vulnerability, and cautious hope — and a reminder of just how much can exist in the in-between moments.

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 side of the in-between moments. Even the “routine” or “minor” tests can carry a lot of weight, and we talk honestly about the stress of waiting for results and what it takes to keep moving forward through that uncertainty.

We also open up about something more personal — learning to trust a body that has given you reasons not to, and how complicated that relationship can become throughout this journey.

Another important conversation we dive into is how to talk about stage IV breast cancer with others—especially when so many people’s understanding is shaped by earlier stages. Navigating those conversations isn’t always easy, and we share what that’s been like for us.

And to close things out on a high note, we’re celebrating a milestone: Episode 10. Double digits feels like a big deal, and we’re so grateful you’re here with us.