If 2020 wasn’t challenging enough, we received another blow earlier this month — Joe has been diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer. It started this last summer with Joe having recurring pain in his back. We chalked it up to a pinched nerve from motorcycle riding; however, the pain intensified and grew more constant with time. On the eve of Thanksgiving, an MRI and CT scan showed Joe had a couple of bulging discs that in conjunction with his congenital shallow spinal canal was to be the source of his pain. They also saw a whitening of bone on his spine, which they alerted us was most likely a tumor but more tests were needed.
Within two days, Joe was admitted to the hospital for surgery, posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion to be exact. The surgery would address the pain in his back and would remove the confirmed tumor on the spine.
But then the bad news followed. It was December 2, and I was heading to visit Joe in the hospital just as I had done the previous nights, but this time an oncologist was there. He and his team explained that Joe has stage IV renal cell carcinoma (fancy name for kidney cancer) that had metastasized to the spine. Wait, what?! CANCER that has spread??? WTF! Outside of Joe’s back pain, he never had any other symptoms to warn us something was wrong with his kidney. Four months prior he even got a clean bill of health from his primary care physician! Since the news, it’s like we’ve been living in another world. December has been challenging to say the least, but if anyone can persevere, it will be Joe.
Cancer treatments start in mid-January. Until then, our only focus is Joe recovering so he is strong for the next chapter — radiation and immunotherapy. Covid is only adding to the challenge as Joe so desperately wants to be around family and friends, but that will come in time.
Please keep Joe in your thoughts and prayers. I believe he is the warrior of all warriors and will be back to riding his motorcycle soon. That said, extra prayers are appreciated. 🙏
I will return as often as there are updates to share. Until then, Joe and I are sending you our love and best wishes for 2021. Thank you for all the love, prayers, texts, phone calls, meals, etc…Joe feels the love for sure.
xo, Heather