Discover
I'm Still Here: Lessons from Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer with Heather Jose
I'm Still Here: Lessons from Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer with Heather Jose
Author: I'm Still Here with Heather Jose
Subscribed: 21Played: 526Subscribe
Share
© I'm Still Here with Heather Jose
Description
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.
255 Episodes
Reverse
We are still here, and we are back for Season two. We are so glad to have you coming along on the journey with us. In this season you can expect advice on all things post diagnosis. From maintaining a positive attitude to managing appointments, Heather has you covered. You can expect special guests from survivors, to medical professionals, caregivers, and so many more.
In this episode we do a bit of a re-introduction. Heather recaps her diagnosis, Larry discusses care giving, and we get to know the layout of the new season.
Book of the month: The Gap and the Gain: https://www.amazon.com/Gap-Gain-Achievers-Happiness-Confidence/dp/1401964362
Call our hotline: 616 303 0094
Follow Heather’s Socials:
Instagram: HeatherJose
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-jose-a4085219
Youtube: @ImStillHere1298
In this empowering episode, Heather shares profound insights gained from her remarkable 25-year journey as a metastatic breast cancer survivor. Join us as we delve into essential topics like cancer survivorship, where Heather imparts valuable mental health advice and coping strategies for cancer patients. From navigating hospitals to post-treatment tips, Heather's candid and compassionate narrative serves as a beacon of strength. Tune in for an intimate exploration of coping mechanisms, including Heather's personal journey insights, as she imparts wisdom on resilience, hope, and living life to the fullest despite the challenges of metastatic breast cancer. If you or a loved one is seeking authentic guidance, this episode provides a wealth of information, ensuring that no one faces this journey alone.
#MetastaticBreastCancer #CancerSurvivor #ThrivingWithCancer #MentalHealthMatters #NutritionForWellness #MedicalAdvancements #MindfulnessJourney #ResiliencePodcast #PatientAdvocacy #TreatmentInsights #SurvivorStories #PodcastHope #CommunitySupport #EmpowermentPodcast #LivingBeyondDiagnosis #PositiveMindset #WellnessWednesday #CancerAwareness
Welcome to our podcast! In this first episode we will introduce ourselves, and tell you a little about who we are. We will also discuss how Heather learned that she had metastatic breast cancer at the age of 26. Hold on, it's quite a ride!
I'm Still Here is hosted by Heather and Larry Jose. Heather was diagnosed with Stage IV (Metastatic) Breast Cancer in 1998 at age 26. Heather has lived with metastatic breast cancer for over 20 years and is often contacted by women asking for help with their diagnosis and transition to life with mets. Heather and Larry want to share the things that have helped them over the years and talk about issues related to cancer that rarely get talked about.
IG: @heatherjose
FB: Heather Jose
I'm Still Here lyrics written by @Sanjay, our awesome son!
#livingwithmets
#fearofrecurrence
#canceradvocate
#livingwithcancer
#cancersucks
#metastaticcancersurvivor
#breastcancerpodcast
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 cancerPractical ways to protect your energy and peaceWhy words shape mindset — and mindset shapes healingShare this episode with someone who needs a reminder that they are more than their diagnosis. 💗🎧 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHerePodcastWebsite: HeatherJose.com#ImStillHerePodcast #HeatherJose #LivingWithCancer #CancerMindset #MetastaticBreastCancer #IAmStatements #HopeAfterCancer #MindsetMatters #FaithOverFear #ChoosePeace #LiveFullyWithCancer
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 this candid, funny, and deeply honest conversation, Heather and Larry talk about what intimacy really looks like after diagnosis and treatment: grief over a changing body (and lost fertility), reconstruction that “looks” like breasts but doesn’t feel like them, early menopause, fear, shame, and how they slowly rebuilt connection.They share the practical stuff that helped—clear boundaries, encouragement and praise from a partner, scheduling intimacy, using vibrators to reduce dryness and re-awaken sensation, and giving each other permission to learn by trial and error. If you’ve ever wondered how to move from surviving to fully living—including in the bedroom—this one’s for you.We cover:Appearance vs. reality: looking “okay” while feeling disconnectedReconstruction + sensation loss, and naming what doesn’t workGrieving fertility and redefining womanhoodPartner role: encouragement, praise, patience, teamworkPractical tools: communication, timing, scheduling, lube, vibratorsKeeping humor alive when things get awkwardContent note: frank discussion of sex, bodies, vibrators, and intimacy after cancer.✨ Connect with Heather:Website: heatherjose.comInstagram: @heatherjoseFacebook: Heather Jose – I’m Still HereYouTube: I’m Still Here PodcastPodcast: I’m Still Here: Lessons from Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer
