Mesothelioma Survivors

    While the survival rate for mesothelioma is statistically low, some individuals have surpassed traditional life expectancy projections and lived for years after being diagnosed with the disease. Exactly why some patients beat the odds and survive in spite of a terminal diagnosis is unknown. Their stories, however, can often be a source of hope and insight for other mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.

Why Do Some Mesothelioma Patients Live Longer than Others?

    A patient's life expectancy is based upon a variety of factors, such as location of tumor, severity of disease, age and gender, just to name a few. Depending upon these elements, life expectancy can vary widely in each individual case of mesothelioma.

    Although the medical community cannot explain why some patients manage to survive years longer than expected, some experts theorize their success may be linked to therapies that enhance the immune system. Certain studies of mesothelioma survivors have shown that many underwent a form of treatment aimed at strengthening the immune system, such as immunology treatments and alternative therapies.

    A fundamental report on mesothelioma released several decades ago further links the progression of the disease with a weakened immune system. According to the report, "the presence of asbestos fibers in exposed workers may have caused the eventual breakdown of the host's surveillance system and the onset of neoplasm [malignant mesothelioma]."

The Importance of Early Detection

   Early detection also plays a vital role in increasing a patient’s chance of becoming a mesothelioma survivor. The earlier mesothelioma is detected, the more treatment options a patient generally has open to them.

    The development of new blood tests, such as the Mesomark test, has helped doctors detect mesothelioma much earlier than they previously could through the use of traditional diagnostic tools. This early detection allows a larger proportion of patients to undergo treatments that are more curative than palliative in nature.

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.

Becoming a Mesothelioma Survivor

    Even though many prognostic factors are not within an individual's control, patients can utilize available resources to ensure they receive the best possible treatment and care accessible. So many of the mesothelioma survivors listed above were initially told by a health care professional to accept a grim diagnosis, and many chose to seek out the second opinion of a specialist and better treatment options, a decision that ultimately prolonged their life.

    The Mesothelioma Center’s free Doctor Match Program can help patients locate the best mesothelioma specialists in their local area and in the country. To speak with a Patient Advocate about this program, please call 1-800-549-0544.