Joe Crook Joe Crook

Welcome to our CaringBridge site. We've created it to keep friends and family updated as Joe (Big Buddy) progresses through his diagnosis, surgery and treatment for Stage IV Lung Cancer. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement during this time.

Love,

Joe, Dianne & Jennifer

On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, Joe was diagnosed with lung cancer after a tumor was found during a chest x-ray. Daddy's diagnosis prompted a whirlwind of love and support. We have been overwhelmed with emotions, but nonetheless so thankful for each and every person who has prayed for and comforted our family during this journey.  

Initially we thought this was going to be as "straight forward and easy" as cancer can be, unfortunately that is not the case.  

Here is daddy's journey on a timeline:



- February 16th - A chest x-ray showed a mass in the left lung
- February 17th - A CT scan confirmed it was indeed cancer
- February 19th - Biopsy was done to identify the type of lung cancer (non-small cell Adenocarcinoma) 
- February 25th - A PET scan was done to see if the cancer was in any other place in his body & help stage the cancer 
- February 29th - The cancer is confined to the left lung, it is considered a Stage II
- March 2nd - Thoracic Oncologist confirmed that a Pneumonectomy (a complete lung removal) would need to be done and we would spend a couple of weeks strengthening dad's right lung
- March 22nd - Dad had the Pneumonectomy, four lymph nodes (contained inside the lung were cancerous - but they were removed with the lung)...We are CANCER FREE!!!  
- March 26th - Dad came home from the hospital just 4 days after major surgery
- April 6th - Due to potential dehydration dad was readmitted to the hospital.  
- April 7th - Dad was diagnosed with blood clots in his leg and right lung
- May 11th - Dad had a follow-up with the Thoracic Oncologist - no problems from the lung removal.  Unfortunately, he was having severe back pain.  
- May 18th - An MRI of his back was done to see what was causing this pain
- May 19th - Dad was diagnosed with multiple tumors in his lower back
- May 20th - Dad fell and was admitted to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center
- May 23rd - It was confirmed that his cancer had returned
- May 24th - Dad had a bone scan - the cancer has spread to his legs, ribs, collar bone, back, and pelvic bone.  
- May 27th - Dad had a steel rod placed in his left leg to help stabilize the bone
As you can see this has happened very quickly!  We have truly been humbled by all the calls, texts, visits, cards, Facebook messages, food, and prayers.  Please know they are greatly appreciated.  I think this site will help me quickly and efficiently disseminate updates to everyone!  Please feel free to share.
Love, 
Joe, Dianne & Jennifer