Hope in the Face of Cancer: Empowering Stories and Support

How do you choose hope when your diagnosis says stage four? Kristina Keller is a single mother, speaker, and author of Touch Your Ta-Tas!: My Story of Faith, Hope, and Healing Through Stage 4 Breast Cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2024, and within weeks, scans revealed spots on her liver. She pressed pause on a planned double mastectomy, sought further opinions, and chose a path rooted in prayer, research, and self-advocacy. Her book title carries a life-saving reminder: do your monthly self-breast exams. This conversation centers on practical hope. Kristina explains how prayer became the foundation of her journey and how she chose physicians who would partner with her, even as she explored some unconventional therapies. She shares why being transparent with your oncologist matters, what questions to ask, and how understanding treatments can lower fear. You’ll also hear how counseling helped her talk with her son, why community care makes the road feel lighter, and how simple acts like creating a trust can be a loving step for any parent. Finally, she returns to the habit that might have changed everything: a regular self-exam and listening to your body. Kristina’s message is simple—pray, ask for help, learn your options, and keep believing for better days. Hope grows when you take part in your own healing. Highlights: 01:42 — Self-advocacy and self-exams. Practical steps to be your own health advocate and make monthly self-breast exams routine. 03:17 — From shock to a plan. How to move from the initial diagnosis call to grounded next steps. 04:42 — Talking with your kids. Ways to share facts with reassurance and keep communication open at home. 05:59 — Family support that helps. How child- and family-focused counseling (like Wonders & Worries) can guide hard conversations. 07:43 — Prayer as an anchor. A simple faith practice to steady emotions and decisions during treatment. 09:11 — Second opinions done right. Why comparing perspectives expands options and confidence in your care plan. 10:54 — Integrative choices with transparency. How to discuss complementary approaches openly with your medical team. 12:14 — Make early detection a habit. The case for monthly self-breast exams and listening closely to your body. 22:56 — Share to strengthen community. Turning quick Facebook updates into a story that brings support—and a book. 35:04 — A hope routine you can use. Pray, ask clear questions, research your options, and participate fully to reduce fear. Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook

What helps when treatment ends but the feelings don’t? Shayla Martin is a breast cancer survivor, Chief Wellness Officer, certified meditation practitioner, and co-founder of a startup. She brings both lived experience and professional insight into what healing looks like beyond the medical treatments. In this episode, Shayla shares the moment that changed everything—a strange “beach fly” bite that led her to discover a lump. From diagnosis in New York through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she leaned on humor and community to get through the hardest days. Yet she reveals that the biggest challenge came after treatment, when the full weight of emotions landed, and she no longer had the structure of appointments and check-ins. Shayla opens up about grief, especially around not having a mother to call after difficult scans, and how therapy became a path for addressing what she calls the “mother wound.” She explains why denial and fear are often the first hurdles, and why processing feelings honestly is a sign of strength. You’ll hear practical ways to hold space for fear, invite trusted people into treatment days, and use tools like sound baths, meditation, and counseling. Shayla shares that post-treatment is often when emotions truly surface. And allowing yourself to feel them, without judgment, is where real strength begins. Her message: you’re allowed to be scared, you’re not alone, and support is ready when you ask. Keep going. Hope grows where feelings are welcomed. Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome and Guest Introduction
Meet Shayla Martin, breast cancer survivor and wellness leader. 02:05 – From Corporate to Healing Work
Shayla shares her career shift into wellness and sound healing. 04:10 – The “Beach Fly Bite” That Led to Diagnosis
A strange bump at the beach sparks her cancer journey. 07:20 – The Oncologist Who Saved My Life
A chance public speaking class nudges Shayla to get checked. 09:21 – Facing Fear at Weill Cornell
The day denial lifted and reality of cancer hit. 13:24 – The Call I Couldn’t Make
Realizing she didn’t have a mother to call after diagnosis. 17:17 – The Tornado of Treatment
Why life feels like survival mode during chemo and radiation. 23:00 – Naming the Tumor and Throwing a Party
How humor and community helped her face surgery and chemo. 27:10 – Creating a Chemo Lounge
Why she invited friends, music, and joy into treatment days. 39:34 – The Greatest Gift of Cancer
Living at 100% capacity of feeling and choosing hope.