18 Years After Lung Removal: Katherine Keys' Record-Breaking Mesothelioma Survival Story (Part 2)

Katherine Keys was given one year to live. Eighteen years later, she's the longest-surviving mesothelioma patient to undergo extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)—a surgery so aggressive that European studies concluded it wasn't worth performing.In Part 2 of this two-part episode of MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, host Dave Foster—Executive Director of patient advocacy at Danziger & De Llano with 18 years of experience—continues his conversation with Katherine, an 18-year pleural mesothelioma survivor whose outcome defied every statistic.Together, they cover:How Dr. David Rice performed Katherine's EPP on July 18, 2007, removing her lung and lung lining through an incision requiring rib access—and why she credits his thoroughness for her outcomeThe six-month oxygen dependency that followed surgery—requiring supplemental oxygen 24/7, even in the shower—and the physical therapy needed to relearn basic functions like swallowingWhy Katherine's case was discussed at the International Mesothelioma Interest Group meeting in Philadelphia, where surgeons confirmed no other EPP patient has survived as longThe daily limitations she manages 18 years later, including nerve damage on her right side, breathing difficulties on poor air quality days, and needing to eat slowly to prevent food from going back upHow her pre-surgery fitness level—she was an avid runner who worked out constantly—likely contributed to her eligibility for and recovery from such an invasive procedureThe role of faith and gratitude in her survival: "Every morning I always count my blessings to be still alive"Why she refuses a lung transplant and continues to see Dr. Rice, who calls her a "celebrity" at the clinicHer message to newly diagnosed patients: "It's okay if you have a bad day"—perspective from someone who beat 12-month survival odds by more than 17 yearsWho this episode is for: Patients considering EPP surgery, families weighing aggressive treatment options, long-term survivors navigating life after mesothelioma treatment, and anyone who needs proof that outcomes can exceed the most dire prognoses.The average mesothelioma survival after EPP is 18-31 months. Katherine's 18+ years represents an extraordinary outcome—and her story offers both practical insights about post-surgical recovery and genuine hope for families facing this diagnosis.Resources:Learn about mesothelioma treatment options: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/Understanding your diagnosis: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-diagnosis/Compensation for mesothelioma patients: https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-compensation/Meet our patient advocates: https://dandell.com/advocates/MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit https://dandell.com/MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast is sponsored by Danziger & De Llano, a nationwide mesothelioma law firm with over 30 years of experience and nearly $2 billion recovered for asbestos victims. For a free consultation, visit Dandell.com.