Aussie Man Still Living After 1994 Mesothelioma Diagnosis -- MesoLink.org -- 07-20-04

An Australian man, Gary Morse, is still alive and well after being diagnosed with mesothelioma ten years ago. Mr Morse is even working as a foreman, proving the doctors that gave him just months to live wrong.

Mr Morse, aged 62, used to work as an auto-mechanic and for over forty years faced daily exposure to the asbestos that was used on brake and clutch pads. Following the onset of symptoms, doctors confirmed that he had mesothelioma in 1994 and advised him that his prospects looked bleak.

However, Mr Morse went on to live for another decade, and is still going strong.

Following diagnosis, Mr Morse was treated with photodynamic therapy, and as a result of that treatment does suffer from nerve damage, which means that his chest can become easily irritated.

Since 1980, Australia has seen over 8300 deaths from mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer that is deadly and incurable. Last year alone saw 700 Australians die from the disease, and it is anticipated that the numbers will peak over the next couple of decades.

It is very unusual for patients to survive as long as Mr Morse, and most patients pass away within 4-24 months of diagnosis.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can take several decades to appear, which means that the cancer is already in its advanced stages by the time it is diagnosed.