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

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