Stories of Hope from Mesothelioma Survivors
While researchers continue to search for a definitive cure for malignant mesothelioma, personalized and cutting-edge cancer treatments are helping patients like you achieve long-term survival.
Below are the stories of six mesothelioma survivors with different backgrounds, diagnoses, and treatment plans — but who are all still living life to the fullest after being diagnosed with this cancer.
Alexis Kidd
- Diagnosis: Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Year of Diagnosis: 2007
- Treatment: Surgery with heated chemotherapy
Alexis Kidd was only 37 years old when she learned she had peritoneal mesothelioma during a routine follow-up appointment for gallbladder surgery. The news took her breath away.
In an instant, she went from being a busy thirtysomething with two jobs and an active social life to a shocked young woman who was told she had anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to live.
Thankfully, Alexis found a skilled surgical team at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston that did everything in its power to save her life. Her team worked with mesothelioma specialist Dr. Paul Sugarbaker to learn how to perform his pioneering cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure, which may have saved Alexis’s life.
Over the last 17 years, Alexis has drawn inspiration from a support system that includes her husband and friends as well as fellow mesothelioma survivors.
“The mesothelioma community has afforded me an incredible opportunity to meet others who have either been diagnosed with this same type of cancer or who have a family member battling this illness.”
John Stahl
- Diagnosis: Stage 4 pleural mesothelioma
- Year of Diagnosis: 2019
- Treatment: Chemotherapy
The story of mesothelioma survivor John Stahl is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Just as he and his wife, Dee, were preparing to enjoy their golden years in Nevada, John was diagnosed with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma. This is the most advanced stage of this cancer and has a median life expectancy of 12 months.
He traced his cancer back to the construction industry, where he spent four decades working with drywall, gaskets, and other asbestos-containing products.
Since John’s cancer was too advanced for surgery, his mesothelioma specialist recommended chemotherapy. The long recovery period between his biweekly treatments was hard on John, who was used to staying active, but the chemo beat the cancer back.
Amazingly, he is now back to playing golf twice a week and driving through the scenic red-rock canyons of Nevada, Utah, and Arizona with Dee by his side.
Mesothelioma survivor John Stahl was diagnosed with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma in 2019. More than 5 years later, he's still enjoying his golden years with his wife, Dee. Call us today at (866) 608-8933 to get the medical help you need to become a survivor. View Transcript.
Duration: 2 min 59 sec
Dee Stahl:
The day started out fine. We got up and John, which is unusual for him, just came out of the bedroom and just sat down, and he said, “I just don’t feel good.” And I knew something was wrong because John doesn’t complain. And I said, “Well, I think we should probably go to the ER.” They found out that there was over two liters of fluid on his left lung, and they were amazed that he was even able to breathe, period. They did a CAT scan, and that’s when he just said, “You have stage four mesothelioma, John.”
John Stahl:
I was kind of blank. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t realize that my job had exposed me to this.
Dee Stahl:
We’re the Stahls. I’m Dee, and this is my husband, John.
John Stahl:
My name is John Stahl. I was first exposed to asbestos poisoning through the construction business, through Sheetrock®, through gaskets, and piping all through my career. And I worked 43 years in the construction business. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid. The first treatment was with chemotherapy, and I went every two weeks. It didn’t take long, an hour or so, but it would take me seven to 10 days to recover. That was hard for me because I’m a pretty active person. At first, it didn’t really sink in. The longer I thought about it, it’s gonna end my life eventually, but I’m gonna live it…as well as I can.
Dee Stahl:
Being with John through this, I’m glad I was here for him. He’s got a lot of support. He’s got a lot of friends and family that really care for him. But to be there, John made it easy because he was so positive. I’m just glad I was here for him. He held me up, really.
John Stahl:
Having Dee with me going through this was indescribable. It’s important for people to understand that there’s help and there’s people that are willing to help them.
