285. Told She Had 3 Years to Live—Then Changed Cancer Research Forever withKathy Giusti

Love the podcast? Send us a text!In this powerful episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, Laura Carfang speaks with Kathy Giusti, a two-time cancer survivor who has lived with multiple myeloma for 30 years and later faced a breast cancer diagnosis as well.Diagnosed at 37 after what she thought was a routine visit, Kathy was told she had a fatal blood cancer and would live “three years at best.” Instead of accepting that prognosis, she helped change the trajectory of cancer research by founding the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)—a model that brought scientists, clinicians, biotech, and the FDA together to accelerate treatments.This conversation explores survivorship, advocacy, and what patients and caregivers can do when the science is moving fast—but the system isn’t.In This Episode, We DiscussGetting a shocking diagnosis after a “routine” appointmentWhy multiple myeloma was once considered a “silent killer”How Kathy helped build a research engine that accelerated drug developmentThe difference between fast-moving science and slow-moving systemsHow Kathy’s identical twin impacted her breast cancer risk and screeningDCIS decisions and why “there’s no right or wrong—only what’s best for you”Why “looking healthy” can cause people to underestimate what you’re carryingHow to set boundaries when you’re in treatment or survivorshipWhy you shouldn’t rely on only one or two caregivers—and how to “invite people in”Kathy’s book: Fatal to Fearless: 12 Steps to Beating Cancer in a Broken Medical SystemResources & LinksFollow Kathy: @kathy.giustiBook: Fatal to Fearless: 12 Steps to Beating Cancer in a Broken Medical SystemSurvivingBreastCancer.org: Free programs, support groups, and communityDownload the SBC App: Search SurvivingBreastCancer.org in the App Store or Google PlaySupport the showListener FeedbackIf this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.You can also click the link in the show notes that says "Love this episode? Send us a text" to share feedback.Messages are completely anonymous.If you would like us to follow up directly, please include your email address in your message so we can respond.Latest News: Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work.