We’ve gathered some of the most impactful and life-changing advice from mesothelioma survivors, their loved ones, and trusted medical professionals.

Here are 9 tips to help improve your prognosis and maintain your quality of life with mesothelioma.

Tip #1: Get a Second Opinion

Because mesothelioma is so rare and shares symptoms with more common illnesses, it’s often mistaken for something less serious, like the flu, pneumonia, or gastrointestinal issues.

“The majority of patients end up getting misdiagnosed or treated for a number of other things before it gets figured out.”

Peritoneal mesothelioma survivor Mary Jane Williams visited her doctor to discuss abdominal bloating and weight loss. Unfortunately, she was misdiagnosed and prescribed medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

“Most doctors don’t see mesothelioma, so they don’t know what to look for,” Mary Jane warned. “So if you’re not happy with the doctor, then you go to someone else. You keep going until they find out what it is.”

Asking for a second opinion could confirm your original diagnosis or reveal a different health issue altogether. Either way, you’ll gain peace of mind from knowing you’re getting the right treatment.

Read more mesothelioma tips in our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide, shipped to your door overnight.

Tip #2: Find a Mesothelioma Specialist

Seeing a doctor who’s treated multiple cases of mesothelioma is critical to receiving the right care. A general oncologist may not have the in-depth knowledge and experience of a mesothelioma doctor.

“When we got the diagnosis of mesothelioma, the doctor was shocked, I was shocked, everyone was shocked. Right away, the doctor said, ‘I’ve never seen this before, and I’ll probably never see it again. We need to get you to a specialist.’”

Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler, a Chicago-based mesothelioma specialist, puts it simply: “Mesothelioma isn’t lung cancer. To understand the subtleties of it, you need an expert. Especially at the beginning, it’s important to have someone who is comfortable with the disease — a quarterback who understands all the options out there.”

Tip #3: Pursue Palliative Care ASAP

Mesothelioma palliative care takes a comprehensive approach to support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being throughout treatment. This focus on the patient’s quality of life can make treatments easier to withstand.

Starting palliative care early can lead to:

• Better coordination of holistic care
• Effective management of treatment side effects
• Enhanced quality of life
• Greater control over symptoms
• Improved emotional well-being

“We’ve found that early palliative care involvement is linked to patients having a better quality of life — period, full stop,” said Dr. Jacob Strand, a palliative care specialist at Mayo Clinic.

Tip #4: Be Your Own Biggest Advocate

While your doctor may have your best interests in mind, you should trust your instincts as well. Researching, asking questions, and advocating for yourself or your loved one can help ensure the right care.

When stage producer Jimmy Johnson was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, his wife Kelley gave up her life’s calling — traveling with bands and putting on rock shows — to become his caregiver and advocate.

“Advocacy is more important than caregiving, because if you don’t know your stuff and learn for yourself, you’re going to be at your wits’ end.”

At Mesothelioma Hope, our goal is to be that reliable, knowledgeable presence for you, guiding you through the complexities of treatment and helping you make informed decisions.

“Following treatment, I was challenged with many long-term side effects. I had to become my own best advocate,” said Jenna Tozzi, RN, our Chief Patient Care Advisor, who was diagnosed with a rare disease as a teenager.

Tip #5: Look Into New Treatments & Clinical Trials

Innovation is happening every day in the world of mesothelioma treatment, with some of the largest gains happening within just the last few years. Every day, hundreds of medical doctors and researchers conduct mesothelioma clinical trials to test new treatments and get them approved for widespread use.

Treatments in clinical trials are provided at no cost and can help patients live longer with fewer symptoms. In October 2020, immunotherapy was approved as a first-line treatment for pleural mesothelioma after positive outcomes for patients in multiple clinical trials.

“As we learn more and more about these diseases — how they start, identifying them on a genetic level, and profiling patients and categorizing and personalizing their care — we can impact patients more directly,” says Dr. Daniel Labow, a peritoneal mesothelioma specialist.

Tip #6: Manage Your Nutritional Needs

Mesothelioma treatments may cause side effects such as dry mouth, fatigue, loss of appetite or taste, and nausea. All of these can make it more challenging to get the nutrients you need.

However, proper diet and nutrition have been medically linked to a range of critical health functions, helping the body to heal itself and recover from medical procedures.

Good nutrition can help you:

• Better tolerate the side effects of treatment
• Have more energy and feel less tired
• Heal faster from surgery
• Keep your weight steady
• Feel strong enough to withstand treatment
• Sleep better and stay more positive

A mesothelioma survivor since 2018, Arthur “Art” Putt underwent chemotherapy, which irritated his esophagus. His wife and daughter, both nurses, decided to feed him a medicinal blend of immune-boosting ingredients.

“At one time, doctors told me I’d never eat solid food again,” Art reflects, “but we showed them wrong.” After weeks of receiving this mixture through his feeding tube, Art felt healthy enough to eat solid foods again.

Get our Free Survivors Guide to read more of Art’s story and get nutrition tips from our mesothelioma nurse.

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Tip #7: Prioritize Your Mental Health

About 25% of cancer patients experience symptoms of depression, according to the National Cancer Institute. The overwhelming nature of a cancer diagnosis can cause feelings of anxiety, anger, and fear. Therapy and emotional support can equip you with tools to manage these feelings and find peace.

“I did feel that the psychologist’s sessions were useful. I would recommend it because they give you coping strategies and things like that,” said Freya, a mesothelioma patient surveyed in a recent mental health study.

You can get additional support by:

• Engaging in approved physical activity. Low-impact exercises such as walking, biking, and yoga can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Seeking faith-based support. Studies have shown that participation in spiritual or religious activities can help cancer patients in a variety of ways.

When you feel low, remember there are people who love and support you.

“Mesothelioma is not a disease to travel alone. If you can, get a therapist. You’re going to need every tool in your arsenal ready to battle this disease.”

Tip #8: Connect With a Support Group

Joining a mesothelioma support group — whether online or in person — connects you with others who truly understand your journey.

After being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, Mary Jane discovered her calling in serving as a mentor, accompanying other patients to their chemotherapy sessions and brightening their spirits. “I love going for these people,” Mary Jane said. “We’re all family. We are truly family. We can’t wait to see each other.”

Being part of a community allows you to lift each other up, often without even realizing it. For those facing a mesothelioma diagnosis, sharing the journey with others can bring a profound sense of relief and support.

“The truth is that the only people who genuinely understand what you are going through are those who have experienced it themselves.”

Tip #9: Seek Financial Compensation

Talking about money can make a lot of us uncomfortable, but the reality is that good medical care is expensive, especially when it comes to rare cancers. In fact, some estimates put the cost of mesothelioma treatment at $400,000.

You may be able to access mesothelioma compensation for treatment from a legal claim. Many mesothelioma survivors stress that the money they got by taking legal action was what allowed them to afford treatment.

“Month by month, we had to make more loans. We spent all of our savings and all of the IRA, so we were busy looking for more ways to find money for treatment,” said pleural mesothelioma survivor Dr. Bonnie Snyder. “And if we hadn’t gotten the settlement, we probably would not still be living where we are today.”

For pleural mesothelioma survivor David Rosedale, filing a legal claim also meant providing for his family. “I decided to pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit because I needed to provide for my family, and I was not going to be able to work,” he explained. “And without the compensation, you’re pretty well lost.”

“The results take away the monetary concerns that are associated with cancer, which is treatment and transportation and meeting your everyday bills. You can concentrate more on treatment and your family than you would if you didn’t have it.”

