| Mesothelioma Survivor Outlives Prognosis by Seven Years |
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On July 11, 2009 James Rhio O’Connor (“Rhio”) passed away from mesothelioma, the asbestos caused cancer. He was 69 years old.
After Rhio was diagnosed in 2001 his doctors told him that surgery was not an option, radiation would do more harm than good, and chemo might provide a few extra months at best. When he rejected chemo, his oncologist suggested that he take his wife Arlene on a cruise and commence hospice care when he returned. Rhio rejected that advice, found a healing path that worked for him, and lived seven and a half more quality years doing the things that he enjoyed.
I first met Rhio in April 2006 when he attended one of Paul Kraus’ mesothelioma teleconferences that I hosted. It was a memorable meeting of two amazing individuals and I remember it well. Paul who lives in Australia and Rhio who lives in California both found they had much in common. Their philosophy about mesothelioma, their concepts of healing, even the actual treatments they used shared common threads. Rhio echoed many of Paul’s words especially about the importance of diet and nutrition. And like Paul, Rhio had no radiation, surgery or chemo to treat his disease.
Two years later when Cancer Monthly published Rhio’s book “They Said Months. I Chose Years! A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story,” the details of his healing regimen were further explained. What struck me about the book, even more than what Rhio did, was the discipline and courage of the author. Rhio acknowledged that there was no right or wrong treatment for everyone. Surviving mesothelioma required an individual approach with the help of trained clinicians. Rhio also discussed how a patient should listen to their inner voice and instincts and not second guess themselves. In Rhio’s words:
“How important is self-sufficiency in surviving mesothelioma or any other cancer? I think it is vital. You have to possess the faith and confidence to make the right treatment decisions. Many patients spend hours, days or weeks second-guessing themselves about what they would have or could have or should have done. This is very unproductive… I believe that discipline has helped me survive my diagnosis. In fact, I probably wouldn’t be here without it. Discipline or self-discipline provides the stamina to persevere. It bestows the ability to withstand hardships and difficulties, whether physical, emotional or mental. It grants the ability to reject immediate satisfaction for something better. Turning away from conventional therapies and embarking on my own path to treat my disease took discipline and courage. I don’t want to give the wrong impression. Of course I had doubts and second thoughts. But once I made my decision as to my treatment course of choice, I challenged myself to maintain focus and discipline in order to see it through.”
Besides enjoying his family, one of the most important things Rhio did was to inspire, help, and mentor others. He was a consistent source of motivation and support to countless other cancer victims. He was always available to talk to a newly diagnosed patient, share his experiences and thoughts, and add a bit of humor where appropriate. His very survival, beating the odds, and the way he did it, was inspirational and a reminder to others that a diagnosis was not destiny. As Rhio wrote at the end of his book, “My wish and prayer for all who read my book is that it will strengthen and inspire you to do whatever it takes to not only survive your disease, but also to thrive and enjoy your life.”
Written by Michael Horwin