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 Discuss

Getting a shocking diagnosis after a “routine” appointment
Why multiple myeloma was once considered a “silent killer”
How Kathy helped build a research engine that accelerated drug development
The difference between fast-moving science and slow-moving systems
How Kathy’s identical twin impacted her breast cancer risk and screening
DCIS 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 carrying
How to set boundaries when you’re in treatment or survivorship
Why 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 System

Resources & Links

Follow Kathy: @kathy.giusti
Book: Fatal to Fearless: 12 Steps to Beating Cancer in a Broken Medical System
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: Free programs, support groups, and community
Download the SBC App: Search SurvivingBreastCancer.org in the App Store or Google Play

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