Contact Mesothelioma Hope for Support

At Mesothelioma Hope, each member of our team understands what you’re going through. Our Patient Advocates are here to support patients, their loved ones, and caregivers in any way we can.

We can help you:

• Connect with leading cancer specialists
• Understand the pros and cons of various treatments
• Manage uncomfortable symptoms and side effects
• Pursue compensation for the expenses that insurance doesn’t cover

Contact us today to get started. We’re happy to answer any of your questions, and it’s always free to speak with us.

The post Surviving Mesothelioma: 9 Tips From Patients, Loved Ones, and Doctors appeared first on MesotheliomaHope.com.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos that most often affects people 65 and older. So when 29-year-old Mike Mattmuller was told he had mesothelioma in 2011, the news came as a shock.

“When you get a mesothelioma diagnosis, your world just shrinks…everything online is so scary, and it’s such a rare disease.”
– Mike Mattmuller, 9-year mesothelioma survivor

He and his wife, Jessica, had barely celebrated one year of marriage, but they were determined to fight the disease together. Mike went on to survive mesothelioma for 9 years, giving him precious time as he welcomed a daughter, Riley, and advocated for an asbestos-free future.

Read about Mike’s journey through treatment, survivorship, and advocacy.

Newlyweds Face a Shocking Diagnosis

Newly married, Mike was working as a civil engineer in Maryland and looking forward to sharing a life with Jessica. When he began experiencing shortness of breath, he didn’t think much of it — until his symptoms worsened and he developed lower back pain.

What started as a quick trip to urgent care for a precautionary X-ray turned into something far more serious. The scan revealed pleural mesothelioma, a cancer that starts in the lining of the lungs. In that moment, a routine procedure suddenly changed the course of his life.

“At first, we were in total shock and denial. Mike was 29 years old at the time. How could he possibly have this weird disease that affects older folk?”
– Jessica Mattmuller, wife of Mike Mattmuller

The diagnosis was jarring for the young couple, especially since mesothelioma usually has a difficult prognosis (health outlook). Still, they decided to face it head-on, holding on to the hope that Mike’s youth and the strength he’d built from years of sports could give him a fighting chance.

Read other stories of survival like Mike’s in our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide.

Mike’s Treatment Journey to Becoming Cancer-Free

Once the shock of his diagnosis began to fade, Mike knew it was time to act. He and Jessica threw themselves into learning about mesothelioma and the different treatment options available.

With Jessica by his side, he traveled to Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where they met with Dr. David Sugarbaker, a world-renowned mesothelioma specialist. After weighing the options, he recommended an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), an invasive surgery that removes the affected lung and nearby tissue.

“When I first had my surgery, I had to actually stay out there for an entire month… paying for a mortgage back home plus paying for an apartment in Boston was quite stressful.”
– Mike Mattmuller, 9-year mesothelioma survivor

Shortly after the procedure in May 2012, he achieved complete remission and was declared cancer-free. For a young couple who had been bracing for the worst, the news brought immense relief.

Easing Financial Stress With a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Even as Mike made progress medically, the financial strain of mesothelioma treatment loomed large. Travel costs, hospital stays, and months of recovery added up quickly.

To lighten the load, Mike and Jessica turned to Simmons Hanly Conroy for help filing a mesothelioma lawsuit against the manufacturers responsible for Mike’s asbestos exposure.

“Our lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy helped us out when nobody else would. They care about you. The people who are working on your case are just as concerned about your well-being as they are about what’s going on with the case.”
– Mike Mattmuller, 9-year mesothelioma survivor

The compensation they received from their lawsuit allowed them to pay their medical bills and provide for their daughter’s future.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our legal partners can see if you’re eligible for financial compensation. Get a Free Case Review today to get started.

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Advocating for an Asbestos-Free Future

As the years went by, Mike felt a responsibility to speak out for others facing mesothelioma. He wanted the world to understand that this disease wasn’t just an “old man’s cancer.”

“Mesothelioma is considered an old person’s disease. When you get smacked in the face with somebody as young as me, it’s a wake-up call. People don’t realize asbestos isn’t banned — they think it has been. And that’s the scary part.”
– Mike Mattmuller, 9-year mesothelioma survivor

That wake-up call fueled his activism. Together with Jessica, Mike joined the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), where he told his story on Capitol Hill, spoke at international conferences, and in 2017 was honored with the Alan Reinstein Award for advocacy. Their goal was to protect not only their daughter’s future but also the millions of others at risk of asbestos exposure every day.

He also gave his energy to Miles for Meso, a race held every September to raise awareness and funds for mesothelioma research. Even when his health was uncertain, Mike showed up — encouraging others, building community, and proving that survivorship is possible.

Leaving a Legacy of Support for Other Mesothelioma Warriors

Mike was a shining light of hope for the mesothelioma community until the final moments of his life. In April 2020, after bravely battling mesothelioma for 9 years, Mike passed away.

He had the spirit of a warrior and a passionate advocate, continually motivated by the love and support of his wife and daughter. Countless others were positively impacted by his story, including mesothelioma specialists, fellow patients, and families who drew strength from his courage and advocacy.

“Mike was such a warrior. He took precious time away from his family to get the message out that asbestos kills and new legislation was needed to save lives. I am in awe of him.”
– Dr. Raja Flores, mesothelioma specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital

Get Support After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming and life-changing. Yet, as Mike and Jessica’s story shows, it is possible to face this cancer with strength, hope, and the support of others who understand what you’re going through.

We’ve witnessed how powerful hope and encouragement can be in helping patients through treatment and recovery. That’s why our team is committed to walking beside you and your loved ones every step of the way, offering personalized medical guidance, financial assistance, and supportive care.

Connect with us now at (866) 608-8933 or get your copy of our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide to read more inspiring stories of resilience and learn how others have found a path forward.

The post Mike Mattmuller’s 9-Year Fight Against Mesothelioma appeared first on MesotheliomaHope.com.

A Long-Term Mesothelioma Survivor’s Journey

Christian Kidd’s wife, Alexis, was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2007. At that time, treatment options were limited, and the prognosis was bleak. Alexis’s surgery focused on getting the cancer under control with little regard for what her life would be like afterward.

A decade later, in 2017, Christian was diagnosed with stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma. The couple stood by each other as they navigated individual cancer journeys, finding hope and comfort in one another despite the many challenges they’ve faced.

Below, Christian shares what life is like today, 18 years after Alexis’s initial diagnosis. From the fear of recurrence to mental health struggles and the brighter moments that keep them going, Christian’s story is shaped by obstacles — but also by hope.

Life After Mesothelioma Treatment

For those of you who’ve not had the opportunity to have the word “cancer” introduced into your world, you’ll hear all kinds of things about what you might experience during active treatment. You’ll hear it from your doctors, you’ll probably read all about it on the internet despite yourself, and complete strangers will come up out of the blue to tell you about what their uncle’s cousin’s sister’s best friend did to get through their cancer adventure.

To those who have already been through the roller coaster, you know that life during active treatment really is just one challenge after another. Not only for the patient, but for those who love them. Especially the primary caretaker. They get to see everything up close and personal, the good and the not-so-good.

What they don’t tell you is what life is like after you are all finished with the radiation, the chemotherapy, and the initial recovery from surgery. Everyone’s treatment plan is different, though some experiences along the way are common, no matter which variety of cancer takes center stage. (Chemo brain, am I right?)

Life after treatment for a rare cancer with no cure has its own special set of challenges. Because in the beginning and in the middle, everyone is so focused on keeping these slow but hungry mutant cells at bay, little thought is given to what happens after the monster is put to sleep again.

“My wife says it’s because, for the longest time, there was no real way to tell someone with mesothelioma what it might be like. Because most of the time, there was no life after. Not really.”

