Young Mom. Surgeon. Stage 4 Cancer. Now What?

Speak Up For Your HealthJun 26, 2025 · 38 min

Episode Description

Dr. Susan MacDonald—a 42-year-old urologist, professor, and mother of two—found a lump in her breast and just two weeks later she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. The diagnosis was rare and devastating, with cancer in both breasts and metastases to her bones.

In this episode, Susan speaks candidly about the emotional toll of facing a limited future: the grief, the impact on her career, and the fear of leaving her children too soon. But she also shares how she’s choosing to live the rest of her life—however long that may be—with intention.

Her practical advice is essential for anyone navigating medical care. She explains how to speed up the scheduling of scans, tests, and specialist appointments, and offers a unique dual perspective—as both surgeon and patient—on how to collaborate with doctors when making treatment decisions.

This is a conversation about resilience, radical honesty, and the fierce will to keep living, even when the future is uncertain.

Key Takeaways

Be Persistent: You can often speed up test and appointment scheduling by calling every other morning to check for cancellations—especially during bad weather, when patients are more likely to cancel. Be kind to schedulers; it makes a difference.

Know Your Limits: Ask every question you need to understand your diagnosis and treatment—but also trust the expertise of doctors, nurses, and specialists who’ve seen more than you have.

Practice Gratitude: Spend just five minutes a day—or even per week—writing down who and what you're grateful for. It’s a powerful mindset shift, and online resources can help you build the habit.

Keep Living: Focus on what matters most. Make a new bucket list, teach your kids the life skills they’ll need, and don’t hold back on hugs, kisses, and meaningful moments.

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