At just 29 years old — two days before her son’s first birthday — Ashley Catronio was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. What followed was a journey that would change everything: from facing chemo while raising a baby, to navigating marriage and self-worth as her body changed, to choosing not to undergo reconstructive surgery and embracing a new definition of femininity.   Ashley opens up about the raw realities of motherhood, identity, healing, and resilience. She shares the fears and guilt of parenting during treatment, the unexpected challenges of life after cancer, and how choosing joy and authenticity became her superpower.   This conversation is for every woman who’s ever felt like life knocked her down — and needed a reminder that strength isn’t about what we endure, but how we rise.   00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Cake for Dinner 01:00 – Meet Ashley: Mom, business owner, cancer survivor 02:00 – How cancer changed her approach to life and motherhood 04:40 – Diagnosed at 29: The shocking moment that changed everything 06:00 – Chemo with a baby: Motherhood through the hardest season 09:20 – Finding strength in motherhood and purpose in pain 13:05 – Vulnerability in marriage: “I told him he could leave” 14:11 – Why Ashley chose NOT to reconstruct after surgery 17:00 – Redefining femininity and self-worth after cancer 19:00 – Living life fully: Surfing, creativity, and saying yes 21:00 – Building Room Eight: Fashion, expression, and empowerment 27:42 – Life after cancer: The hidden struggles people don’t see 32:01 – Parenting wins: Raising resilient, emotionally strong kids 34:18 – Lessons learned and reflections on contentment 37:37 – Final thoughts: Choosing joy after adversity   Cake For Dinner is also available on Spotify and YouTube!   Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keeshawscott   Keesha Scott is the cofounder of Guardian Recovery, a national behavioral health company, where she oversees the Adolescent Program. She’s also a writer, podcast host, and mother of three. With a master’s degree in psychology and certification as a parenting coach, she blends professional expertise with real-life experience to support families and spark honest conversations.