I'm Still Here: Real Conversations About Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Episodes
Episode 273: You Asked, I Answered
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You had questions. Heather answered them. In this episode, Heather pulls from questions submitted on Instagram to talk about where her mets were, the ...
Episode 272: When the Scan Isn't Clear — and That's Okay
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Scan results don't always come back clean. After 28 years living with metastatic breast cancer, Heather has learned that "okay" doesn...
Episode 271: Your Nervous System Isn't Overreacting
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever felt like your body is always bracing for the next thing — you're not imagining it.In this solo episode, Heather explores wha...
Episode 270: The Appointment Is the Easy Part: The Real Cost of Navigating Healthcare with MBC
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How are you? Busy? Overwhelmed? Maybe both?In this solo episode, Heather gets honest about what the last month has really looked like — navigating a...
Episode 269: Your Questions, Our Answers
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You asked, and we're answering. In this Q&A episode, Heather and Larry tackle questions submitted by listeners on Instagram and Facebook — t...
Episode 268: What Nobody Tells You About Being a Caregiver
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When Larry said "in sickness and in health" at 25, stage four breast cancer three years later was not what either of them had in mind. In th...
Episode 267: Sensational Survivor: 14 Years, Twin Boys, and a Life Built on Purpose — Janelle Slavic
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Janelle Slavic was 24 years old when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. A year later she was told it had spread. She has now been living with...
Episode 266: The Loneliness Nobody Talks About with MBC
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There's a particular kind of loneliness that comes with long-term metastatic breast cancer — and it's not the loneliness of being sick and s...
Episode 265: Real Conversations About Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After a short break, the podcast is back with a refreshed focus and format.In this episode, Heather shares why the podcast subtitle has changed to Rea...
I Was Diagnosed With Stage 4 Breast Cancer at 26 — What 27 Years With Metastatic Disease Taught Me (Part 2)
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Last week in Part 1, I shared the story of being diagnosed with metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer at just 26 years old — the shock, fear, and life-...
I Was Diagnosed With Stage 4 Breast Cancer at 26 — Living With Metastatic Disease for 27 Years (Part 1)
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
At 26 years old, I was diagnosed with metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer — a moment that changed everything in an instant.In Part 1 of my story, I s...
Episode 264: From Feeling Different to Finding His Voice — My Son Ty’s Story
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of I’m Still Here, Heather sits down with her son Ty to talk openly about his adoption journey, growing up as a brown child ...
Eat This, Not That — 2026 Edition
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Eat This, Not That — 2026 EditionWhat do I actually eat — and how do I think about food now?In this episode, Heather shares her Eat This, Not That...
Episode 262: What I Reached for in the Early Days—and How to Build a Library That Holds You
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
While cleaning and decluttering, Heather came across a stack of books that carried her through the early years of living with cancer. Some were inform...
Episode 261: What Do I Need This Year? Rethinking the New Year With Metastatic Breast Cancer
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new year often comes with pressure to set goals, do more, and fix ourselves. But when you’re living with metastatic breast cancer, that framework ...
Episode 260: These Are My People: Finding Belonging in the Metastatic Breast Cancer Community
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After 27 years of living with metastatic breast cancer, I attended the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium for the first time — not knowing what to ...
Episode 259: Cancer at Christmas: The Week I Learned I had Stage IV Breast Cancer
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful episode, Larry and I go back to the week in December 1998 that changed our lives forever. What started as a routine appointment just ...
Episode 258: The Holidays Hit Different With Cancer: Stress, Memories, and Making It Manageable
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The holidays hit different when you’re living with cancer. In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Heather and Larry talk about the emotional wei...
Episode 257: What Will You Do With Your One Wild + Precious Life?
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Heather opens the door to a conversation many people living with metastatic cancer think about privately — but rarely speak aloud:Y...
Episode 256: Don’t Wait for January: 7 Ways to Stay on Track Through the Holidays
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Description:The holidays are a mix of joy, chaos, and endless temptation — which makes it easy to say, “I’ll just start over in January....
Episode 255: Stop the Cancer Spiral: A 15-Minute Reset for When Cancer Takes Over Your Thoughts
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When your mind starts spinning with fear, what-ifs, and worst-case scenarios, how do you stop it? In this episode of I’m Still Here, Heather and Lar...
Episode 254: The Balancing Act: Structure, Flexibility, and Living Well with MBC
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Finding balance isn’t about perfection — it’s about learning what works for you. In this episode, Heather and Larry dig into the daily juggling ...