Dee Stahl:
I think John’s positive attitude has kept him going like he has, having John so halfway healthy. I mean, he’s able to do things and be happy. John’s a very positive guy. He makes you happy.
Julie Gundlach
- Diagnosis: Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Year of Diagnosis: 2006
- Treatment: Surgery with heated chemotherapy
St. Louis native Julie Gundlach is a nationally recognized mesothelioma survivor who has been living with this cancer since she was 35 years old.
Her father spent 40 years as an electrician and carried asbestos home on his clothing each day, unaware that the tiny fibers could be tracked through the house and cause cancer if inhaled.
Just one year after her father died from asbestos-related lung cancer, Julie received her own diagnosis: malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. She was given 6-12 months to live.
Julie was determined to fight her disease so she could be a part of her 3-year-old daughter’s life. After five intensive cytoreduction surgeries with HIPEC, Julie’s mesothelioma is now stable.
In 2022 —16 years after being told by doctors that she shouldn’t expect to make it more than a year — Julie was able to see her daughter off to college.
Today, she is an outspoken advocate for a complete ban on asbestos and serves as an ambassador for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) to help educate the public about asbestos exposure.
“That is, without a doubt, a miracle. Getting to see a life that I never thought I’d see.”
Arthur Putt
- Diagnosis: Pleural mesothelioma
- Year of Diagnosis: 2018
- Treatment: Chemotherapy and immunotherapy combined with alternative treatment
Mesothelioma survivor Arthur “Art” Putt and his wife, Jan, are proud to have proven the naysayers wrong. When Art was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, his prognosis was grim.
Art’s specialist started him on chemotherapy and then switched to immunotherapy for better results. Both treatments helped for a time, but Art’s doctors found they became less effective as his cancer spread.
On the suggestion of his wife and daughter, both of whom are nurses, Art decided to incorporate alternative treatment in the form of an anti-inflammatory diet.
Twice a day, Jan prepared a blend of asparagus, beetroot powder, cottage cheese, and various oils for Art to take through a feeding tube. He credits the mixture for helping him feel as healthy as he does today.
“Originally, the doctor said he would have possibly 6 months to 1 year, and that was 5 years ago. I still got him.”
Learn more about Art’s journey to survival — along with other stories of patients who’ve defied the odds — in our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide.
John Panza
- Diagnosis: Pleural mesothelioma
- Year of Diagnosis: 2012
- Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation
Ohio native John Panza was 38 when he was diagnosed with stage 3 pleural mesothelioma. A husband, father, professor, and professional musician, John was leading a full and active life when the cancer completely changed it.
He underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation. EPP is an aggressive surgery that removes the entire lung. Recovering from these treatments was challenging, but John stayed focused on the future.
Over 12 years later, John is still living life to the fullest — focusing on his music, teaching, and cherished time with family. He emphasizes how important it is for mesothelioma patients to get treatment and to care for themselves through regular exercise and proper nutrition.
“I’ve learned that you must fight, embrace the absurdity, and remember that luck plays a huge role in the outcome. You were unlucky to get this terrible disease. But if you fight as hard as you can, you might receive some luck along the way.”
Jill Litton
- Diagnosis: Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Year of Diagnosis: 2009
- Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy
West Virginia native Jill Litton was told she had peritoneal mesothelioma shortly after her 50th birthday.
One of her first symptoms was a heavy menstrual cycle, and her gynecologist ordered exploratory surgery that confirmed the unexpected diagnosis. Her doctors were unfamiliar with mesothelioma and didn’t know how to treat it.
Although Jill had no idea where or how she may have been exposed to asbestos, she accepted her new reality and started looking for a specialist. She was able to undergo the HIPEC procedure followed by regular chemotherapy sessions to keep the cancer cells from spreading.
Fifteen years since her diagnosis, Jill is living her life as normally as possible, staying heavily involved in caring for her children and grandchildren. “These children have given me the courage and determination to continue fighting,” she said. “My life is absolutely wonderful. What more could I ask for?”
