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
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.
Love the podcast? You’ll be moved by the book. The Hope in the Face of Cancer book shares inspiring, real stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes. Raw, uplifting, and full of heart—for anyone seeking hope and connection. Get your copy: cancare.org/hopebook.
About Our Host:
Darcie Champagne Wells is the President and CEO of CanCare, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to the cancer community by pairing cancer patients with survivors. Since joining in November 2020 as the third President & CEO, Darcie has driven significant growth, increasing one-to-one support matches by 45% and healthcare referrals by 66%. In 2022, she initiated the Impact Acceleration Initiative to further expand support for cancer patients and caregivers. Her leadership has earned her recognition as a “Most Admired CEO” and “Woman Who Means Business” by the Houston Business Journal, and national “Fundraiser of the Year” by RAISE. Darcie holds a BS in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of Houston.
https://www.cancare.org/
https://www.facebook.com/CanCareInc
https://www.instagram.com/cancare_inc
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