Episode 10: The Spiritual Battle Hiding Behind a Terminal Diagnosis
Show Notes
Episode DescriptionPastor Diego Mesa had just completed the Boston Marathon when he received a Stage 4 kidney cancer diagnosis that changed the course of his life.
In this episode of The Jordan Rubin Show, Jordan and Diego talk about what happened before, during, and after his cancer diagnosis, including the warning signs he initially dismissed as athletic injuries, why physical fitness doesn't always tell the full story about someone's health, and how his faith shaped the way he faced a frightening prognosis.
Diego also shares the changes he made to his diet, stress levels, emotional health, prayer life, and daily routine. More than 16 years after his diagnosis, he's still preaching, serving others, and sharing what the experience taught him about caring for the body, mind, and spirit.
Watch through to the end for the complete Whole-Person Healing Protocol, including the foods Jordan recommends during a serious health challenge, targeted supplements, midday sunshine, sauna and lymphatic massage, forgiveness, healing prayer, and the importance of working with a physician who will monitor your health and partner with you.
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About Diego MesaPastor Diego Mesa is the founding pastor of Patria Church, formerly Abundant Living Family Church, in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
What began with 12 people meeting in a 900-square-foot home grew into a multi-campus ministry serving more than 12,000 people. Over more than three decades in ministry, Diego has preached, written books, hosted television programming, and served his community as a chaplain.
In 2008, at age 47, Diego was diagnosed with Stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma that had spread beyond his kidney. The diagnosis came at a time when he considered himself extremely fit. He had qualified for and completed the Boston Marathon and initially attributed some of his physical symptoms to endurance training.
His experience with cancer changed how he thought about health, stress, rest, emotional burdens, faith, and the cost of constantly pushing himself. Today, he continues to pastor, teach, and speak about the lessons he learned from his diagnosis and recovery.
Connect with Pastor DiegoWebsite: https://diegomesa.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastor_diego/
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Chapters01:25 Introduction
02:31 Pastor Diego's Stage Four Cancer Diagnosis
07:43 Facing Cancer with Faith
13:28 Strengthening His Faith Through Scripture
15:53 The First Steps in His Treatment
18:35 Receiving Unexpected News of Remission
20:16 Exploring Alternative Approaches to Healing
23:13 The Decision to Stop Chemotherapy
29:29 How Jordan and Diego's Journey Began
35:52 Committing to a New Health Regimen
40:18 The Challenges of Changing His Lifestyle
45:26 The First Signs of Improvement
48:02 Receiving the Results of His 12-Week Scan
53:43 Why Diego Maintains His Healthy Lifestyle
57:53 Is Pastor Diego Completely Healed?
1:01:09 The Role of Forgiveness in Healing
1:02:27 How His Testimony Has Helped Others
1:06:49 Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
1:09:20 Final Encouragement
Medical DisclaimerThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or healthcare plan.
Protocols
The Whole-Person Healing Protocol
(5-6 Minute Read)Pastor Diego Mesa had just completed the Boston Marathon when he received news that seemed impossible for someone in his physical condition: He had Stage 4 kidney cancer that had spread to his spine and pelvis.
His oncologist gave him a sobering prognosis. If 100 people had the same diagnosis, he told Diego, only 50 would still be alive one year later. The longest-surviving patient he'd treated with the same diagnosis had lived only six years.
Confidence doesn't always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we're unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you're capable.
The key to making things happen isn't waiting for the perfect moment; it's starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action.
You don't need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you're capable of more than you know.