Medical Advancements and Modern Miracles

These days, with all the medical progress that’s been made, it’s incredible how many people are getting the chance to rejoin the dance of life after their treatment. Even though I never had a doubt in my mind that my sweetheart would make it through, it’s still a miracle that she’s by my side more than 18 years later.

I know these years of discovery have helped doctors and researchers find new ways to detect and treat this disease, which is definitely what we want. Go, team. But I also hope that they’re learning how to help patients navigate what survival really means, because it’s not always easy.

“Between Alexis’s cancer and my own, we’ve found that you don’t always get to step back out onto that yellow brick road and skip your way through Oz. Sometimes the bricks are crumbled and out of place, and sometimes you even stumble.”

Finding — and Creating — Meaning After a Diagnosis

I think one of the biggest pushes for my love to get through those first years post-treatment was being there to help others as they faced their own cancer challenges. While some people seem to be able to ride the roller coaster and get off without ever looking back, others tend to need the grace of someone who truly understands. And no one understands like another person who’s been on the ride.

She trained with a local support group, and then, through her work at a popular local boutique, my sweetheart was able to touch so many people going through their cancer adventures. Or their caregiver. Or a family member. Somehow, they always found her, and she would quietly do her best to give them whatever they needed. Hope, some empathy, a bit of grace, gentle honesty, or a big, long hug. And once she connected with Mesothelioma Hope, she was able to talk with people from all around the world. And while this helped her cope, helping others, she couldn’t help but worry about what was going on within her own body.

Follow-Up Appointments: Like Chasing a Ghost

Usually, after most kinds of treatment, you get to do follow-ups at regular intervals to make sure everything is still going the way you want and those sneaky cancer cells aren’t trying to do a comeback tour. We’ve done this with my own oncologist for more than 6 years, following my diagnosis and treatment for the squamous cell carcinoma that took up residence on the base of my tongue. But because my wife’s mesothelioma presented in such an unusual way from the beginning, none of the usual tests to keep an eye on its growth did her a bit of good.

“Those cells on her diaphragm and free-floating in her abdomen never showed up on a single X-ray, CAT scan, PET scan, or blood test. Ever. So how do you follow up on what’s essentially a ghost in her body?”

At first, Alexis’s oncologist, nudged by the surgical team, agreed to take a physical look via laparoscopy. Unfortunately, it took more than 5 years before she could come back because she’d lost her job and her insurance. She had to wait until the Affordable Care Act (ACA) came to fruition.

When she was finally able to go back to her doctor, he’d changed his mind. He’d determined that it was too risky to do this surgery every year. So, he scanned. And scanned. And scanned some more. And tried out a new blood test. The great thing is that while the scans helped find her thyroid cancer so she could get that treated, they didn’t see anything else. This wasn’t comforting to either of us.

Advocating for Real Support

The last time Alexis saw her oncologist, which was a couple of years ago, she expressed her worries to him about not only being able to know what’s going on (or not) inside of her body, but the pain she lives with every day because of nerve damage from her life-saving surgery. He essentially said that because it’s been more than 10 years since her treatment, she is cured. Even my heart dropped when I heard him say that. He wasn’t interested in paying attention to her questions and concerns, and basically adopted the attitude that if she’s alive, that’s enough. Nothing else mattered.

After that, she knew she was going to have to find someone else to become her oncologist. Someone who would listen and explain things, and not make her feel like she’s ungrateful or crazy for being worried that an incurable disease might still have a chance to grow in her abdomen like some evil weed. But before she could take the first step, life dropped a couple of little bombs into her lap — our laps.

Mental Health Struggles of Living With Mesothelioma

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexis quit her retail job because she was concerned about working in a public-facing position. As it turned out, that decision took her out of the frying pan and into the fire. The new job quickly became an incredibly stressful situation that she could not quit without risking her health insurance.

She got depressed. Really depressed. Started having panic attacks. Stopped taking care of herself, outside of the bare minimum that she needed to do to survive. She quit responding to her friends. Abandoned her socials. All the things she loved to do — go see live music, haunt art shows, walk in the woods, and garden — all of it was left behind. She even shut me out to an extent.

“But just as patiently as she helped me with my month of blue Mondays after I realized that my sense of taste wasn’t coming back after radiation, I’m honored to be here for her as she carves her way back to herself. I see little glimpses of it from time to time.”

And even though we both recently were laid off and she lost her insurance once again, she’s actually been talking about when she gets those benefits back so she can start anew with another group of physicians who’ll eventually lead her to another oncologist. It’s going to be tough, essentially having to tell her story all over again. And go through so many tests.

But she’s starting to reclaim the hope that she’ll be able to advocate for herself once more and find someone who’ll actually listen this time. And be kind. And help her find her way to her best life while keeping an eye on that ghost that lives within her.

Get Help Living With Mesothelioma Cancer

Christian and Alexis’s story highlights the intense, sometimes conflicting emotions that can impact long-term mesothelioma survivors. Every day is precious, but there are very real challenges.

If you or someone you care about is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis or learning to navigate life post-treatment, know that you are not alone.

Our team is here to help you with medical guidance, financial assistance, and supportive care throughout your journey. Contact us anytime for free, confidential support.

The post Day-to-Day Life With Mesothelioma appeared first on MesotheliomaHope.com.

Matt was 21 years old when his mother, Jill Litton, was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Matt was already close to his mother, but as the news of her life-changing diagnosis sank in, he realized that he wanted to spend as much time with her and the rest of his family as possible. Despite a grueling treatment plan, Jill miraculously became a long-term survivor.

Today, Matt shares how his mother’s cancer diagnosis has impacted his family, explains the changes he’s noticed in his own life, and offers a firsthand look at how mesothelioma affects patients, families, and caregivers.

How a Mesothelioma Diagnosis Strengthened Family Bonds

When Jill was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma 16 years ago, Matt and his family were devastated. Although they didn’t yet grasp the scope of the cancer and how it would impact their future, they were scared of losing Jill or watching her suffer. Matt resolved to stick by his mother’s side throughout her journey.

“Since having understood the severity of the situation, I have visited my parents every single week, spending quality time with them and my nieces.”
– Matt Litton, son of 16-year mesothelioma survivor Jill Litton

The uncertainty surrounding the cause of Jill’s cancer weighed heavily on the family. Some relatives and doctors now believe that Jill developed mesothelioma from secondhand asbestos exposure during her father’s service in the U.S. Navy. Like many patients from military families, she may have been exposed when her dad unknowingly carried asbestos fibers home on his clothing.

The family worked through the initial shock of Jill’s mesothelioma diagnosis and grew even closer. Matt recalls his mom leaning on her faith in God to help her get through each day.

“She never takes any day for granted and spends whatever time she can with my nieces and me,” he said.

Read more about how the Littons and other families navigated life after a diagnosis in our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide.

Maintaining Hope Through Hardship

As Jill underwent mesothelioma treatment, the Litton family stayed united behind her, but there were challenges along the way.

Matt saw how brutal chemotherapy was for his mother — more so than for other patients. It was common for Jill to spend a week in the hospital, where she needed round-the-clock care to manage debilitating side effects like intense nausea and fatigue.

Every time Jill’s medical team announced she’d completed the latest chemo, Matt saw it as a massive blessing. Through it all, he saw his family as his greatest source of hope.

“As we all age, it becomes increasingly clear to me what a gift family is and how much love helps us through hardships.”
– Matt Litton, son of 16-year mesothelioma survivor Jill Litton

Still, more than 16 years later, he continues to lean on his family to stay positive. “Each time she has to go in for a bi-yearly scan, you can’t help but think of what it may show or think the worst could be right around the corner,” he said.

