Joe was diagnosed with intraocular lymphoma, a non-Hodgkins lymphoma, in April 2011. The disease was contained to his eyes and he was successfully treated with 15 rounds of radiation. Because the eyes are considered to be part of the central nervous system, there was concern that the cancer had the potential to travel through the optic nerve and spread to Joe's brain. In July 2011, MRI imaging showed no evidence of cancer in his eyes or his brain.
Things changed in February when Joe experienced severe headaches. A new MRI revealed that the lymphoma had spread to his brain.
Joe's treatment now consists of in-patient chemotherapy at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He will receive 6 to 12 rounds of high-dose methotrexate, leucovorin rescue, and temodor. Each round takes about 8 days to complete. The goal is to kill every single lymphoma cell in his brain! We are very encouraged so far -- even after one round, there appears to be the beginning of response to the chemo.
Joe is a wonderful husband to Margaret Mary and proud father of Laura, Kerry, and Christine. His positive attitude, warrior spirit, and terrific sense of humor create the "perfect storm" to take on this task. He is doing exactly that -- with admirable courage and grace.
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