Caregivers are “Difference Makers”
January 15, 2025
This is a guest post by Nicole Scott, whose husband Keith is diagnosed with kidney cancer. Together, they organize “Keith’s…
Read MoreIn season 2, episode 9 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia talked with Katie Coleman, a stage 4 kidney cancer survivor, and Dr. Pavlos Msaouel, a physician-scientist at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Together, they shared insights into navigating a rare cancer diagnosis, the challenges of advocating for oneself in the medical system, and the importance of research for better patient outcomes.
Katie discussed her delayed diagnosis, the emotional toll it took, and how she overcame her hesitancy to advocate for her care. She shared how becoming informed transformed her into a champion for patient advocacy, helping other rare cancer patients connect to critical research opportunities. Dr. Msaouel explained the complexities of treating rare cancers, emphasizing the role of collaboration and persistent research in achieving better outcomes, especially in renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) and other rare tumors.
Katie’s memoir, Too Young for Cancer, was released on November 12th, and is now available for purchase. All proceeds support rare cancer research.
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