Thinking of a world without his mother is still difficult and painful, which is why he prioritizes their relationship to this day. Knowing he’ll never get “a redo button” has strengthened Matt’s ties with his whole family, making him more aware of and grateful for every day with them.

How to Support a Loved One With Mesothelioma

Considering himself a “Mr. Fix-It,” Matt struggled to accept that there was nothing he could do to cure his mother’s cancer. However, he found some comfort in accepting that the best thing he could do was be there for her during treatment.

“My advice to others in a similar circumstance is to be there for the person with the illness. As hard as it is to think of them not being around, it’s most definitely harder on them to go through this major challenge, and they need someone to lean on.”
– Matt Litton, son of 16-year mesothelioma survivor Jill Litton

He also wants others to know just how devastating mesothelioma can be — physically, emotionally, and financially. “It’s a form of terror,” Matt reflected.

Despite this, Matt was inspired by Jill’s mental fortitude to keep fighting. He now knows there’s no one stronger than his mother. As he’s gotten to spend more time with her, he explains that he just wants to scream at the sky for the relief he feels.

Mesothelioma Hope Is Here to Help You and Your Family

Matt’s story is personal, but not unique — thousands of families are affected by mesothelioma every year. Mesothelioma Hope is here to support families at every step of their journey, helping them care for loved ones and themselves during this challenging time.

If your loved one has mesothelioma, we can help you find:

• Specialists for personalized treatment
• Financial assistance to pay for medical expenses
• Resources to support your emotional and physical well-being

Get started today by calling (866) 608-8933 or learn how we’ve helped other families in our Free Survivors Guide.

The post Family Man: Son of a Mesothelioma Survivor Shares His Story appeared first on MesotheliomaHope.com.

Julie Gundlach was given 6-12 months to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2006.

“They told me to get my affairs in order,” she recalls, noting that her medical team didn’t expect the treatment to work. But that was nearly 20 years ago.

Today, Julie lives one day, one moment at a time, and has built a life that is colored but not consumed by her cancer. Part of that life includes being a passionate advocate for others who were blindsided by a mesothelioma diagnosis after being unknowingly exposed to asbestos.

“Never give up hope — and remember that your life is yours, not the disease’s.”
– Julie Gundlach, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Julie was only 35 when she started having digestive issues in August 2006. Her symptoms were so concerning that she booked an appointment with her doctor. She anticipated a routine office visit and maybe a prescription or two before getting back to enjoying the summer with her 3-year-old daughter, Madeline.

Instead, imaging scans revealed a mass in Julie’s pelvis. She was scheduled for surgery for what was assumed to be ovarian cancer.

Her surgeon discovered something far more unexpected: peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare asbestos-related cancer that forms in the abdominal lining.

“I didn’t know what mesothelioma meant. I thought this could not even be possible.”
– Julie Gundlach, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

Julie’s father was exposed to asbestos every day during his job installing electrical systems. Not knowing the dangers, he would come home from work and throw his asbestos-covered clothes in the laundry room, which also served as a playroom when Julie was a child. This secondhand exposure is what eventually led her to develop mesothelioma.

Many patients are blindsided by their diagnosis. Read more stories of navigating life with mesothelioma in our Free Survivors Guide.

Battling Through Treatment

Julie qualified for mesothelioma treatment, but her medical team didn’t give her much hope. “They used the phrase, ‘We’ll throw some chemo at it, but we don’t expect it to work,” Julie recalls.

The road ahead was grueling. She faced countless rounds of chemotherapy and over 20 trips to New York for cytoreductive surgery. Each procedure lasted 8-12 hours and was followed by lengthy hospital stays. One particularly life-threatening complication left her in a medically induced coma for a month.

Julie is grateful to be alive, but she mourns how much time she lost — time for herself, time with Madeline — to all the surgeries, recovery time, and brain fog from chemotherapy.

“There’s a public perception that a cancer patient has walked through fire and been purified by the experience. But that’s inaccurate.”
– Julie Gundlach, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

Despite these hardships, Julie kept fighting, not just for herself but for others facing similar battles. She now shares her story in hopes it will give others the courage to stay strong.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Although Julie was shocked to learn that she had mesothelioma, this wasn’t the first time her family had been impacted by asbestos.

Her father passed away from asbestos lung cancer shortly before Julie received her own diagnosis. This experience devastated Julie and filled her with anxiety about the future.

“My biggest fear was that my daughter would grow up and not remember her mother,” she said.

As months and then years passed, Julie found deep gratitude in the moments she shared with Madeline. She cheered her on at soccer games, taught her how to drive, watched her go to prom and graduate from high school, and saw her off to college.

“That is, without a doubt, a miracle. Getting to see a life I never thought I’d see.”
– Julie Gundlach, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

Her cancer has remained stable since 2014, meaning it hasn’t grown or spread, allowing Julie to focus on living her life instead of fighting for it.

Milestone Markers

To mark two significant anniversaries since her diagnosis, Julie got tattoos symbolizing her fight for survival.

At her 5-year mark, she chose a peacock feather, moved by a story of a gray bird that ate poisonous fruit and transformed into the brilliantly colored creature we know today.

Julie sees herself in that bird — after breathing in a toxic substance and enduring a series of grueling treatments, she’s turned her struggles into a full and vibrant life.

“I knew I could be that peacock. I could ingest poison and turn it into something beautiful.”
– Julie Gundlach, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

At Ease in Muddy Waters

Approaching her 10-year survivor anniversary, Julie finally felt confident enough to move forward and imagine a world beyond mesothelioma.

She and a friend visited several East Asian countries on a quest for discovery. During this trip, she was again inspired by nature and found the vision for what would become her next milestone tattoo.

At a Hindu temple, Julie saw pink lotuses growing along the muddy banks of some rice paddies. The spiritual significance of the flower sparked a sense of recognition in finding the beauty in the mud of her own experience and watching her life take root and blossom one petal at a time. She resonated with a Buddhist quote: “May I live like the lotus, at ease in muddy waters.”

This symbol had such a strong impact on Julie that she got a lotus flower tattoo and opened a pottery shop to combine her artistic skills with her unique view on life.

Finding Beauty in the Fight

Since her diagnosis, Julie has found meaning in raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos and the companies that profited from this cancer-causing material for decades.

She’s shared her story with news outlets, other patients and their families, and political leaders. She has visited Capitol Hill, rented booths at Earth Day festivals, and collected signatures demanding a comprehensive asbestos ban.

She can also be found at the annual Miles for Meso race organized by our partner law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy, to raise money for mesothelioma research. Julie finished her local 5K event in St. Louis less than a year after major surgery.

“Miles for Meso means that somebody has my back…and somebody is amplifying my voice against the use of asbestos and the industry of corporate greed.”
– Julie Gundlach, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

With the compensation from her lawsuit, Julie was able to pay for expensive life-saving treatments that have allowed her to keep fighting mesothelioma for nearly 20 years, even as her health insurance carrier tried to deny her coverage.

If you or someone you care about was diagnosed with mesothelioma, you deserve to fight back. Get a Free Case Review with our legal partners at Simmons Hanly Conroy and see if they can help you, just as they did for Julie and her family.

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• Over $30 billion available
• No cost to file a claim
• Avoid going to court

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Shara Fisher Senior Paralegal

17+ years providing legal help to mesothelioma victims

One Step at a Time

Julie’s life continues to be marked by medical appointments and follow-up scans to ensure her cancer remains stable.

