Episode 42: In conversation with Kala and Emily: Living with metastatic breast cancer

Upfront About Breast Cancer

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting.

Let’s be Upfront about living with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It is an incurable disease, requiring lifelong treatment. Currently, there are advances being made in treatment, which means some people are living for many years.

Joining us for this In Conversation episode are Kala and Emily.

Kala was diagnosed with stage 4 de novo metastatic breast cancer in her spine and liver in 2018. Following her treatment, she received a complete response. However, in 2019, Kala developed brain metastases and sadly she died in June 2022. She recorded this podcast for us in the hope that it would support other people living with metastatic disease

Emily was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2019. She underwent treatment and surgery and was in remission. In 2021, after feeling something wasn’t right, Emily had scans which showed that the breast cancer had spread to her pelvic bone and liver. Emily has since undergone further treatment and surgery.

During this candid conversation between Kala and Emily we’ll hear their stories, biggest challenges, how they coped with their diagnosis, what resources they found helpful, how they have adjusted to lifelong treatment, the financial impact and the advice they have for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

This podcast was recorded in April 2022.

RESOURCES:

• Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on metastatic breast cancer including living life with metastatic breast cancer
• Cancer Australia Metastatic Breast Cancer
• Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience

Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.

This episode was engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.

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Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at [e-mail], or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258