Episode 253: From “I Am Sick” to “I Am Strong”: 10 Statements to Reframe Your Life
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What you say about yourself matters. In this solo episode, Heather shares 10 powerful “I Am” statements to help you shift from fear and frustratio...
Episode 252: Let's Talk About Sex - After Cancer
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s Talk About Sex – After CancerAfter cancer, everyone tells you “you look great”—but looking fine isn’t the same as feeling whole. In...
Episode 251: Never Stop Starting Over: Building Strength After Cancer
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Never Stop Starting OverAfter a great appointment and scan results, Heather and Larry sit down to talk about what it really means to “start over”—...
Episode 250: PET Scans, Panic, and Perspective
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m catching you up on a whirlwind of scans, cancer center conversations, and the realities of living with metastatic breast cancer. From...
Episode 249: Infusion Centers: Healing or Losing the Human Touch?
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After more than 25 years of treatment at the same small-town hospital, Heather shares how changes in systems and processes have stripped away what onc...
Episode 248: I Just Want a Break from MBC
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Living with metastatic breast cancer is exhausting—physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It never takes a day off, and sometimes you just...
Episode 247: We're Back! Let's Catch Up!
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a summer break, Larry is back on the mic! In this week’s episode, we reflect on the journey of I’m Still Here so far, share our hopes and dr...
Episode 246: Sensational Survivor Terlisa Sheppard
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations re...
Episode 245: Kelly Shanahan, Sensational Survivor
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations re...
Episode 244:Sensational Survivor Series Melissa Haberl
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations re...
Episode 243: Sensational Survivor Kim Builta
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations re...
Episode 242: 20 yr Sensational Survivor Gillian Burles
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations re...
Episode 241: Quick Summer Check in
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👇 New to the podcast? Here's what we're all about:I’m Still Here is a weekly show hosted by Heather Jose, who has been living with metast...
Episode 240: Sensational Survivor Jessica Strande
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations re...
Episode 239: Sensational Survivor Leecy Fink, 10 Years With Metastatic TNBC
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations re...
Episode 238: Sensational Survivor Sharon Hamilton, 19 years with MBC
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations re...
Episode 237: Thriving Decades Beyond Diagnosis – Beth’s Survivor Story (Replay from 2023)
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 237: Thriving Decades Beyond Diagnosis – Beth’s Survivor Story (Replay from 2023)In this inspiring replay from 2023, Heather sits down wit...
Episode 236: Fear is the Worst. How to Get Relief When Living with Metastatic Cancer
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We asked what you struggle with the most when living with cancer and the fear of dying and overall anxiety always tops the list. In this episode we ta...
Episode 235: 30 Years of Marriage
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are celebrating 30 years of marriage this week with a handful of questions for each other. Each week, Heather shares profound insights gained from ...
Episode 234: Living with Cancer 7 Techniques That Keep Me Going
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we talk about 7 things that Heather has relied on for all of her years of living with cancer. Larry is back too! Each week, Heather shares ...
Episode 233: Break ups and Dating with MBC Part 2 with Annie Bond
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Annie talks about breaking up and dating while living with MBC. Don't miss this one!@theanniebond Each week, Heather shares profou...
Episode 232: Annie Bond, Living with MBC since 2015, Part 1
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Annie Bond joins Heather this week for part one of her story. Annie was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at age 26 in 2015. @theanniebond Each ...
Episode 231 Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, Heather talks about living with metastatic breast cancer over 26 years. Each week, Heather shares profound insights gained from ...
Episode 230 10 Ways to Make Appointments Better
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Larry and Heather talk about tips to make appointments go smoothly and get the most out of them. Each week, Heather shares profound i...
Episode 229 The Emotional Weight of Cancer is Heavy
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Larry and Heather talk about living with the weight of metastatic cancer along with the everything else that is happening in the world...
Episode 228: Getting Back on Track
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Larry and Heather talk about getting back on track after a setback. Each week, Heather shares profound insights gained from her remarkable 2...
Episode 227: 9 Tips for Caregivers
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Each week, Heather shares profound insights gained from her remarkable 25-year journey as a metastatic breast cancer survivor. Join us as we delve int...
Episode 226 Surviving, Thriving or Living?
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do you want to be called? Is there implications behing the words? This episode talks about how the terms sit with Heather and why. Each week, Hea...
Episode 225: Can You Eat 30 Plants a Week?
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk about Heather's focus from a nutrition standpoint and how surprisingly easy it is to eat 30 plants a week. Each week, Heat...
Episode 224: Where is Your Cancer Anxiety on a Scale of 1-10?
