Photo Credit: Jodie Lane PhotographyPeople
Read Local: A Story of Faith, Hope and Healing through Breast Cancer
Meet Kristina Keller, devoted Christ follower, single mom, Woodlands local, published author, and breast cancer survivor.
The date was February 14, 2024 – yep, Valentine’s Day – when Kristina got a phone call from her doctor and heard the words, “you have cancer.” Both of Kristina’s grandmothers developed breast cancer later in life, so Kristina had taken precautions by getting mammograms regularly, had her first breast biopsy at age 29, and even had a lump checked out and cleared the year before. Additionally, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer the previous year; however, the news, understandably, still came as a shock. She had invasive lobular carcinoma in her right breast, and “suspicious” pre-cancerous ductal carcinoma in her left breast. But despite the diagnosis, she felt the comforting presence of the Lord.
Kristina decided to share her cancer journey and showcase God’s love throughout her experience. This personal battle became a testimony of hope, perseverance, and God’s unwavering presence. First Kristina started sharing her story on social media, talked one-on-one with others battling with cancer, and those questions, conversations, and encouraging words soon turned into an online blog.
As Kristina’s story spread, she started receiving speaking engagements and continued to share her recovery journey. This summer she published her own book, Touch Your Ta-Tas! My Story of Faith, Hope, and Healing through Stage 4 Breast Cancer, now available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online book retailers.
“Someone is going to read this that needs it,” Kristina shared. “The book is for all people – not just for those going through breast cancer. My sincere prayer is that my story will help someone.” In her book, Kristina shares her honest and often humorous story of surviving cancer, incorporates beautiful life-giving words of Scripture, and offers encouragement and hope to others facing similar challenges.
Even after going through hormone therapy (her type of cancer would not respond to chemotherapy), searching for alternative medical treatments, and having a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, Kristina did not lose hope. The fifty-four-year-old single mom shared her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that she received from her parents, family, friends, local and online communities, and one of her biggest cheerleaders, her fourteen-year-old son. The nonprofit Wonders & Worries offered her son free counseling sessions with counselors who were trained to understand Kristina’s specific type of cancer. Kristina received counseling at Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center, a center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center that offers complimentary services and provides a supportive community focused on hope, healing and empowerment, and helped Kristina talk to her son about her cancer and to prepare mentally and emotionally for surgeries and treatments. From when the diagnosis was first announced, to the time the cancer had spread to her liver, and until she heard the miraculous words, “No Evidence of Disease,” they – her community – were there praying and walking on this journey with Kristina.
In Touch Your Ta-Tas!, you’ll read about the mountains and valleys of cancer recovery, receive encouraging words of advice and hope, be inspired by Kristina’s incredible story of faith, and witness God’s enduring love. Through her writing, Kristina aims to “inspire others to be an advocate for their own health, trust their faith, and never underestimate the power of prayer.”
As we near the end of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Kristina’s story reminds us about the importance of getting regular mammograms and giving yourself breast self-exams. And to take one step further with Kristina’s advice: “If you feel something is wrong, you must advocate for yourself.”
Learn more about Kristina Keller’s story and watch recent interviews by visiting her blog at isaiah3816.blogspot.com.
