Mesothelioma
Notable Mesothelioma Survivor
Stories
"The following are some notable stories of mesothelioma patients who
significantly surpassed their original prognosis:
James Rhio O'Connor – James Rhio O'Connor was originally diagnosed
with mesothelioma in October 2001. Despite being given less than a
year to live, O'Connor managed to survive another seven years.
O'Connor did not undergo surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy,
but rather chose to combat his disease through a strict nutritional
regimen and mind-body therapy.
Judy Glezinski – Judy Glezinski was diagnosed with pleural
mesothelioma in 1990 and lived with the disease until 2010. In
addition to undergoing several extensive surgeries, Glezinski relied
heavily upon alternative treatments such as meditation, massage
therapy and nutritional remedies. Her story is chronicled in the
book titled Surviving Mesothelioma: Making Your Own Miracle.
Paul Kraus – Paul Kraus was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma
in 1997 and continues to live with the disease. He attributes his
ongoing health to a strict nutritional and vegetarian diet, the role
of positive thinking and other holistic treatment measures.
Stephen Jay Gould – Stephen Jay Gould was diagnosed with peritoneal
mesothelioma in July 1982. He died 20 years later due to an
unrelated cancer. Gould was an influential evolutionary theorist who
urged fellow cancer patients to look beyond statistical averages.
Karen Grant – Karen Grant was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in
2004 at the young age of 29. Seven years later, she remains
cancer-free and attributes her success to remaining positive and
taking things one step at a time.
Larry Davis – Larry Davis was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2007
and continues to outlive his original prognosis. His experience
prompted him to organize an annual race called "Miles for Meso,"
which helps raise mesothelioma awareness and funding for research.
Janelle Bedel – Janelle Bedel is currently a four-year mesothelioma
survivor. After undergoing extensive surgery to remove her affected
lung, she turned to physical therapy and radiation therapy. She now
spends much of her time advocating for mesothelioma awareness. She
has played a key role in gaining congressional support for a
resolution that would designate Sept. 26 as national Mesothelioma
Awareness Day.
Mike Dews – Mike Dews underwent his first surgery for mesothelioma
in February 2001. After undergoing an additional surgery, as well as
other treatments, Dews remains relatively physically active. He
encourages fellow mesothelioma patients to use the resources around
them and rely on loved ones.
While these are a few of the most prominent mesothelioma survival
stories, they are not the only ones. Although mesothelioma is
generally considered a terminal cancer, these stories show that each
individual case is unique."
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