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Larry and Heather talk about the level of cancer anxiety that is present day to day for people with metastatic cancer and ways to gaug...
Episode 223: 5 Things You Need to Know that No One Tells You when It's Cancer
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Larry and Heather talk about some of the things that don't get talked about when you have been told it's cancer including, fin...
Episode 222: Thoughts on Living with Breast Cancer : A Solo Episode
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Heather is flying solo! Join her as she talks about her thoughts on living with breast cancer and how it has affected her life from va...
Episode 221 Part 2 of Heather's Journey Through Cancer Treatments
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Heather opens up about her journey through diagnosis and treatment, sharing the raw and real moments that defined her experience. She...
EPISODE 220: Heather's Journey Through Diagnosis, Double Mastectomy, and Self-Discovery
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Heather opens up about her journey through diagnosis and treatment, sharing the raw and real moments that defined her experience. She...
EPISODE 219: Momentum Matters: Shifting Focus to What Propels Us Forward
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the power of focusing on what moves us forward in life. From setting meaningful goals to embracing daily practices like af...
Episode 218: How I Discovered Emotional Resilience After My Diagnosis
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Heather opens up about the intense emotions she faced following her diagnosis and how she learned to navigate them. She acknowledges that the initial ...
Episode 217: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Early On
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The first few weeks after a cancer diagnosis are terrifying and filled with uncertainty. It feels like everything is too much, and there's no guideboo...
Episode 216: New Year Challenge
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the perfect time of the year to re-evaluate your health & set goals for 2025. Heather & Larry created a 5 to Thrive Challenge. This wi...
Episode 215: The Advice You Don't Want To Hear
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Drawing from her personal journey with cancer, Heather often receives requests for advice. She addresses common questions and shares her candid answer...
Episode 214: A Cancerversary - Half Of A Life With Cancer & Half Without
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This December marks a significant milestone for Heather—26 years since her cancer diagnosis. What makes this year extraordinary is that Heather has ...
EPISODE 213: 12 Ways To Stay On Track During The Holidays
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The holiday season often brings added stress, from packed schedules to the pressure of creating perfect celebrations. When you’re navigating cancer ...
Episode 212: Happy Thanksgiving! A Conversation on Improving Patient Experience
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather recounts a challenging experience at the doctor’s office, highlighting where the staff fell short and offering suggestions for improvement. ...
Episode 211: 5 to Thrive - A Curated Guide to Navigate Cancer
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Larry & Heather share what to expect in your 5 to Thrive Downloads. Heather curated these downloads to cover all stages of cancer with...
Episode 210: Staying On Track For The New Year
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this quick episode Larry & Heather share that they are going through some tough times. Heather shares her experience with Little Pink Houses of Hop...
EPISODE 209: 5 to Thrive: Part 2 - Treatment Phase - Strengthening the Mind
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt episode, Heather and Larry open up about the recent loss of one of their beloved dogs and share how they’re navigating the grief. ...
EPISODE 208: Handling Cancer Conversations During the Holiday Season
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
During the holiday season, we often gather with extended family, which can sometimes lead to personal questions about cancer treatment or other aspect...
Episode 207: What is the 5 to Thrive Download?
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather explains the key information you'll find in 5 to Thrive, sharing her personal story and the inspiration behind this resource. She offers insi...
EPISODE 206: A Love Letter To Those Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt episode, Heather speaks directly to those living with metastatic breast cancer, a group that is often overlooked or misunderstood. S...
EPISODE 205: Fall & Food: Fueling Right
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Larry discusses the impact of complex carbohydrates on energy levels and highlights that many people are over-consuming high-protein diets. He points ...
EPISODE 204: How I Feel About Breast Cancer Awareness Month
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Heather reflects on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, discussing both the positive intentions behind it and the ways it sometimes falls ...
Episode 203: Conquering Scan Anxiety: Tips for a Healthy Mindset
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever had a medical scan, you understand the anxiety that often accompanies the experience. From booking the appointment to awaiting resu...
Episode 202: How We Navigated the Financial Challenges of Cancer
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather discuss the financial challenges she faced with cancer. Not only was she unable to work, but treatment was expensive. She shares her perspecti...
EPISODE 201: Things I Wish I Knew When I Was Diagnosed With Cancer
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Heather and Larry explore the significance of the "First 5 to Thrive" guide and its benefits for all types of cancer. They ...
EPISODE 200 - Celebrating 200 Episodes
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are celebrating 200 episodes of I’m Still Here. Make sure you check out the new download, get ready for a new podcast, and don’t forget to comm...
