The median survival for pleural mesothelioma is 18-31 months with treatment—yet Katherine Keys has survived for 18 years, making her the longest-known survivor of this aggressive asbestos-related cancer.

In this first episode of a two-part series on MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, host Dave Foster—Executive Director of patient advocacy at Danziger & De Llano with 18 years of experience helping mesothelioma families—sits down with Katherine Keys, an 18-year pleural mesothelioma survivor, to discuss her extraordinary journey from initial symptoms through misdiagnosis, surgery, and long-term survivorship.

Together, they cover:

• The early warning signs Katherine experienced—and why her symptoms were initially misdiagnosed before doctors confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma
• Why she sought out a mesothelioma specialist rather than relying on a general oncologist, and how that decision changed her outcome
• The major lung surgery that removed her cancer—and what recovery and daily life look like 18 years later with one lung
• The mindset, family support, and medical team that helped her beat odds that give most patients less than three years
• Her advice for newly diagnosed patients: why acting quickly and finding the right surgeon matters more than anything

Whether you've just received a mesothelioma diagnosis or you're supporting a loved one through treatment decisions, Katherine's story offers proof that outcomes can far exceed expectations with specialized care, early action, and the right team.

Part 2 of Katherine's story releases next week.

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.

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.