“I don’t feel bad about having mesothelioma. I have never felt sorry for myself. Worse things have happened to other people. This is something that I will never totally understand, and that’s okay.”
Factors in Surviving Mesothelioma
Every patient’s experience with mesothelioma will be different based on their unique diagnosis, age, health, types of treatment received, and many other factors. Learn more about what may influence mesothelioma survival.
Time of Diagnosis and Mesothelioma Stage
The earlier you are diagnosed, the more mesothelioma treatment options you will likely have.
Stages 1 and 2 of mesothelioma can often be treated with surgery since the cancer is localized to one area. The third and fourth stages of mesothelioma are harder to treat with surgery due to tumor spread, but other treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy may still be beneficial.
Many mesothelioma patients have lived much longer than expected thanks to treatments — even if they had stage 3 or 4 mesothelioma.
For example, despite being diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma, John Stahl is still alive today thanks to chemotherapy.
“I’m doing very well, as a matter of fact. I play golf twice a week. I ride the side-by-side. I go hang out with my friends when they’re around. Yeah, I’m pretty well back to normal.”
Specialized Treatments
Patients whose cancer hasn’t spread far beyond the lungs or abdomen may be eligible for specialized mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
In addition, immunotherapy is an emerging treatment that has helped many patients live longer.
When U.S. Army veteran Gene D’Alessandro was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2021, his general oncologist said chemotherapy was his only option. Determined to help her father, Gene’s daughter Karen found a mesothelioma specialist who added the immunotherapy drug Opdivo® to his treatment plan — which changed everything.
“Everything got better with Opdivo. I wish we had accessed this level of expertise from the start…that doctor saved my father’s life.”
Disease Management and Clinical Trials
After receiving specialized treatments, mesothelioma survivors are encouraged to keep meeting with their doctor regularly to keep their cancer in check. This is called disease management.
Additionally, new and emerging treatments being tested in mesothelioma clinical trials can help extend survival. If there is enough clinical evidence that emerging treatments like gene therapy and targeted therapy can help mesothelioma patients live longer, they may one day be approved for widespread use.
In September 2024, the FDA approved the immunotherapy drug Keytruda® as an initial treatment for pleural mesothelioma after clinical trials showed it extended patient survival.
Mesothelioma Survivors Diet and Nutrition
Nutrient-rich foods can help mesothelioma patients maintain the physical strength to withstand major treatments that can also extend their lives.
Top treatment centers often have dietitians on staff who can prepare a personalized mesothelioma cancer survivors diet, which will typically include a large amount of protein to help retain muscle and promote cell repair. Improving diet and nutrition through food and supplements can improve patients’ overall health.
Our team can provide nutrition-specific resources to help you feel your best while fighting this cancer — contact us now for help understanding diet and nutrition for mesothelioma.
Tips for Living With Mesothelioma
Whether you’re recently diagnosed, actively going through treatment, or living with mesothelioma post-treatment, there are ways to manage your situation. Many mesothelioma survivors are living their lives to the fullest extent possible. Find out how you can too.
Work With a Specialist
Many mesothelioma survivors have said that finding the right mesothelioma doctor was the most important decision they made on their journey to survivorship. It’s helpful to work with a specialist who has experience treating your specific type of mesothelioma.
A mesothelioma specialist can:
- Give you a second opinion to ensure you have the correct diagnosis
- Develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs
- See if you’re eligible for emerging treatments available in clinical trials
Manage Symptoms
In addition to helping you live longer, medical and alternative treatments can help improve your quality of life. Although some side effects may be unavoidable, palliative care can help you manage your symptoms and live a fuller, happier life.
