On Thursday, February 12th, Joe sought out medical care for some back pain he was having. After getting the results of his CT scan back, it was determined that he had a mass on his liver. A biopsy was done the next day and Joe was discharged to go home to await the results.
The results of the biopsy showed that it was bile duct cancer. The liver mass and cancer diagnosis made for a rare, complicated case in which surgeons weren't sure if operating was a possibility.
On Thursday, March 12th, Joe was still having intense pain that was preventing him from eating/drinking and sleeping. He was admitted back to the hospital.
Surgery was still up for debate, but the surgeon wanted a PET scan done first to determine if they could safely operate. Joe remained in the hospital for pain management during this time and a PET scan was scheduled for Monday, March 23rd.
The results of the PET scan came on Wednesday, March 25th and it was not the news we were hoping for. Joe's bile duct cancer was diagnosed as stage 4 and it had spread to his abdomen. The doctors gave him a window of +/- 6 months. Surgery and chemotherapy were no longer an option.
Joe was discharged from the hospital on Saturday, March 28th and came home on hospice care.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of my beloved husband, best friend, and father to our children. Joe meant the world to us, and his kindness, humor, and love will remain in our hearts forever.
Anything you can share, whether it be monetary, gifts, meals, condolences, donations etc would be greatly appreciated.
Love,
Andrea, Natalie and Theo
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