Episode 44

The Journey AFTER Cancer

with Marissa Henley
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The Journey AFTER Cancer

What does hope look like when a young mother hears the word cancer for the first time?

We welcome Marissa Henley, cancer survivor, author, speaker, and mother of three, to share her story of faith, fear, and long term healing after a rare cancer diagnosis. At age 34, Marissa was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, an aggressive and uncommon cancer, just one day before her birthday. With three small children at home, her world shifted instantly as she faced treatment decisions, uncertainty, and the weight of not knowing how much time she might have.

Marissa shares the moment she discovered a lump, the shock of hearing a diagnosis she had never heard of, and the prayer that carried her through those early days. Her treatment led her to MD Anderson Cancer Center, where an unexpected clinical trial made continued chemotherapy possible. Through months of travel, separation from home, and intense care, she experienced both deep grief and unexpected peace.

Now more than fifteen years cancer free, Marissa reflects on how her journey shaped her faith, motherhood, and calling to support others. Through writing and speaking, she offers honest encouragement for survivors, caregivers, and anyone walking through suffering. Her story is a reminder that while cancer changes everything, hope can still grow in the middle of it.

Highlights:

  1. How Marissa navigated a rare cancer diagnosis while parenting three very young children
  1. What survivorship really feels like after treatment ends and the support fades
  1. Why specific help matters more than good intentions when loving someone with cancer
  1. How faith, grief, and joy can exist together during a cancer journey
  1. What it means to build a life after cancer without minimizing the loss that came before
Shape

Mentioned Resources:

CanCare- www.cancare.org

Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook

Marissa Henley – www.marissahenley.com/  

About the Guest:  

Marissa Henley is a cancer survivor, author, speaker, and spiritual leader. Diagnosed in 2010 with a rare cancer called angiosarcoma while raising three young children, her journey deepened her faith and shaped her passion for supporting others through difficult seasons.

She is the author of Loving Your Friend Through Cancer and After Cancer: Thriving with Hope. Through her writing, speaking, and leadership in women’s ministries, Marissa offers honest reflections on grief, fear, and faith, helping women find hope and meaning beyond a cancer diagnosis.

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Ep 49

Living Fully After Cancer

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What if cancer became the moment that finally brought you back to life? In this episode, Thandi Montgomery, coach, speaker, and founder of Thandi Monee, shares how a stage one breast cancer diagnosis at age 38 reshaped everything. A busy advertising executive and mom of two, she moved from constant motion to a life grounded in purpose, self-advocacy, and healing. Her journey began with a simple self-exam that led to early detection and a life changing diagnosis. Through four surgeries, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, and 30 days of radiation, she chose to actively partner in her care. She blended traditional treatment with integrative practices like nutrition, acupuncture, and mindfulness. Creativity became her outlet, helping her process fear, reclaim control, and document her experience through writing and film. Thandi introduces her RISE framework, guiding others to recognize what happened, identify needed changes, set a new path, and elevate their voice. She speaks honestly about survivorship, including fear, identity shifts, and the ongoing work of healing. Her story is a reminder that even in the hardest moments, there is space to rediscover who you are and choose how you want to live moving forward. Highlights:  How self-advocacy can change the speed and outcome of your diagnosis  What it looks like to combine medical treatment with holistic healing  How creativity can help you process fear and regain control  Why survivorship is often harder than treatment itself  How to shift from simply existing to living with intention Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook Thandi Montgomery –www.thandimonee.com About the Guest: Thandi Montgomery is a breast cancer survivor, coach, speaker, and founder of Thandi Monee. Through transformational programs, she empowers cancer survivors to thrive and unlock their truth. Her work centers on creativity and community, offering unwavering support and whole-person guidance throughout every stage of the cancer journey. She also partners with DO Cancer to expand access to education and awareness.
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