However, she’s grateful that her life is so much more than her cancer, as she prioritizes the people and experiences that bring her joy and meaning.

Her advice to newly diagnosed patients and their families is to take it one step at a time.

“Keep the faith and keep putting one foot in front of the other.”
– Julie Gundlach, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

Find Help and Hope After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

If you or someone you love is fighting mesothelioma, remember you are not alone. Mesothelioma Hope provides free resources and compassionate support to help make your journey easier.

Reach out to our team to:

• Connect with top mesothelioma doctors
• Learn how to pursue compensation for medical expenses
• Speak with nurses who can help you understand your diagnosis
• Find support groups where you can talk to other patients

Call (866) 608-8933 today or reach out to us online to find the support you and your family deserve.

The post Daring to Hope: A 19+ Year Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story appeared first on MesotheliomaHope.com.

When she first learned her sister Jill was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, Missy Roberts was overcome with emotion. She remembers the next few days as an endless cycle of shock, anger, and grief.

“When someone you love is informed that they have only a year to live, everything changes,” reveals Missy, whose sister Jill Litton has been defying her doctor’s prediction since 2009. “How you look at them, how you value the time you get to spend with them, how you cherish hearing their voice and laughter. Suddenly every detail seems heightened and precious.”

Learn how Missy and Jill’s sisterly bond helped them each cope with life after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Strength Where You Least Expect It

Despite undergoing surgery and intense mesothelioma treatment, Jill remained the steady center of her family. Missy recalls many moments when Jill, even in her most difficult days, was the one offering comfort to others. Her calmness, faith, and determination became a guiding force.

What amazed Missy most was that Jill never let cancer define her. Whether she was spending time with her granddaughters or encouraging her loved ones to keep moving forward, Jill’s strength was unwavering.

“Jill has always been positive, brave, and faithful,” Missy says. “She comforts me when I am overtaken by fear and when I lose hope.”

Watching her sister stay strong for everyone else, even while fighting for her life, profoundly shaped how Missy faced her own fears. She soon realized they weren’t alone and that many other families impacted by mesothelioma had found strength and hope in similar moments.

Get our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide to read about other patients and families who found the support they needed to keep fighting.

A United Front of Faith

Watching her sister face each day with courage and grace had a profound impact on Missy, helping her find moments of peace amid the fear and chaos.

Jill’s steady faith became Missy’s guiding light. What began as a frightening medical crisis slowly evolved into a spiritual journey, deepening Missy’s relationship with God. Through prayer, she found strength when hers was running low and hope when things felt most uncertain.

“Pray, pray, and pray some more. Even when you lose all hope, keep praying.”
– Missy Roberts, sister of a 16+ year mesothelioma survivor

Their experience isn’t just moving on a personal level — it also reflects what researchers have found to be true. A 2022 Harvard University study showed that people facing serious illnesses often feel better emotionally and physically when they have access to faith-based support. Jill and Missy’s journey is a real-life example of that connection in action.

Unbreakable Bonds, Sisterly Love

Missy has selflessly offered her time and attention to help her sister over these last 16+ years. This includes joining her for multiple doctor’s appointments and providing thousands of hours of childcare for Jill’s grandchildren while they were living with her.

In fact, when Jill was on bed rest for a month after mesothelioma surgery, Missy took care of her great-niece, finding comfort in knowing that her sister’s responsibilities were lightened, even temporarily.

“I would do it a million more times for her,” says Missy. “It might not be easy, but I would do anything to help my sister through this.”

Based on her own journey, Missy encourages other families facing mesothelioma to stay close, show up, and stand strong beside their loved ones.

“When you have a loved one fighting for their life, I promise you that you will find yourself standing right beside them, fighting just as hard.”
– Missy Roberts, sister of a 16+ year mesothelioma survivor

Find Hope and Healing After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Finding your way after a mesothelioma diagnosis can be daunting, but your fight is our fight, and together we can help you face this cancer with courage and hope.

Missy Roberts, whose sister Jill has been living with mesothelioma for more than 16 years, knows just how life-changing a diagnosis can be — and how important it is to take an active role in the journey.

“One phone call and one test result can change your life forever,” Missy says.“My sister’s journey has taught me that you must do your own research, express your own voice, advocate for yourself, and never give up.”

Mesothelioma Hope is here to provide personalized guidance wherever you are in your journey, ensuring you have access to the latest treatments, financial assistance, and supportive care. Call (866) 608-8933 now to reach one of our Patient Advocates, or get our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide for more advice and inspiration.

The post Soul Sisters: Mesothelioma Survivor Inspires Hope in Her Sibling appeared first on MesotheliomaHope.com.

Jimmy Johnson was known around the world for his talent in live music stage production. During his 58-year career, he toured with musical legends like Elvis, the Eagles, R.E.M., Chicago, Faith Hill, and Prince.

What he didn’t know was that he was regularly being exposed to asbestos, a toxic substance that would eventually force him to dim the lights on his passion for producing live shows. While on tour in his late 60s, Jimmy was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer he knew nothing about.

“I don’t think a lot of people know how you get mesothelioma and where it comes from. What I worry about now is how many of my fellow workers got it as well and maybe passed on without knowing.”
– Jimmy Johnson, pleural mesothelioma warrior

Jimmy passed away in 2025 after a courageous four-year battle with pleural mesothelioma. Read more about Jimmy’s story — a life well lived, the fight for an accurate diagnosis, the importance of having a caregiver during treatment, and the legal support that gave him peace of mind that his wife would be okay when he was gone.

A Tour Disrupted by Unexpected Symptoms

In 2021, Jimmy was in Colorado helping bands and performers with a stage production. Typically, he would be active, walking between his hotel and the venue where he was working.

However, he recalled being struck with severe symptoms that disrupted his normal routine, including:

• Fatigue
• Pain in his chest, side, and back
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness

Jimmy had to take regular breaks to catch his breath and could barely keep up. He decided to fly home early so he could see a doctor.

From Surgery for Lung Cancer to a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Unfortunately, getting an accurate diagnosis wasn’t a simple process for Jimmy. He and his wife, Kelley, met with several doctors. Some of them thought his symptoms were heart-related, while others thought it could be gastrointestinal.

None of them were able to pinpoint the real issue. Eventually, he found a doctor who ordered a CT scan, a type of imaging test that takes detailed X-rays of the body’s soft tissues.

When the results came back, Jimmy’s doctor, who had only seen him twice, was certain he had lung cancer.

“Kelley and I told him, ‘I never smoked. How could it be lung cancer?’”
– Jimmy Johnson, pleural mesothelioma warrior

Two months after his CT scans, Jimmy went in for surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon discovered that he didn’t have lung cancer after all. Jimmy actually had pleural mesothelioma, a much rarer cancer that forms in the lining of the lung rather than the lung itself.

Finding Financial Support Through Legal Help

Both Jimmy and his wife were forced into retirement by an illness he developed through no fault of his own. They found themselves scrambling to control their finances to handle whatever may come next.

Jimmy’s surgeon recommended contacting an attorney to help them navigate their financial situation. Jimmy and Kelley felt apprehensive at first, but they decided to keep looking into it.

Eventually, they called Simmons Hanly Conroy, a leading mesothelioma law firm. Within a week, a lawyer came out to their house and explained how mesothelioma compensation could help.

Their lawyers fought for an out-of-court settlement that not only covered Jimmy’s medical bills and treatment expenses but also provided much-needed financial security for Kelley.

“All of a sudden, one check showed up, and then another check showed up, and then another check showed up,” Jimmy recalled. “And they are still coming in now. It’s been very satisfying, and what I know is that my wife is taken care of for the rest of her life.”

Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review today to see if you can pursue compensation for your illness.

Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review

• Over $30 billion available
• No cost to file a claim
• Avoid going to court

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Shara Fisher Senior Paralegal

17+ years providing legal help to mesothelioma victims

Asbestos Use in the Music and Entertainment Industry

The biggest mystery in Jimmy’s case was how he was exposed to asbestos, which is the only known cause of mesothelioma. As his legal team dove deeper, they discovered that asbestos was lurking all around when Jimmy was working in music studios.

It turns out Jimmy handled several asbestos-containing products nearly every day, including:

• Electrical wiring
• Fireproofing curtains
• Flooring
• Stage lights

When products containing asbestos are damaged or worked on, microscopic fibers can be released into the air. Jimmy and anyone else nearby could have unknowingly swallowed or breathed in the fibers from these asbestos clouds, causing them to develop illnesses like mesothelioma many years later.

“There was asbestos in the fire curtains, and a lot of fire curtains still to this day have not been changed or taken out.”
– Jimmy Johnson, pleural mesothelioma warrior

Adapting to Treatment and Life With Mesothelioma

After his diagnosis was confirmed, Jimmy’s medical team recommended a specific course of mesothelioma treatment.

First, he underwent three rounds of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, his follow-up scans showed that the cancer wasn’t responding to the treatment.

Jimmy’s specialists then started him on immunotherapy, a newer cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune system find and attack mesothelioma cells. His tumors did begin to shrink after starting immunotherapy, providing some needed hope and relief.

The Importance of Having a Caregiver

When Jimmy had to quit his job to focus on his health, Kelley stepped in, becoming his mesothelioma caregiver and advocate as they navigated a new chapter of their life together. She helped him as he underwent various treatments and began using an oxygen tank.

Kelley was grateful to be able to be there with him, and grateful that Jimmy was able to stay home with her until the end.

“She’s helped me get through all this. She’s my rock, she does everything.”
– Jimmy Johnson, pleural mesothelioma warrior

Kelley said there were good days and bad days after Jimmy’s diagnosis, but they focused on staying positive. “It’s all about humor,” she shared. “You want to have more of the smiles.”

Kelley also shared how overwhelming a mesothelioma diagnosis can be — managing the medical and legal aspects while trying to protect your loved one and make the best decisions for them. She worked hard to ensure Jimmy’s life was as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

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Caregiving is a crucial aspect of a mesothelioma diagnosis. Learn how Kelley Johnson cared for her husband Jimmy as he battled pleural mesothelioma. We can help you find caregiving resources to make life easier if a loved one has mesothelioma. Call (866) 608-8933 to learn more. View Transcript.

Duration: 1 min 30 sec

Kelley: My name is Kelley Johnson and my husband, Jimmy Johnson, has mesothelioma.

Jimmy is the official moneymaker, but I had to come off the road too, to be his caregiver and his advocate.

I can’t imagine somebody that is just jumping into a mesothelioma world can even grasp it, because there’s so many entities. You’ve got the legal world. You’ve got the medical world. You’ve got all this hitting you in the face, and you’re trying to protect your spouse like you would protect your child. And that’s what I do for Jimmy.

Jimmy:  We’ve been married 38 years, we’ve been together 42 years. And without her, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here. She’s helped me get through all this. She’s my rock, she does everything.

With having this disease, I can’t even walk to the mailbox to get the mail. She takes care of basically everything. She’s constantly asking me anything you need, anything you need, anything you need. I’m very thankful for that.

Kelley: I wish he felt better, but he could be laying in a hospital bed gasping, and he’s not. I’m glad I’m there for him. And I would just hope everybody had an advocate like me.

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How We Help Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families

Jimmy is one of the 3,000 Americans diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. But no one has to face this cancer alone.

Our team at Mesothelioma Hope can help you find:

• Personalized medical treatment in your area
• Financial compensation to cover medical care
• Peer mentors and palliative care for an extra layer of support

Call us now at (866) 608-8933 or get our Free Survivors Guide to learn more about how we can help you and your family.

The post Mesothelioma Stories: From Concert Touring Legend to Cancer Warrior appeared first on MesotheliomaHope.com.

“When I was diagnosed and there was no conventional treatment considered curative… I was told to get my affairs in order.”
– Paul Kraus, mesothelioma survivor for 27 years

Paul credited the power of positivity and radical lifestyle changes in helping him defy the odds and live decades longer than expected with mesothelioma. In fact, he passed away from causes unrelated to cancer.

While Paul is no longer with us, his story proves that mesothelioma is not a guaranteed death sentence and that long-term survivorship can be possible, even when the odds say otherwise. Learn more about Paul’s incredible story below and hear the stories of other long-term survivors for encouragement and inspiration.

From Escaping the Holocaust to Battling Mesothelioma

Paul credited his will to live in the face of life-threatening hardships to his mother, who endured the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust. Paul was born in a Nazi forced labor camp in occupied Austria in 1944. As an infant, his mother escaped with him and his older brother by taking them through Budapest.

In 1997, Paul underwent a minor surgery to repair what was thought to be a hernia. However, his doctor was shocked to find tumors and fluid in the lining of Paul’s abdomen. Paul was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, and the cancer had already spread, limiting his treatment options.

Only 52 years old at the time of his diagnosis, Paul was given less than 6 months to live, which caused him to become “consumed by fear.” After taking time to process the news, Paul decided not to let his unfavorable mesothelioma prognosis define him. Instead, he began searching for ways to fight.

Paul’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a path forward. Get our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide to access real survivor stories, treatment tips, and practical advice to manage life after a diagnosis.

Paul Kraus’ Mesothelioma Survivor Mindset

After Paul Kraus’ mesothelioma diagnosis, he read a book that included information on the power of faith in the face of life-threatening illnesses, like cancer. This deeply resonated with Paul, and he was determined to apply it to his own cancer fight.

Paul then attended a retreat hosted by a long-term cancer survivor, where he learned how practices like mindfulness, positivity, and meditation could help in the healing process. Paul became convinced that a hopeful outlook could influence the body’s ability to heal — even when doctors said nothing more could be done. 

Paul then set out to radically transform his mindset to fit what he’d learned in an effort to fight his terminal cancer, refusing to accept what was essentially a death sentence.

“I myself did not find it easy to maintain a positive mindset in the first 18 months after diagnosis, but perseverance with my new lifestyle and a genuine belief that all would be well while addressing the health of body, mind, and spirit were invaluable.”
– Paul Kraus, mesothelioma survivor for 27 years

Taking a Complementary Approach To Treatment

Besides transforming his mindset and outlook, Paul also gave his lifestyle an overhaul. While still receiving standard mesothelioma treatments, Paul began incorporating complementary and alternative therapies into his care plan.

This included meditating twice a day, regularly exercising, and changing his diet. Paul Kraus’ mesothelioma diet focused on whole foods, fruit, and vegetables packed with cancer-fighting nutrients. Ultimately, Paul Kraus became a vegetarian, completely avoiding meat, as well as processed or fried foods and cane sugars. He also added dietary supplements like vitamin C.

Although Paul’s cancer never went into remission, it stopped progressing — an outcome known as stable disease. Paul’s mindset and dietary changes proved essential not only in his fight with mesothelioma, but with two other cancers he later survived: brain cancer and late-stage prostate cancer.

Download our Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide to find out how changing your diet can potentially help in your cancer battle.

More Inspiring Mesothelioma Survivor Stories

While Paul Kraus was one of the best-known mesothelioma survivors, several others have also gone on to live for 20 years or more following a diagnosis. While every cancer patient’s journey is different, these survivors prove that it’s possible to defy the odds and live longer than expected.

