Episode 36

Touch Your Ta-Tas!: A Stage IV Journey 


with Kristina Keller
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Touch Your Ta-Tas!: A Stage IV Journey 


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

www.cancare.org/hopebook

About the Guest:

Kristina Keller is a stage IV breast cancer survivor, single mother, speaker, and author of Touch Your Ta-Tas!: My Story of Faith, Hope, and Healing Through Stage 4 Breast Cancer.  Diagnosed in early 2024, she chose faith over fear, becoming her own advocate, exploring alternative treatments, and uncovering unexpected gifts along the way. Kristina now shares her journey with honesty, humor, and unshakable hope, reminding others that even in the hardest moments, faith and resilience can light the way. Her story is also featured in the Hope in the Face of Cancer book.

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Ep 47

Feeding Hope, Finding Strength

with Patrice Surely
What if the key to healing isn’t just treatment, but how you support your body along the way? We are joined by Patrice Surley, oncology nutritionist and functional health expert with over 25 years of experience helping patients strengthen their bodies during cancer care. Patrice blends evidence-based nutrition with whole-person support, working alongside medical teams to improve outcomes and quality of life. Her journey began with her own health struggles, where diet and lifestyle changes made a real difference. That personal turning point shaped her belief that healing starts by meeting each person where they are and helping them take simple, meaningful steps forward. Patrice explains the concept of immuno stress and how factors like poor nutrition, sleep, and emotional strain can weaken the immune system. She shares practical tools such as increasing colorful fruits and vegetables, prioritizing protein, and addressing root causes instead of masking symptoms. Her work focuses on reducing side effects, improving tolerance to treatment, and helping patients feel more in control. Her message is clear and hopeful. Healing takes time. Small changes matter. Stay open, stay consistent, and trust that progress is possible even in the hardest moments. Highlights: How small nutrition changes can unlock big shifts in recovery Why treating root causes can improve cancer treatment outcomes What immuno stress means and how it affects healing How to work with your medical team for whole-person care Why simple habits often outperform complicated health plans Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook Patrice’s website - https://www.patricesurley.com/ About the Guest: Patrice Surley is an oncology nutritionist and functional health expert with more than 25 years of experience helping people heal from the inside out. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based care, but what truly sets her apart is her heart: the way she listens, partners with patients, and helps them understand what their bodies need to restore balance and strength. Patrice works alongside oncologists, functional medicine doctors, and organizations like Do Cancer, helping patients build care teams that support the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
Ep 46

The Strength of Instincts

with Jackie Garcia
What happens when you know something is wrong with your body but no one will listen? In this episode of Hope in the Face of Cancer, Darcie Wells speaks with Jackie Garcia, a young adult cancer survivor whose persistence led to a life-saving diagnosis. For five years Jackie searched for answers while dealing with severe symptoms including rapid weight gain, intense pain, numbness in her legs, and overwhelming fatigue. Doctor after doctor dismissed her concerns and told her to simply lose weight or manage anxiety. At age 31, a CT scan finally revealed the truth. Jackie had a 20-pound tumor wrapped around multiple organs. After connecting with specialists at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Jackie underwent major surgery to remove the tumor. The moment she heard the words “you have cancer,” she felt something unexpected: relief. At last she had proof that she had been right about her body all along. Jackie shares how that experience changed the way she sees herself and her life. She learned to trust her instincts, show herself compassion, and slow down after years of pushing herself through work and stress. She also discovered the power of community through young adult cancer support groups and survivorship connections. Her message is simple and powerful. Trust your body. Ask for help. And remember that hope can still exist even in the hardest moments of a cancer journey. Highlights: • Trusting Your Body – Jackie explains how years of unexplained symptoms pushed her to keep advocating for answers even when doctors dismissed her concerns. • The Power of One Doctor Who Listens – A visiting physician ordered the CT scan that finally revealed the tumor and changed everything. • The Moment of Diagnosis – Jackie describes the surprising sense of relief she felt when she finally received an answer. • Life After Cancer Changes Priorities – Her experience shifted her mindset away from career obsession toward rest, self-compassion, and meaningful relationships. • Why Community Matters During Cancer – Support groups and survivor connections became a critical part of her emotional healing and survivorship. Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook About the Guest: Jackie Garcia is a 31-year-old retroperitoneal liposarcoma survivor and advocate. She spent five years searching for answers before being diagnosed with a rare cancer and a 20-pound tumor she named “Tina”. Through it all, she discovered strength in humor, healing in community, and the profound truth that her body, even in its most vulnerable state, was still worthy of love. Now living with no evidence of cancer, Jackie shares her journey with tenderness and hope, walking alongside other young adults navigating cancer and reminding them they are never alone on this uncertain road.
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