I'm Still Here: Lessons from Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer with Heather Jose

I'm Still Here with Heather Jose
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Heather was diagnosed with Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer at age 26, in 1998. Join Heather and her husband Larry as they discuss life with metastatic disease as it impacts every area from health, finances, family planning, and so much more. The podcast provides inspiration and hope, but also practical tips that empower cancer survivors to create a life with cancer.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 260: These Are My People: Finding Belonging in the Metastatic Breast Cancer Community

    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 expect, or even if I would feel like I belonged. What I found was something I didn’t realize I’d been missing: connection, affirmation, and a growing movement focused not just on survival, but on living well with metastatic disease. In this episode, I share: What it was like attending SABCS as a patient advocate Why quality of life matters just as much as treatment advances How patient advocacy is evolving — and where I see myself in it What it means to finally feel like these are my people This conversation is about belonging, purpose, and using our voices — especially for those living with metastatic breast cancer who are navigating life beyond the early days of diagnosis. If you’re living with cancer, supporting someone who is, or wondering how to keep moving forward when the path feels uncertain, this episode is for you. If you’re looking for practical, compassionate support for living well with cancer, you can find my guides here:👉 Guides & Resources: https://shop.heatherjose.com/all-guides Each guide can stand alone, and many people choose more than one to support different phases of their journey. 📸 Instagram: @heatherjose🌐 Website: https://heatherjose.com🎙 Podcast: I’m Still Here: Lessons from Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need it. Episode DescriptionResources & SupportConnect With Me

    35 min

  2. DEC 10

    Episode 259: Cancer at Christmas: The Week I Learned I had Stage IV Breast Cancer

    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 before the holidays quickly became a devastating spiral of tests, unanswered questions, and the phone call that revealed I had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer at only 26 years old. We share: The moment my doctor noticed something was wrong The shock of hearing “It’s cancer” days before Christmas The traumatic appointment where I was told to get my affairs in order How a second oncologist offered hope and completely changed my prognosis What those early days of fear, uncertainty, and survival really felt like How this diagnosis became the foundation for the life and mission I have today If you’re navigating a new cancer diagnosis, living with metastatic breast cancer, or supporting someone who is, this honest conversation is for you. This is the story I wish I could have heard back then — a story about fear, resilience, terrible doctors, life-saving doctors, and the spark of hope that carried me forward. 27 years later, I’m still here. And I want you to know that hope is real.

    31 min

  3. DEC 3

    Episode 258: The Holidays Hit Different With Cancer: Stress, Memories, and Making It Manageable

    The holidays hit different when you’re living with cancer. In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Heather and Larry talk about the emotional weight of the season — the pressure to make everything perfect “just in case,” the anxiety that comes with big family gatherings, and the guilt of not being able to keep up with old traditions. They dive into boundaries, expectations, caregiver dynamics, and the internal struggle of wanting to savor the moments while also feeling overwhelmed by them. From navigating relatives’ questions to simplifying holiday plans to protecting your energy, this episode is full of validation, humor, and practical ways to make this season more manageable. If you’re dealing with metastatic breast cancer — or supporting someone who is — this one will help you feel seen, understood, and a little less alone. Available Now! 👉 Break the Cancer Spiral – Heather’s 15-minute guide to reset your mindset anytime life feels overwhelming You can grab Heather’s new 15-Minute Reset guide and her 5 to Thrive series at ⁠⁠⁠https://shop.heatherjose.com/stop-the-cancer-spiral⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 About the Podcast:I’m Still Here: Lessons from Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer is hosted by Heather and Larry Jose. Each week, they share honest, hopeful conversations about living fully with cancer — the messy, meaningful, real-life parts of survivorship that don’t always make it into the brochure. 🌐 Connect with Heather: Website: ⁠⁠⁠HeatherJose.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@heatherbjose⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠Heather Jose⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@ImStillHereCancer⁠⁠⁠ Podcast available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music To Life! 💚Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who could use a little calm and encouragement this holiday season.

    26 min

  4. NOV 26

    Episode 257: What Will You Do With Your One Wild + Precious Life?

    In this episode, Heather opens the door to a conversation many people living with metastatic cancer think about privately — but rarely speak aloud: You are allowed to live.You are allowed to plan ahead.You are allowed to imagine a future that is yours. Heather shares how, at 26, she was told her life would narrow — that cancer meant shrinking dreams, shorter plans, smaller horizons. Twenty-seven years later, she is proof that life doesn’t end where statistics suggest it should. It unfolds. It evolves. It can even expand. Inside this episode, we explore: 🌿 Rejecting statistics + choosing your own story🌿 The clarity cancer brings: what matters vs. what doesn’t🌿 Why planning isn’t denial — it’s hope in motion🌿 Living your life instead of the one others expect🌿 Releasing guilt, comparison, and shrinking to fit🌿 Mary Oliver’s question that changes everything: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” This is your invitation to dream again — to think about 2026, the future you desire, and the everyday steps that move you toward it. Cancer may have changed your path, but it does not get to own your future. Available Now! 👉 Break the Cancer Spiral – Heather’s 15-minute guide to reset your mindset anytime life feels overwhelming You can grab Heather’s new 15-Minute Reset guide and her 5 to Thrive series at ⁠⁠https://shop.heatherjose.com/stop-the-cancer-spiral⁠⁠ 🎧 About the Podcast:I’m Still Here: Lessons from Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer is hosted by Heather and Larry Jose. Each week, they share honest, hopeful conversations about living fully with cancer — the messy, meaningful, real-life parts of survivorship that don’t always make it into the brochure. 🌐 Connect with Heather: Website: ⁠⁠HeatherJose.com⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@heatherbjose⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠Heather Jose⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠@ImStillHereCancer⁠⁠ Podcast available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music To Life! 💚Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who could use a little calm and encouragement this holiday season.

