Since his 2019 mesothelioma diagnosis, John Stahl — a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend — has been constructing something new: a life filled with love, adventure, and resilience.
From Construction to Cancer Recovery
Nevada resident John Stahl is used to building things. He spent decades in the construction industry doing commercial, industrial, and residential work.
In the summer of 2019, he was looking forward to retirement to spend more time exploring the Nevada desert with his wife, Dee, and riding his off-road vehicle.
But John had to learn how to build something different: a game plan for survival after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Now, more than 6 years later, John is constructing a life of happiness, love, and adventure despite his mesothelioma diagnosis.
“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.”
You can read more of John’s story — and others like it — in our Free Survivors Guide.
An Urgent Wake-Up Call
On a hot morning in July 2019, John woke up with uncomfortable symptoms. Instead of his usual high energy and enthusiasm to greet the day, John felt fatigued and scared. His face was pale, and he couldn’t catch his breath.
“I just didn’t feel good,” John recalls. John was not the type to call out sick. He notes that he “always worked,” and spending 43 years as a construction worker made him resilient.
But Dee urged him to get medical attention.
At the urgent care center, the medical team took X-rays of John’s lungs. They were alarmed when they couldn’t even see John’s left lung on the X-ray because it was surrounded by two liters worth of fluid.
“They were amazed he was even able to breathe,” Dee said.
From there, the Stahls followed up with their family doctor, who referred John to an oncologist. A CT scan and thoracoscopy revealed the devastating answer to John’s symptoms.
On August 19, 2019, John was diagnosed with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma, a type of mesothelioma that forms in the lining of the lungs. Despite being diagnosed in the most advanced stage of the disease, John was determined to fight.
Pushing Through Treatment’s Toughest Moments
After he was diagnosed, John began mesothelioma treatment with chemotherapy every two weeks.
Each chemotherapy session lasted about an hour, but the side effects lingered much longer. After each treatment, John would be physically exhausted for over a week. He wouldn’t have the energy to leave his home or do things he enjoyed.
All of this forced downtime took a toll on John, who wasn’t used to spending so much time at home. “That was hard for me because I’m a pretty active person,” he shared.
But through it all, John stayed hopeful. His determination to keep fighting — and to eventually return to the life he cherished — helped him endure the toughest days.
“I can’t think of a day that John has said, ‘Oh, feel sorry for me.’ His positive attitude has kept him going, and I think that helps his health,” shared Dee.
Fortunately, John eventually began feeling physically well again, and his optimistic outlook started matching his energy levels. He was able to embrace his active lifestyle once again, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona and Nevada with Dee by his side.
“We spend a lot time out in the Arizona strip, up above St. George. We’ve gone to Moab. We’ve gone to Valley of Fire. Logandale Trails. There’s a lot of riding in this country.”
Finding Love Again — and Defying the Odds
John’s story isn’t just about surviving cancer; it’s also about finding happiness despite the odds.
He and Dee first met in the 1970s, dating for a while before life took them in different directions. Both married other people and had children, but in 2008, they reconnected at an arts festival in Utah. Sparks flew, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
“Now I’m getting emotional,” Dee confessed. “John always held a special place in my heart.”
Today, John and Dee prioritize enjoying life — exploring Nevada’s natural wonders, spending time with family, and off-roading with their “snowbird” friends.
“My dream life is now. Being retired, having John healthy enough to do things and be happy. John’s a very positive guy. He makes you happy.”
John and Dee have a blended family of four children and a granddaughter, who John proudly watched earn her master’s degree. They also share their home with their “niece” — a Shih Tzu named Lily.
“It’s just good to be happy,” John said. Dee added: “We’re happy people.”
Seeking Justice After a Tough Truth
John’s diagnosis was especially hard because it came with the realization that his job — the one he loved — had made him sick. The asbestos in the building materials he handled for over 40 years led to his mesothelioma.
“I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t realize that my job had exposed me to asbestos,” he said.
He and Dee knew early on that they wanted to pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit when they discovered his cancer could have been prevented.
“We filed a mesothelioma lawsuit to hold companies accountable. … I don’t know how these people slept at night, knowing people were being exposed to asbestos, poisoning their bodies. They need to pay anyone who’s been affected by this.”
John said having Dee by his side during this time was “indescribable.” He said she “took the bull by the horns” and hired top mesothelioma law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy to handle his case.
John’s lawsuit ended in a mesothelioma settlement, and the Stahls found much-needed peace of mind once the checks started to come in.
“You can take care of your children,” John said. “It’s just nice to know that there’s something there for them.”
Read more mesothelioma survivor stories like John’s and learn about free legal resources available to you in our Mesothelioma Survivors Guide.
Get Support After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
If you or someone you love is fighting mesothelioma, remember you are not alone. Mesothelioma Hope provides free resources and compassionate support to help make your journey easier.
Reach out to our team to:
- Connect with top mesothelioma doctors
- Learn how to pursue compensation for medical expenses
- Speak with nurses who can help you understand your diagnosis
- Find support groups where you can talk to other patients
Call (866) 608-8933 or fill out our contact form to get started.