Some symptom management options include:
- Alternative treatments like yoga and acupuncture to relieve stress and enhance overall well-being
- Diet and nutrition guidance for better energy and immune support
- Paracentesis to drain fluid from the abdominal area
- PleurX catheters to manage pleural effusion (fluid buildup in the chest/lungs)
- Prescription pain relief
- Thoracentesis to drain fluid from the lung lining
Talk with your medical care team to understand your symptom management options.
Get Emotional Support
Developing a strong support system is key to maintaining a positive outlook and quality of life while battling mesothelioma. This might include seeing a licensed counselor, attending mesothelioma support groups to meet other patients and survivors, or talking to friends and family.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are a variety of emotional support resources to meet your personal needs and preferences.
Learn how other patients have navigated the medical, emotional, and financial aspects of living with mesothelioma in our Free Survivors Guide.
Remembering Mesothelioma Survivors We’ve Lost
In addition to long-term survivors of this cancer, Mesothelioma Hope is honored to share the stories of mesothelioma survivors who have passed on — but will be forever remembered for their strength and resilience.
Mary Jane Williams
- Diagnosis: Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Year of Diagnosis: 2003
- Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation
Mary Jane Williams was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2003 after gallbladder surgery. With support from her husband, she immediately took action and visited three mesothelioma specialists before choosing to travel to New York for treatment.
Mary Jane bravely underwent two major surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy over a series of 43 trips between Ohio and New York. She also served as a mentor for other mesothelioma patients, accompanying them on hospital visits to offer emotional support.
An advocate until the very end, Mary Jane survived mesothelioma for 15 years before passing away from Alzheimer’s disease in 2018.
Mike Matmuller
- Diagnosis: Pleural mesothelioma
- Year of Diagnosis: 2011
- Treatment: Surgery and chemotherapy
When Mike Matmuller was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma at just 29 years old, doctors told him he had less than a year to live. However, after four rounds of chemotherapy and EPP surgery, Mike was declared cancer-free.
After his treatments, Mike and his wife had a baby girl in 2016. Mike’s daughter motivated him to dedicate his life to advocating for more research funding to find a cure for mesothelioma.
Mike ultimately lost his courageous battle with mesothelioma in 2020. Today, he is remembered for his legacy of fierce advocacy for mesothelioma victims.
“We bravely decided to start our family and not let the fear of this horrible disease stop us from our dreams.”
Walter Twidwell
- Diagnosis: Pleural mesothelioma
- Year of Diagnosis: 2017
- Treatment: N/A
Mesothelioma survivor Walter Twidwell was a U.S. Navy veteran who developed cancer decades after serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
His work as a boiler tender and fireman on several U.S. Navy ships put him into direct contact with gaskets that contained asbestos. He was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in his right lung and instructed by his doctor to make sure his end-of-life plans were in order.
The grim news only strengthened his resolve. He filed a mesothelioma lawsuit against Goodyear, the company that manufactured the gaskets that caused his cancer, and a jury awarded him $40 million in 2018.
Despite deciding against treatment, Walter survived for two and a half years with mesothelioma before he passed away in 2019.
Walter, a U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma, shares how he was exposed to asbestos and explains how filing a claim for legal compensation helped him. View Transcript.
Duration: 3 min 12 sec
I am spitting polished, I’ll tell you not. I was proud I was in the Navy on seven ships, I was a boiler tender and when I want to board ship that’s when I found out that was as best in the products. Nobody ever said anything about it being dangerous. It didn’t kill anybody on the spot, that’s for sure but it took years later. When started catching up with us but the word mesothelioma, I didn’t know anything about when I turned 70, I started getting pneumonia, not a flu but pneumonia once in a while but then as time went on they kept getting closer and closer and closer together and asked the doctor, I said, I want to know why and they sent me downstairs get a chest X-ray and made it back before I got back up there. I really can’t explain it it I got a knot in my stomach you know but he told me then that there was no care for it he said you have all your paperwork in order I said yes I do he said well keep it there so oh I can’t cut wood or anything any re a big Garden or anything anymore I was been so independent all my life and all of a sudden I can’t do anything for myself. I’m very weak short breath and I’ve lost a lot of weight I’m a little angry about it if I can have my health back I’d give it back give have money back. The thing what convinced me about carrying on with a lawsuit was when I was informed that I wasn’t suing the government, I wasn’t suing the US Navy, I was going suing the manufacturer and I got mad then because they knew when I got told they knew many years prior what it would do to the human being I got mad I said well heck with this noise they’re going to hear from me there was a couple lawyers coming out from from the the law firm Simmons. It was only two or 3 days and he was here I was surprised at the stuff that he knew he just knows the names of all the pumps and the valves going clear back way you know it was a hands-on approach. I guess and that’s what drew me because that’s the way I do things hands-on approach they were prepared they could go back to day one and I appreciated that they damn well earned it.