    26 min

  5. NOV 19

    Episode 256: Don’t Wait for January: 7 Ways to Stay on Track Through the Holidays

    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.” But what if you didn’t have to throw in the towel? In this episode, Heather and Larry talk about how to stay intentional, flexible, and grounded through the holiday season — without giving up all the things you love. From choosing simple non-negotiables to moving your body (even a little), eating like you love yourself, and focusing on connection over perfection, they share what really helps you feel good through the busiest time of year. You’ll laugh along as they banter about color-coordinated outfits and cookie cravings, but you’ll also walk away with seven doable commitments that can keep you steady — and make January feel a whole lot easier. In this episode: Why waiting for January to “start over” doesn’t work The small, realistic habits that help you stay grounded Handling food, movement, and rest without guilt Letting go of perfection and choosing connection instead How to enjoy the holidays and feel good in your body and mind Available Now! 👉 Break the Cancer Spiral – Heather’s 15-minute guide to reset your mindset anytime life feels overwhelming You can grab Heather’s new 15-Minute Reset guide and her 5 to Thrive series at ⁠https://shop.heatherjose.com/stop-the-cancer-spiral⁠ 🎧 About the Podcast:I’m Still Here: Lessons from Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer is hosted by Heather and Larry Jose. Each week, they share honest, hopeful conversations about living fully with cancer — the messy, meaningful, real-life parts of survivorship that don’t always make it into the brochure. 🌐 Connect with Heather: Website: ⁠HeatherJose.com ⁠Instagram: ⁠@heatherbjose⁠ Facebook: ⁠Heather Jose YouTube: ⁠@ImStillHereCancer⁠ Podcast available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music To Life! 💚 Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who could use a little calm and encouragement this holiday season.

    19 min

  6. NOV 12

    Episode 255: Stop the Cancer Spiral: A 15-Minute Reset for When Cancer Takes Over Your Thoughts

    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 Larry talk about the “cancer spiral” — that flood of anxious thoughts that shows up at diagnosis and sometimes never fully leaves. Heather shares how her new guide, Stop the Cancer Spiral: The 15-Minute Reset, was born out of her own experience of living with metastatic breast cancer for more than 25 years. Together, they break down what the spiral really is, why your brain defaults to it, and how you can interrupt it — in just a few minutes — using practical mindset tools that work in real life. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, or simply overwhelmed by everyday stress, this conversation will help you calm your mind, challenge your thoughts, and find your footing again. 💬 You can grab Heather’s new 15-Minute Reset guide and her 5 to Thrive series at https://shop.heatherjose.com/stop-the-cancer-spiral 🎧 About the Podcast:I’m Still Here: Lessons from Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer is hosted by Heather and Larry Jose. Each week, they share honest, hopeful conversations about living fully with cancer — the messy, meaningful, real-life parts of survivorship that don’t always make it into the brochure. 🌐 Connect with Heather:Website: HeatherJose.comInstagram: @heatherbjoseFacebook: @HeatherJoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancerPodcast available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music

    24 min

  7. OCT 29

    Episode 254: The Balancing Act: Structure, Flexibility, and Living Well with MBC

    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 act of work, health, and real life while managing metastatic breast cancer. They talk about scheduling versus spontaneity, energy management, and how both structure and grace play a role in living well long-term. Heather Jose was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer at age 26 and has been thriving for more than 25 years. Through her podcast I’m Still Here: Lessons from Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer, she shares honest conversations, hope, and practical ways to live fully — no matter what life looks like. 💬 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseFacebook: Heather JoseYouTube: I’m Still Here PodcastWebsite: www.heatherjose.com Hashtags:#ImStillHerePodcast #MBCStrong #MetastaticBreastCancer #CancerMindset #WorkLifeBalance #LivingWellWithCancer #HeatherJose #CancerCommunity

    28 min

  8. OCT 22

    Episode 253: From “I Am Sick” to “I Am Strong”: 10 Statements to Reframe Your Life

    What you say about yourself matters. In this solo episode, Heather shares 10 powerful “I Am” statements to help you shift from fear and frustration toward strength, peace, and purpose — even while living with cancer. These statements aren’t about denial; they’re about defining yourself on your own terms. From choosing peace over panic to nourishing your body with care, this conversation will help you remember who you are beyond your diagnosis. ✨ Listen in for: 10 “I Am” statements to help you live fully with cancer Practical ways to protect your energy and peace Why words shape mindset — and mindset shapes healing Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that they are more than their diagnosis. 💗 🎧 Connect with Heather: Instagram: @heatherjose YouTube: @ImStillHerePodcast Website: HeatherJose.com #ImStillHerePodcast #HeatherJose #LivingWithCancer #CancerMindset #MetastaticBreastCancer #IAmStatements #HopeAfterCancer #MindsetMatters #FaithOverFear #ChoosePeace #LiveFullyWithCancer

    28 min
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5
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

Heather was diagnosed with Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer at age 26, in 1998. Join Heather and her husband Larry as they discuss life with metastatic disease as it impacts every area from health, finances, family planning, and so much more. The podcast provides inspiration and hope, but also practical tips that empower cancer survivors to create a life with cancer.

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