How to Navigate a Cancer Diagnosis in a Broken Medical System

Kathy Giusti was given a fatal cancer diagnosis over twenty-five years ago when she was 37 years old, at the height of her career, and a new mom to an 18-month-old baby. Thankfully, Kathy is still here today and sharing all she's learned from her cancer journey in her latest book, "Fatal to Fearless: 12 Steps to Beating Cancer in a Broken Medical System," a book Katie Couric says is "so badly needed."

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[grammyb]

Oh KaAtie, I don’t think I could be more graceful for you. This is a really horrible situation for patients and their families. I’m praying for and rooting you in.
Thank you, Katie.❤

[amyswanson]

Conventional doctors need to work with holistic doctors, functional medicine doctors, traditional Chinese medical doctors and integrative doctors to form a multiple disciplinary team for the best medical treatment plan for each patient. Conventional doctors work within the algorithm they have been given by the medical institution they work for. It all comes down to the billion dollar pharmaceutical industry that cancer treatments support rather than about truly caring to save people from the dangers of harsh treatments. It is so very, very sad. Thank you for sharing your story and for writing a book that will help people navigate a cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. God bless.

[hortensejones]

Bless you both. Im awaiting a diagnosis. Am widow alone on assignment out of US. Am terrified. Thank you -never heard of a some of the assistance you’ve said are available. I’m completely alone. This is most helpful. May you both be blessed with healthy happy long lives. (Uh oh Amazon says can’t be sent here!)

[KARW]

I ran out of insurance after two cancer surgeries, because I had to stop working. The US medical system is TERRIBLE.

[bettymoonlight]

It’s not just cancer, my daughter died because she was never diagnosed with hydrocephalus. We realized she needed a mRI the night before she died. No one in the medical community even thought about it.

[nghislandlove]

Teacher in CA - diagnosed w BC recently - after 20+ years of teaching, I found out that they’ll give me 100 disability days (after first using my sick days) - then while using the 100 days, first they pay my daily substitute rate and I get the remaining of the amount - roughly 65% pay. After 100 days are used, they’ll place me on non-pay leave and that’s it … I become unemployed and lose my insurance. After I heal, I would have to apply and interview for my position again. 😮

[je]

You pay, they deny. Employers will fire you while in the hospital, ending your insurance.

[gracemcphillips]

We are self employed and get flopped from one insurance carrier to the next which make primary care almost impossible.

[corinnehernandez]

I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2021. I was lucky to be treated at the cancer center of St Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California where the doctors worked together on my treatment plan.

Also consider getting a 2nd opinion from a university cancer center.

[cherylcarlson]

Katie, I would love for you to contact MGFA and learn what diagnosis, treatment is like for women with Myasthenia Gravis. Then ask about those who test sero negative. Ask what happens if you are given the wrong anesthesia or antibiotics before you get a solid diagnosis. This has been the most horrid experience when neurologists glance at you and say "you don't look too bad" as you are seated having waited 30 min. Please help.

[KARW]

What caregiver?? I was my own caregiver.

[neiljeffers]

"hi doc it hurts when I do this" doc "don't do that" don't kill do no harm