Sissy Hoffman

Sissy Hoffman lived 29 years with pleural mesothelioma and was the longest survivor of this cancer. Sissy, a teacher, was diagnosed with this cancer in 1995 when she was in her mid-40s. She was given just 6 months to live.

Sissy bravely decided to undergo a major surgery to remove the lung affected by the cancer, which was key to her survivorship. She was able to return to teaching after recovering from treatment, and later helped refugees adjust to living in America. She passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 73 due to medical complications.

Ellen Patton

In 2001, Ellen Patton was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma at just 41 years old after complaining of shortness of breath and chest pain. Doctors told Ellen she only had 12-18 months to live. The cancer had spread and had reached both of her lungs, preventing her from safely undergoing surgery.

Ellen was determined to live as long as possible and decided to receive an emerging treatment called immunotherapy, which ultimately worked. Now a 24-year survivor, Ellen works to alert the public about the dangers of asbestos (the only known cause of this cancer), mentors other patients, and supports advocacy groups like the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).

Let Us Help You on Your Mesothelioma Journey

The stories of Paul Kraus and other mesothelioma survivors show that, even when facing the uncertainty of cancer, there are still reasons to be hopeful. Every patient’s journey with mesothelioma is unique. Today, there are more options than ever that can help you work toward survivorship.

Mesothelioma Hope is here to make the burden of cancer easier for you and your family by connecting you with key resources. We have experienced Patient Advocates and registered nurses on staff ready to speak with you at no cost.

Our team can help you access:

• The best doctors and treatments near you
• Financial compensation to help cover costs
• Support groups and other resources as you face cancer

Get our Free Survivors Guide now for more inspiring stories or call (866) 608-8933 to see how we may be able to assist you or a loved one facing mesothelioma.

The post Remembering Paul Kraus, the Longest-Living Mesothelioma Survivor appeared first on MesotheliomaHope.com.

When you’re waiting at a doctor’s office, driving to treatment, or relaxing at home, a good book (or audiobook) can be a welcome companion, allowing you to move forward more confidently in the face of cancer.

Books on our 2025 mesothelioma summer reading list cover: 

• Diet and nutrition: Eat to Beat Disease, What to Eat During Cancer Treatment, and our Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide provide recipes and advice on how to get the right nutrients to help in your cancer fight.
• Spiritual and faith-based support: The Power of Now, Peace in the Face of Cancer, and When Breath Becomes Air all explore how the power of faith can make cancers like mesothelioma easier to bear.
• Stories of survival: Our Free Survivors Guide, Finding the “Can” in Cancer, and What Helped Me Get Through allow you to hear from other cancer survivors and get tips.

At Mesothelioma Hope, we offer key guides and resources specifically for patients with this cancer. Call (866) 608-8933 to request free guides and reading materials related to mesothelioma treatments, survivorship, nutrition, and more.

Stories of Hope and Survival

A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Many individuals have faced mesothelioma and other serious illnesses and come out the other side with renewed strength, purpose, and hope.

By sharing their journeys, these survivors remind us that even in the face of a devastating diagnosis, healing and resilience are possible.

Here are just a few survivor stories that continue to inspire us — and may inspire you too.

Mesothelioma Survivors Guide

In our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide, you’ll hear from patients who beat the odds and far outlived their original mesothelioma prognosis. While the average mesothelioma life expectancy is just 12-21 months, some of the patients featured have lived for 15 years or more.

“I want to help people go through this and remain positive. I did it. You can do it.”

You’ll also learn about treatment plans that these mesothelioma survivors followed, how they relied on their families for strength, and what their lives look like today.

Get your copy now to find out how others stayed hopeful after a mesothelioma diagnosis and lived much longer than expected.

Get Your Free Survivors Guide

• Survivors who beat the odds
• Tips for fighting mesothelioma
• Navigating life after treatment

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Finding the “Can” in Cancer

This guidebook for cancer patients, their families, and friends was written by four long-term cancer survivors. Finding the “Can” in Cancer combines personal stories and experiences with practical tips for navigating life with cancer.

It offers advice on:

• Common procedures and tests for cancer patients
• Coping with symptoms and side effects
• How to let others help after a cancer diagnosis

It also includes words of encouragement for patients and their loved ones to draw on when they need hope after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

While knowing you have an aggressive cancer like mesothelioma can be very stressful, Finding the “Can” in Cancer can help you feel more in control after a diagnosis and allow you to take meaningful steps toward healing.

Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds

Dr. Kelly A. Turner, a psychotherapist, researched over 1,000 cases of serious or terminal cancer that went into remission. While not every cancer patient achieves remission, those who may live longer with fewer or no symptoms of cancer.

In Radical Remission, Dr. Turner presents nine themes that she believes may help patients become survivors, even in terminal cases, and how those facing cancer can apply them to their own journey.

“A lot of mesothelioma patients get to that blessed point of NED, which is no evidence of disease.”

What Helped Me Get Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope

Edited by breast cancer survivor Julie K. Silver, What Helped Me Get Through is for anyone touched by cancer. This collection includes stories from nearly 300 cancer survivors, including celebrities like Carly Simon and Scott Hamilton, who share what helped them carry on.

The book, which was published by the American Cancer Society (ACS), also provides tips for patients, family, and friends on coping with a cancer diagnosis. Cancer is never easy, but What Helped Me Get Through can help lighten some of the load.

Patients can also add our Free Mesothelioma Guide to their reading list to learn more about their treatment options and how to access financial compensation to cover expenses.

Diet and Nutrition

Maintaining a cancer-fighting diet and nutrition plan can play a big role in your overall health after a mesothelioma diagnosis. The books below are often recommended for cancer patients looking to improve their nutrition and ease symptoms or side effects of treatments.

Be sure to consult your medical team before taking any supplements or making substantial changes to your mesothelioma nutrition plan. In some cases, dietary changes can negatively impact your cancer treatments.

Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself

In Eat to Beat Disease, Dr. William Li presents evidence for over 200 health-boosting foods that can starve cancer and fight dozens of avoidable diseases.

The book offers a guide to different healing foods that can be added to meals to support immune health. Dr. Li also explains how to integrate your favorite foods into any diet or health plan to activate your body’s natural defenses.

What to Eat During Cancer Treatment

Published by the American Cancer Society (ACS), What to Eat During Cancer Treatment offers evidence-based guidance on what foods to eat when dealing with common side effects of treatments for mesothelioma and other cancers.

“Many people going through cancer ask if diet and nutrition can help them fight and recover. The answer is yes! No matter what side effects you experience, nutrition will be an essential part of dealing with your cancer and cancer treatment.”
– From the introduction of What to Eat During Cancer Treatment

The book contains more than 130 recipes, ways to handle vitamin deficiencies, and helpful tips for caregivers. It also contains tips on assembling a take-along food “survival kit” and a list of organizations that provide information on nutrition and cancer.

The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery

The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen features 150 science-based recipes, including vegetarian options, tailored for specific treatment plans, cancer types, and side effects.

The book helps cancer patients and loved ones:

• Build meal plans to fight cancer and manage symptoms
• Fight side effects of cancer treatments like nausea and weight loss
• Stimulate their appetite

A full nutritional analysis is provided for each recipe.

Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide

Our Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide is packed with tips on how to improve your diet and get the right nutrients following a cancer diagnosis. Nutritional changes can help you reduce treatment side effects, improve your energy, and battle mesothelioma.

The guide has been reviewed by cancer nurses and includes examples from other mesothelioma patients whose dietary changes helped them feel better and live longer. Download the guide for free now.