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”—again and again. From rebuilding strength after treatment to figuring out how to fit workouts into real life, this conversation is about giving yourself grace, finding motivation, and remembering that progress doesn’t have to be perfect.Heather shares insights from her oncologist about why building muscle and strength matter more than the number on the scale, and Larry brings his coach’s perspective on how to reset goals, stay consistent, and keep moving—no matter what stage of life (or health) you’re in.💪 Whether you’re in treatment, recovering, or just trying to get back on track, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to begin again.📲 Connect with Heather🌐 Website: www.heatherjose.com🎙️ Podcast: I’m Still Here📺 YouTube: @ImStillHereCancer📸 Instagram: @heatherbjose💼 LinkedIn: Heather Jose
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 the relief of a smoother PET scan experience to the anxiety of reading results in my chart, I’m sharing how I navigated the ups and downs—and what it taught me about listening to my body, setting boundaries, and choosing strength over stress.If you’ve ever felt the weight of scanxiety, the frustration of red tape in cancer care, or the struggle to put yourself first, this episode is for you.🎧 New here? I’m Still Here is a weekly podcast about resilience, hope, and living fully with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products📲 Connect with me: Instagram @heatherbjose | YouTube @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #Scanxiety #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer
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 once made her infusion experience bearable—the human connection. In this candid conversation, Heather and Larry unpack how rigid procedures, check-ins, and hoops designed to satisfy administrators can leave patients feeling like numbers instead of people.They talk about:The difference compassionate nurses and personal relationships make in patient care.How “systems” often prioritize efficiency and liability over humanity.Why being seen and treated as a person—not just a patient—matters so much.Practical advice on advocating for yourself when the system feels stacked against you.Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode is a reminder that true healing goes beyond medicine—it’s about dignity, respect, and human connection.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living fully with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products📲 Connect with Heather: Instagram @heatherbjose | YouTube @ImStillHereCancer
Living with metastatic breast cancer is exhausting—physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It never takes a day off, and sometimes you just wish you could too. In this episode of I’m Still Here: Lessons from Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer, Heather explores the very real longing to take a “vacation” from MBC.You’ll hear why the constant weight of appointments, scanxiety, side effects, and even other people’s expectations can feel overwhelming—and why it’s perfectly normal to want a break. More importantly, you’ll discover small but powerful ways to give yourself permission to rest, escape, and find peace, even if cancer never fully leaves the room.💡 If you’ve ever thought, “I just need one day without cancer,” this episode is for you.👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
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 dreams for what’s ahead, and invite you—our listeners—to help shape the future of the podcast. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’re just tuning in, we’d love your feedback and ideas for the conversations and tools you want to hear next.👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations reveal what long-term survivorship really looks like—filled with wisdom, grit, and hope. Their stories challenge assumptions and inspire us all to believe in what's possible. This week we are featuring Terlisa Sheppard. Terlisa has been living with metastatic breast cancer for 23 years. You can follow her on Instagram @terlisafights or on Facebook, Terlisa Sheppard👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations reveal what long-term survivorship really looks like—filled with wisdom, grit, and hope. Their stories challenge assumptions and inspire us all to believe in what's possible. This week we are featuring Kelly Shanahan. Kelly has been living with metastatic breast cancer for 12 years. She is the current president of MetaVivor.👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations reveal what long-term survivorship really looks like—filled with wisdom, grit, and hope. Their stories challenge assumptions and inspire us all to believe in what's possible. This week we are featuring Melissa Haberl, she has been living with metastatic breast cancer for 20 years. 👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations reveal what long-term survivorship really looks like—filled with wisdom, grit, and hope. Their stories challenge assumptions and inspire us all to believe in what's possible. This week we are featuring Kim Builta, she has been living with metastatic breast cancer for 15 years. Kim has a blog at www.builtalife.com, Instagram handle is @builtalife, Facebook: Kim Thomas Builta👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations reveal what long-term survivorship really looks like—filled with wisdom, grit, and hope. Their stories challenge assumptions and inspire us all to believe in what's possible. This week we are featuring Gillian Burles, she has been living with metastatic breast cancer for 20 years. Gillian is active on on Facebook and Instagram @frostbittwiceshy👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations reveal what long-term survivorship really looks like—filled with wisdom, grit, and hope. Their stories challenge assumptions and inspire us all to believe in what's possible. This week we are featuring Jessica Cmura-Strande, she has been living with metastatic breast cancer for 10 years! Jessica is active on on Facebook and Instagram: Jessica Cmura-Strande 👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations reveal what long-term survivorship really looks like—filled with wisdom, grit, and hope. Their stories challenge assumptions and inspire us all to believe in what's possible. This week we are featuring Leecy Fink. Leecy has been living with metastatic triple negative breast cancer for 10 years! Leecy is active on Tiktok @007leecy or on Facebook: Leecy Fink👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
🌟 Sensational Survivor Series Meet incredible women who have been living with metastatic cancer for 10 years or more. These candid conversations reveal what long-term survivorship really looks like—filled with wisdom, grit, and hope. Their stories challenge assumptions and inspire us all to believe in what's possible. This week we are featuring Sharon Hamilton. Sharon is a 19 year Thriver. Find Sharon on Facebook or Instagram @sjmhamilton01👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
Episode 237: Thriving Decades Beyond Diagnosis – Beth’s Survivor Story (Replay from 2023)In this inspiring replay from 2023, Heather sits down with Beth, a metastatic breast cancer survivor who has been thriving for over 25 years. Beth shares the emotional and practical lessons she’s learned across decades of living with stage IV cancer—offering powerful insight, encouragement, and hope for others on the same path.Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your journey, Beth’s story is a reminder that long-term survivorship is possible—and that life with cancer can still be full of meaning, joy, and strength.👇 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 metastatic breast cancer for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Larry, Heather shares real conversations and mindset tools to help you navigate cancer, care for your mental health, and live fully—no matter your diagnosis.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, hope, and living well with cancer.💡 Explore tools for thriving: www.heatherjose.com/products🏡 Free retreats for people with breast cancer: Little Pink Houses of Hope📲 Connect with Heather:Instagram: @heatherbjoseLinkedIn: /heatherjoseYouTube: @ImStillHereCancer#MetastaticBreastCancer #SurvivorStories #LivingWithCancer #CancerSupport #ThrivingWithCancer #HopePodcast #CancerResilience
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 talk about learning to live with the fear and ways to counter it. Each week, Heather shares profound insights gained from her remarkable 25-year journey as a metastatic breast cancer survivor. Join us as we delve into essential topics like cancer survivorship, where Heather and Larry impart valuable mental health advice and coping strategies for cancer patients. From navigating hospitals to post-treatment tips, Heather's candid and compassionate narrative serves as a beacon of strength. Tune in for an intimate exploration of coping mechanisms, including Heather's personal journey insights, as she imparts wisdom on resilience, hope, and living life to the fullest despite the challenges of metastatic breast cancer. If you or a loved one is seeking authentic guidance, this podcast provides a wealth of information, ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. Check out our newly designed 5 to Thrive Guides at www.heatherjose.com/products. Follow Heather’s Socials: Instagram: HeatherbjoseLinkedIn: / heatherjose Youtube: @ImStillHereCancer Little Pink Houses of Hope Provides Free Vacations for People with Breast Cancer- https://www.littlepink.org/ #MetastaticBreastCancer #Fear #Deconstruction #CancerSurvivor #ThrivingWithCancer #MentalHealthMatters #NutritionForWellness #MedicalAdvancements #MindfulnessJourney #ResiliencePodcast #PatientAdvocacy #TreatmentInsights #SurvivorStories #PodcastHope #CommunitySupport #EmpowermentPodcast #LivingBeyondDiagnosis #PositiveMindset #WellnessWednesday #CancerAwareness





