The Journey of Caitlan Reese
Introduction
Meet Caitlan Reese, a metastatic cancer thriver whose story is as powerful as it is inspiring. With resilience that seems almost superhuman and determination that refuses to waver, Caitlan has not just faced her diagnosis—she’s thrived in the face of it. Her journey through the harsh realities of Stage IV cancer is a testament to the human spirit's ability to find positivity even in the darkest of times.
But Caitlan isn’t just living her story; she’s sharing it with the world. Through her podcast and newsletter, Caitlan has built a beacon of hope for others walking a similar path. Her content is a mix of heartfelt faith, practical advice, and unwavering positivity, designed to empower those navigating a cancer diagnosis. Whether you’re looking for encouragement or tips on living with cancer, Caitlan’s voice is one you’ll want to hear. Check out her podcast and newsletter, focusing on spreading hope, faith, and practical advice for others on a similar journey:
Personal newsletter: Read Here
Facebook page of “Caitlan Reese Killian Writes”: Visit Here
Goodness & Grace Podcast and Blog: Listen Here
Follow her on Instagram: @caitlanreesekillian
The Role of Support Systems
Caitlan found her first lifeline in the young women’s breast cancer group at her hospital. Here, she connected with women who truly understood the unique challenges she faced. This community became her sanctuary, a place where shared experiences turned strangers into sisters, offering support that kept her going through the hardest of days.
But Caitlan’s support network didn’t stop at the hospital doors. She discovered the “Living Our Breast Lives Podcast,” a collection of heartfelt stories and powerful insights from thrivers looking to share their stories. Each episode was a reminder that she wasn’t alone in this fight. Reese encourages friends and family to provide a sense of community, as a reminder that they are in the thoughts of others.
Faith as a Source of Strength
Faith has been Caitlan’s anchor, grounding her through the rocky uncertain waters of her cancer battle. It’s something she turns to in moments of fear and uncertainty, guiding that she is part of a bigger plan; It has helped her find meaning and purpose even in the most difficult times. Turning to God has allowed Reese to explore this journey with no bitterness, and rather experience how her life has changed. She uses faith as a tool, turning anxiety into peace, knowing that she was never alone through her journey. Reese can wholeheartedly say that the guidance of faith has positively transformed her experience, centering her mind and body.
Advice for Caregivers
Supporting a loved one with metastatic cancer is both a challenging yet deeply meaningful role. Caitlan emphasizes that caregivers should focus on the person, not just the illness. She encourages caregivers to lean into the activities and routines that their loved ones have always enjoyed. "Cancer brings a lot of new challenges and needs," Caitlan notes, "but your loved one is still the same person." Caitlan also highlights the importance of gentle reminders that the world beyond cancer still cares and matters. Being a caregiver is about more than just managing medications and appointments; it’s about helping your loved one hold on to their identity, joy, and connection to the world.
Balancing Life in Cancerland
Living with metastatic cancer often means existing in two worlds simultaneously—what Caitlan Reese calls having "one foot in cancer and, one foot in the real world." For Caitlan, life didn’t come to an end with her cancer diagnosis; Instead, it transformed into a new reality where appointments and treatments became a regular part of her routine. As opposed to working around her treatments, she works with them to harmoniously find a positive balance. Her commitment to “normalcy” helps her maintain a sense of identity beyond her illness, allowing her to live a life that isn’t defined by cancer. Caitlan continues to engage in activities that bring her fulfillment – whether that’s volunteering at church, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying a good book.
A Day in the Life of a Thriver
For Caitlan Reese, a typical treatment day is a blend of routine, small rituals, and the comforting presence of her husband, Andrew. The night before treatment day, she and her husband drive to her parents’ house – which is closer to the hospital – turning this into a cherished monthly ritual.
On treatment day, they head to the hospital early, where Caitlan's day begins with a lab visit to access her chest port for blood work. If time permits, they grab coffee before meeting her oncologist, Dr. Tan, to review her progress.
By mid-morning, they settle in at the Infusion Center. While waiting for her medication, which could take up to even 3 hours, Andrew picks up lunch, and they share a quiet meal. These small rituals make the long day more bearable. After the infusion, they return to her parent’s house for a brief visit before driving home, where Caitlan winds down with a book and tea, ending the day on a note of comfort.
These familiar activities provide a sense of normalcy, grounding them in love even amid medical procedures. For Caitlan, these rituals are essential, making the day less about the treatment and more about living her life, one day at a time.
Creating a Podcast and Newsletter
Caitlan’s journey into blogging, and later into podcasting, began as a way to control her narrative and share her story on her own terms. Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2019, Caitlan wanted to document her experiences, emotions, and the many challenges she faced. What started as a personal cancer diary quickly evolved into something much larger – a platform for sharing hope, faith, and practical advice with others.
Caitlan’s blog began as a way to communicate her diagnosis and experiences to friends and family. Over time, the blog transformed into a space where she could reflect on the spiritual and emotional lessons she was learning. Encouraged by her readers, Caitlan expanded her platform, launching "The Goodness & Grace Podcast" and the accompanying email newsletter. Both of these projects are extensions of her original blog, focusing on helping women find God’s goodness in all aspects of life, even during challenging times.
Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle
Reese’s approach to living well with metastatic cancer goes beyond just getting through it—it’s about embracing a healthy lifestyle that supports both her body and spirit. This involves a careful balance of physical activity, mental well-being, and spiritual practices that help her stay grounded and connected.
Recap: Cailan's Key Insights and Advice
Caitlan Reese’s journey is more than just a story of battling cancer—it’s a deeply human experience filled with faith, community, and the pursuit of stability. She’s found strength in her faith, which has transformed how she sees her life, even in the toughest moments. The connections she’s built, from her hospital’s support group to the listeners of her podcast, have shown her the power of community. Through it all, she’s maintained a sense of normalcy, creating small rituals that bring comfort and peace to her daily life. Caitlan’s wisdom isn’t just about facing challenges—it’s about thriving with joy, grace, and a resilient spirit.
Call to Action: Stay Connected for Support and Inspiration
If you’re seeking hope and inspiration, tune in to "The Goodness & Grace Podcast" for weekly doses of uplifting stories and practical advice. Her newsletter is filled with thoughtful reflections that will brighten your day, whether you’re navigating your challenges or just need a reminder that there’s still light in the world. Caitlan’s message of faith, love, and resilience will inspire you to find goodness and grace in every moment, no matter where life takes you.
