MESOTHELIOMA STORY
Survivor documents treatment plan that helped him outlive doctors’ forecast

Fewer than 10 percent of mesothelioma patients live five years, even with second generation chemotherapy agents like Alimta, combination therapies, and radical surgery to remove tumors. That's what makes the following survivor story so significant.

July 28, 2009 - A California man diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2001 and given one year to live survived his prognosis by seven years. James Rhio O’Connor passed away from the asbestos-related cancer on July 11, 2009, but not before publishing a remarkable book about his odyssey.

The book, titled “They said Months, I Chose Years: A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story,” documents the extraordinary efforts he took to extend his life. O’Connor opted not to undergo mesothelioma chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and instead created his own mesothelioma treatment plan with the help of professional clinicians.

His plan consisted of consuming more than 100 supplements daily, following a nutritious diet and practicing holistic, mesothelioma mind-body medicine. The supplement regimen evolved over time, costing him approximately $1,000 a month in vitamin bills.

O’Connor said he was inspired by Hippocrates who, more than 2,000 years ago, wrote, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

He followed a strict diet of wholesome, organic foods including fresh fish and vegetables. He eliminated sugar, hydrogenated oils and fried foods and kept his consumption of meat limited to range-fed beef once a week.

O’Connor also washed his fruits and vegetables with a light vinegar solution before consumption to eliminate the chemicals and toxins sprayed on the produce.

“Everyone must find their own path to healing. If you are interested in an alternative regime, the best thing to do is work with a professional clinician who can guide you appropriately.”

Mesothelioma, an asbestos disease

Government sources estimate that in the next decade more than 35,000 people nationwide will be diagnosed with the deadliest form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma.

This disease is most often the result of industrial workplace exposure to asbestos – and usually contracted through employers’ blatant disregard for the health and safety of their workers. That’s why people diagnosed with mesothelioma and surviving family members have strong cases in court.

Time to seek justice

Weitz & Luxenberg has protected the legal rights of workers for 25 years – longer than most law firms in the nation. And in that time the firm's mesothelioma lawyers have won several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and seek FREE legal guidance and answers to your concerns, please notify us through the communication form below. We will pursue your claim with vigilance to help you pay for medical bills, future and past lost wages, and damages. There is no cost to you until we win a settlement or a verdict.