Episode 199: A Few Of Our Favorite Memories From I'm Still Here
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
200 episodes is a big deal. To celebrate, here are a few of our favorite snippets from older episodes. Little Pink Houses of Hope - https://www.littl...
Episode 198: Facing Big Changes & The Fear of the Unknown
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cancer can disrupt your daily routine and bring about numerous changes following a diagnosis. It shifts your mindset and requires you to accept that y...
Episode 197: Discussing Cancer Treatments
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode Heather shares what treatments she has gone through and what worked for her. Tune in for more details. Little Pink Houses o...
Episode 196: Finding Balance: Establishing a Routine During Cancer Treatment
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When life feels chaotic, creating a plan and getting organized can help relieve the stress of the unknown. In this episode, Heather shares practical s...
Episode 195: 10 Things I Wish I Had Known Before My Cancer Diagnosis
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Heather delves into 10 lessons she learned from her cancer experience. She shares these insights in hopes that you can apply them to ...
Episode 194: Things You Can Do in 5 Minutes to Build Momentum
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes the hardest part is getting started on a project. Here are a few small things you can do to help build momentum in your life. Meditate ...
Episode 193: Protecting Yourself Through Scary Times
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are living in scary times. Its okay to take a step back from social media or the news. Check in with yourself and your anxiety. Losing someone in...
Episode 192: Raising Young Kids While You Have Cancer: The Do's and Don'ts
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being diagnosed with cancer is already life changing. Now throw a few young kids into the mix, it becomes even more complicated. In this episode Heath...
Episode 191: How to Be More Intentional About Your Health & Fitness
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather covers SCORE, which is an acronym to help balance your life. Sleep Consumption Outdoor Relationships Exercise Tune in to this episod...
Episode 190: Chart Anxiety & Avoiding Data Overload
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When that notification pops up saying you have new test results, it's so tempting to unlock your phone and dive into all the medical terminology. ...
Episode 189: Comparison In Cancer
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There is a fine line between listening to others' stories and expecting your path to mirror theirs. Heather discusses the mixed feelings that can ...
Episode 188: Little Pink Houses of Hope & Summertime Goals
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather talks about getting sick, her experience at Little Pink Houses of Hope, and their Summer plans. Little Pink Houses of Hope - https://www.lit...
Episode 187: Discovering My Role in the Cancer Community
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Heather shares how she found her place in the cancer community and how she hopes to impact others in her community. Heather wants to b...
Episode 186: Celebrating our 29th Wedding Anniversary
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather and Larry recall a few of their favorite memories, they share how they kept marriage fun, how they made it through tough times, and what they ...
Episode 185: Navigating Doctor Appointments: Overcoming Anxiety and Procrastination with Heather and Larry
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather and Larry dive into everything related to doctor appointments: from facing scary results and procrastinating visits to managing the anxiety th...
Episode 184: Monday Momentum - Summer Planning
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather and Larry discuss Summer plans. Starting next week there will only be one episode released a week. Make sure to listen to all of the previou...
Episode 183: How To Change Your Mindset For The Better
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Heather and Larry chat about how crazy powerful our minds are. They swap tips on flipping situations to see the sunny side. And let m...
Episode 182: Monday Momentum - Keep It Simple, Stupid
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather & Larry are looking forward to keeping it simple this Summer. How can you keep your life simple? Follow Heather’s Socials: Instagram: Hea...
Episode 181: Navigating Self Blame
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you find yourself asking “Why Me?” “What did I do to Deserve This?” This Episode is for you. Follow Heather’s Socials: Instagram: Heath...
Episode 180: Monday Momentum - How Well Do You Know Us
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in to this week’s Monday Momentum. Call our hotline: 616 303 0094 Follow Heather’s Socials: Instagram: HeatherJose LinkedIn: https://www...
Episode 179: Why I Thought I Deserved To Be Diagnosed With Cancer
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Heather gets vulnerable, sharing why she thought that she deserved to be diagnosed with cancer. Heather shares the guilt she felt for ...
Episode 178: 100 Ways To Change Your Life Part 2
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
April is almost over! Heather & Melissa are discuss more ways you can change your life. They cover maintaining friendships, building resilience, surpr...
Episode 177: Less Is More - Appreciating the Little Things
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are switching our mindsets. Rather than focusing on the negative, and what you might be missing out on, focus on how far you have come. ...
Episode 176: Springing Forward: Cultivating Hope and Growth
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Monday Momentum, Heather shares about her journey with growing new plants, spring in Michigan, and plans for the summer. Tune in next Wednes...