Free Mesothelioma Nutrition Guide

• Tackle treatment side effects
• Boost your energy & immune system
• Get meal ideas to promote your recovery

Download It Now

Reviewed by cancer nurses

Spiritual Strength and Support

Many mesothelioma patients find that spirituality or religion can help them cope with the disease. If you find strength in your spiritual or religious beliefs, here are some books that might resonate with you.

Peace in the Face of Cancer

Written by patient advocate and cancer survivor Lynn Eib, Peace in the Face of Cancer shows how faith can help patients navigate a diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1990 at the age of just 36, with three young children.

“I’ve been living as a survivor since 1990 when I was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 36. My girls were 8, 10, and 12 at the time, and now I’m a grandmother to six.”
– Lynn Eib, author of Peace in the Face of Cancer

Eib weaves the story of her own journey as a longtime cancer survivor with those of others to show how faith could help you feel calmer and more hopeful. She also offers advice and encouragement to patients throughout the healing journey.

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

The Power of Now isn’t specific to cancer, but many mesothelioma patients and mental health professionals have found it to be a helpful tool in managing emotions that come with a diagnosis.

Spiritual teacher and self-help author Eckhart Tolle shares his philosophy on living a healthier, happier life. The book is a practical guide to becoming more conscious of the thoughts and challenges that often prevent us from living in the present moment.

When Breath Becomes Air

Stanford neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Kalanithi died from stage 4 metastatic lung cancer a year before his memoir When Breath Becomes Air was published.

In When Breath Becomes Air, the 36-year-old tells the story of how his life changed when he went from being a doctor who helped people to a patient himself.

“As a doctor, you have a sense of what it’s like to be sick, but until you’ve gone through it yourself, you don’t really know.”
– Dr. Paul Kalanithi, author of When Breath Becomes Air

An atheist for most of his adult life, Dr. Kalanithi rediscovers his Christian faith during his cancer journey and also becomes a father. First published in 2016, it was listed as one of the best books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Slate, Harper’s Bazaar, and more.

Connect With Mesothelioma Hope to Find Top Resources

While navigating a cancer like mesothelioma can bring a lot of uncertainty, the books and guides featured above can help you find better ways to manage the physical and emotional aspects of your diagnosis.

Mesothelioma Hope is also ready to assist you and your family. Our reading materials, specifically geared to helping mesothelioma patients, are just the start. We’ll walk with you through each step of your cancer journey, making it as easy as possible for you.

We have Patient Advocates and registered nurses on staff ready to support your family. To get started, we recommend our Free Mesothelioma Guide that covers all you need to know about this cancer.

You can also call (866) 608-8933 to speak with a member of our team and get personalized guidance.

The post 2025 Summer Reading List for Mesothelioma Patients & Loved Ones appeared first on MesotheliomaHope.com.

After he retired, Fred began battling an ongoing cough and shortness of breath. Assuming he had come down with pneumonia or chronic allergies, Fred went to the doctor for testing.

His diagnosis of the aggressive, asbestos-caused cancer mesothelioma shocked his close-knit family, who rallied together to support him.

“When we first got Fred’s diagnosis, the doctor gave us 6 months. But God was good, and he gave us another 2 years.”
— Anita Crosby, wife of mesothelioma warrior Fred Crosby

Learn more about how the Crosby family helped Fred get the right diagnosis and treatment, and the steps they took to give him peace of mind and security in his final years.

A Gearhead With an Unexpected Diagnosis

Fred and his wife of over 60 years, Anita, were high school sweethearts. After they married, they raised their family together on a farm in South Carolina.

Fred was a pillar of his community, teaching and coaching at local schools and serving at the family’s church. He was also an auto mechanic by nature and by heart.

“He referred to himself as a gearhead,” said his son Mike. “He loved to work on things, and when he started something, he didn’t like to quit until he finished.” That love of fixing things extended to every corner of his life, from Air Force jet engines to the old cars that still sit in his shop today.

“We see those cars and immediately think of Dad,” said his daughter Terri. “We can still see him working on them and cleaning them up, getting them ready for car shows.”

But unknown to Fred, his love of mechanics may have unintentionally been what exposed him to asbestos, a toxic mineral used in the production of machinery parts like brake pads and gaskets. Manufacturers knew the harm asbestos could cause and continued to use it for their own gain.

“People need to be aware of what asbestos will do to you, because when we were growing up, it was common. We never even knew that there was [cancer] related to asbestos.”
— Anita Crosby, wife of mesothelioma warrior Fred Crosby

Learn how families like the Crosbys navigated life with mesothelioma in our Free Survivors Guide, full of insightful and inspiring stories.

Fighting for Answers After Chronic Symptoms

Fred was just 18 when he joined the U.S. Air Force, working as a B-52 jet engine mechanic. He worked on those jet engines daily, not knowing that the cowlings and insulation were full of asbestos.

That exposure decades earlier, combined with years of brake work and home renovations, eventually stole his breath, his strength, and, ultimately, his life.

“That particular year, Dad seemed to just have really bad congestion, a really bad cough,” Terri said. “And COVID-19, of course, was a scare at that point, too.”

Fred visited the urgent care center, where X-rays were taken. His family doctor called and said they saw a spot on his lungs, and from there, he went to the hospital with pneumonia-like symptoms. His thoracic surgeon later gave him the diagnosis of mesothelioma, confirming the family’s worst nightmare.

“You would think something as serious as mesothelioma, the doctors could just spot it at the first visit,” Mike said. “But it didn’t work out that way. He had many tests and many visits.”

The whole family was shocked and had never even heard of mesothelioma until Fred’s diagnosis.

“We just bonded together as a family and faced it the only way we knew how,” Terri said. “And Dad did the mesothelioma treatments for us — he was a fighter, so he wouldn’t give up.”

Finding Peace of Mind With Financial Support

Fred was initially given six months to live. Although he went on to outlive that prognosis, it was a deeply challenging time for the whole family, having to come to terms with losing control.

“He didn’t fret so much about dying, but he did fret that first couple of months about who was going to take care of Mom, who was going to take care of the place, and who was going to take care of all the things that had to be repaired on the farm,” said Mike.

Treatments were also expensive, and the Crosby family wanted as much time as possible with Fred. They decided to pursue mesothelioma compensation for what happened to him.

“We filed a mesothelioma lawsuit because we were concerned that we would need money to get through the financial repercussions of the disease,” Mike said. “I was happy that Dad had peace of mind knowing that the money was there to take care of mom before he died.”

The family worked with top mesothelioma law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy, Mesothelioma Hope’s legal partner.

“The legal team made it easy for us because they handled everything. We didn’t know what to expect. That’s why we hired somebody who knew how to navigate that system.”
— Terri Crosby Cole, daughter of mesothelioma warrior Fred Crosby

Fred’s legacy is built not just in memories but in the physical places he left behind — the farm he built, the pond he dug, the classic cars he restored.

Now, when his family walks out to the pond, starts up the ’57 Chevy, or hears one of the grandchildren laughing, they feel him there.

Get Support Through a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

At Mesothelioma Hope, we’re proud to help mesothelioma patients and their family members understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and financial support resources.

Our team is here to:

• Provide emotional support and a listening ear
• Help you get connected to top doctors
• Locate a support group nearby or join one online

“A big part of my job is helping people understand their options. You don’t have to figure this all out alone.”
– Liz Logan, RN, Oncology Nurse Navigator & Patient Advocate

Contact our team of Patient Advocates now for free help and support.

The post Family of Air Force Veteran With Mesothelioma Honors His Legacy appeared first on MesotheliomaHope.com.