What does it mean to live a good life when you know your cancer cannot be cured?

Susan Dawson faced 69 brain metastases, five craniotomies, chemotherapy, radiation, and years of treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Yet through it all, she continued working, traveling, advocating for others, and finding purpose in the life she was living.

In this episode of Just Cut It Out, Dr. Kimberly Brown sits down with Susan, an engineer, entrepreneur, mother, and community leader whose approach to living with stage 4 breast cancer challenges the idea that a serious diagnosis must define your life.

Susan was first diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2016. After chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries, she believed the worst might be behind her. But in 2019, abdominal discomfort led to scans revealing cancer throughout her liver.

Concerned about preserving her ability to think critically and solve problems, Susan advocated for a brain MRI. It revealed 19 brain metastases. Over the years, she would face 69.

But Susan wasn't willing to let cancer become the center of everything.

Instead, she continued focusing on what gave her life meaning: her family, her work improving education in Texas, and her commitment to making a difference in her community.

Susan and Dr. Brown discuss the importance of hope, seeking multiple medical opinions, exploring treatment options, and advocating for yourself throughout cancer care.

They also have a candid conversation about end-of-life planning. Susan shares why she documented her medical wishes in detailed spreadsheets, how she defined quality of life for herself, and why having difficult conversations with family before a crisis can be an extraordinary act of love.

And when Dr. Brown asks what Susan has chosen to cut out of her life, her answer is surprisingly simple: working fewer hours, making more time for travel and reading, and continuing to invest in the people and causes that matter most.

Susan's story isn't just about living with metastatic breast cancer. It's about choosing what deserves your time, finding meaning beyond a diagnosis, and continuing to make a difference even when the future is uncertain.

Because living a good life isn't about controlling how much time we have. It's about what we choose to do with it.

In This Episode

• Susan's breast cancer diagnosis and the discovery of metastases in her liver and brain
• Living with metastatic breast cancer while maintaining hope and purpose
• Why second and third medical opinions matter
• The importance of patient advocacy and exploring treatment options
• Having honest conversations about advance directives and end-of-life wishes
• Defining quality of life on your own terms
• Finding meaning through family, community, and service
• What Susan chose to cut out to make more room for what matters most

In Loving Memory of Susan Phillips Dawson (1963–2026)

Since recording this conversation, Susan has passed away. We are honored to share her story and celebrate a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to family, community, and making a difference.

Susan founded E3 Alliance, transforming educational opportunities across Texas. She also helped raise funds to relaunch The Big Pink Bus, expanding access to mobile mammograms throughout Central Texas.

Her family invites those wishing to honor her legacy to support these two organizations:

E3 Alliance: https://e3alliance.org

The Big Pink Bus: https://www.bigpinkbenefit.org/

Susan's courage, wisdom, and commitment to helping others remind us what it truly means to live a meaningful life.

About Just Cut It Out

Hosted by surgical oncologist Dr. Kimberly Brown, Just Cut It Out shares real conversations with patients, families, and healthcare professionals about cancer, the choices we make, and what it means to live a good life.

Subscribe to Just Cut It Out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube, and share Susan's story with someone who might need to hear it.

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always discuss personal medical concerns and treatment decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.