Life Through the Eyes of a Long-Term Mesothelioma Survivor | Mesothelioma Hope

When I reflect on almost 20 years of survival, it is with a sense of disbelief and gratitude, still tinged with sadness and anger. I often wonder what the last two decades would have looked like if so much of it hadn’t been stolen by mesothelioma. But the journey has also led me somewhere meaningful—sharing my story, my hope, and my experience with others.

My name is Julie Gunlock, and I was diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in August 2006. At the time, my daughter was only three years old. I was terrified she wouldn’t remember me. That was my biggest fear. Because of that, I decided early on that I would go to any length to save my life—whatever it took.

A diagnosis like mesothelioma or cancer can easily consume and steal your life. You have to intentionally search for laughter and joy. You have to find places where you can just be yourself, separate from the cancer. There are always chronic health issues. There is anxiety and depression. There is constant fear—especially around scans and follow-up appointments. There is also the lasting impact on your family, the moments you miss while your child is growing up, and the times you simply cannot be there. It’s something you carry with you. I try not to let it make me bitter. I think that’s all you can do.

Doctors have never used the words “cancer-free” or “remission” with me. They still see tumor spots on my scans. However, they have remained stable and have not shown growth for over ten years. For that, I am incredibly grateful.

Looking back, I believe there were many decisions that contributed to my long-term survival. The first was finding the very best doctors I could to treat my specific diagnosis. I made a conscious decision to trust them fully. Early on, a physician told me I would want to seek legal representation. At first, I resisted. I didn’t see myself as someone who would file a lawsuit. That wasn’t who I thought I was.

But then I had to confront the reality that this disease—this cancer—was 100% preventable. The only reason I have it is because corporations repeatedly chose profits over people. Those choices caused real harm, and those responsible should be held accountable.

I ultimately filed a mesothelioma lawsuit because people should be held responsible for putting profits over lives—and because I needed help.