Remission and Mesothelioma Survivors
The ideal outcome for treatment is that patients reach mesothelioma remission. When cancer is in remission, the tumors either fully disappear or shrink, allowing patients to live longer with fewer or no symptoms.
There are two types of remission: full and partial.
- Full remission: This occurs when a patient has no evidence of disease (NED), which is when all visible traces of cancer are gone from the body. Mesothelioma survivor Mary Jane Williams was cancer-free for 15 years after treatment.
- Partial remission: This happens when mesothelioma tumors have been reduced by 50% or more. Specialists may be able to treat mesothelioma more easily even if the cancer isn’t fully gone.
Some survivors of mesothelioma, such as Julie Gundlach, have also been able to reach “stable disease,” which is a term used to describe cancer that has not changed (tumors are neither growing nor shrinking).
Get Help Becoming a Mesothelioma Survivor
The Mesothelioma Hope team will do everything we can to help you become a survivor. No one deserves to go through this experience alone.
Our compassionate Patient Advocates can:
- Help you get a second opinion for an accurate diagnosis
- Connect you with leading mesothelioma specialists and cancer centers
- Look for financial assistance to help you pay for medical treatments
- Provide emotional support for you and your loved ones
Call (866) 608-8933 or contact us today to get started.
Nontraditional and alternative treatments should only be pursued under the supervision and guidance of your specialist.
Mesothelioma Survivors FAQs
Are there any survivors of mesothelioma?
Yes. Many mesothelioma patients have survived the disease and outlived their initial prognosis using traditional and emerging treatments.
Generally speaking, the earlier mesothelioma is detected, the better your prognosis.
What is the longest living person with mesothelioma?
Diagnosed in 1997 at age 52, Paul Kraus is currently the longest living mesothelioma survivor in the world. Doctors thought Paul would only live 6 months, but he has survived for more than 25 years since his mesothelioma diagnosis.
Paul Kraus surviving mesothelioma this long is an inspiring reminder for all patients and families that there are always options and you never know what the future holds.
Is mesothelioma always terminal?
No. While mesothelioma is often a terminal disease, it is not an automatic death sentence.
The medical community continues to develop more sophisticated methods to diagnose and treat mesothelioma. As a result, some victims have survived for years without their cancer coming back.
If you or a loved one think you have mesothelioma, it’s important to find a specialist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and design the right treatment plan for you.
Are there any peritoneal mesothelioma survivors?
Yes. Many people diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma have gone on to far outlive their prognosis.
For example, Alexis Kidd was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2007 and is still alive and well today. Jill Litton is another peritoneal mesothelioma survivor, diagnosed in 2009.
Treatments like surgery, HIPEC, and chemotherapy can help peritoneal mesothelioma patients become long-term survivors.
Are there any pleural mesothelioma survivors?
Yes. Pleural mesothelioma survivors include patients like John Stahl, who was diagnosed with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma in 2019, and John Panza, who was diagnosed in 2012.
Both patients received specialized treatment and are still living their lives to the fullest today.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) or pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation can help pleural mesothelioma patients become long-term survivors.
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